This spring and summer, the Free Library is buzzing with opportunities to connect with nature, dig into gardening, and explore the great outdoors — no special gear or experience required!

From borrowing a fully stocked Birding Backpack to joining expert-led bird walks in city parks, it's easy (and free!) to enjoy nature in your own backyard. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, we’ve got something for everyone: native plant workshops, kids’ gardening clubs, bird-watching, and even a plant swap to grow your indoor jungle. You can borrow binoculars, pick up free seeds, sketch in a garden, and meet others who share your love for our city's beautiful green spaces.

Check out the full lineup of programs below to start your adventure!

Loan a Birding Backpack from Your Library

Birding Backpacks are available at over a dozen libraries across the city. Each backpack includes high-quality binoculars, a bird field guide, local trail maps, and other resources for a complete birding experience. This lending program aims to make birdwatching accessible to everyone. Backpacks are available for three-week loans with a library card.

The Science and Wellness Department's Free Seed Library

The Science and Wellness Department in Parkway Central Library offers free vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower seeds to promote health and gardening.

Spring Migration Bird Walks Series

From late April through mid-May, birds begin their spring migration, and the Library is celebrating with various ways to get outside, learn about birds, and connect with the local environment. Participate in a series of guided spring migration bird walks with expert birder Holger Pflicke in parks across Philadelphia. All walks are family-friendly and last between one and two hours. Beginners are welcome. The walks are a great way to explore the city's green spaces, learn birding skills, and observe local wildlife.

The dates, times, and locations of the workshops are:

• Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library → Saturday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m.
• Falls of Schuylkill Library → Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m.
• South Philadelphia Library → Wednesday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m.
• Children's Department at Parkway Central Library → Saturday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m.
• Greater Olney Library → Saturday, May 17 at 10:00 a.m.
• Fishtown Community Library → Saturday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m.
• Penn Treaty Park → Saturday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m.

Urban Gardening With Native Plants Series

Don’t have a half-acre to turn into a native plant meadow? No problem! Whether your landscape is a rooftop deck, sidewalk in front of a row home, strip of grass, or yard of any size, you can have a native plant garden in Philadelphia. Landscaping with native plants is one of the most impactful choices we can make to help heal our environment, offset effects of climate change, connect us with nature, and inspire us.

Join us to learn about the many benefits of native plant gardening with Penn State Extension Master Gardener Barbara Mancini. Barbara will provide beginners and experienced gardeners with practical tips on creating and maintaining a native greenspace of any size. She'll cover the basics of gardening, choosing appropriate plants, and sourcing native plants and resources to help you create your special urban garden. Everyone is welcome; no registration needed.

The dates, times, and locations of the workshops are:

• Oak Lane Library → Tuesday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m.
• Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library → Saturday, May 3 at 12:00 p.m.
• Roxborough Library → Monday, May 12 at 4:00 p.m.
• West Oak Lane Library → Tuesday, May 13 at 4:00 p.m.
• Queen Memorial Library → Monday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m.
• Bustleton Library → Thursday, May 22 at 10:30 p.m.
• Lovett Memorial Library → Tuesday, May 27 at 4:00 p.m.
• Philadelphia City Institute → Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m.

Spring Plant/Cutting Swap at Whitman Library

Want to refresh your plant collection? Whitman Library is holding a plant/cutting swap! Bring a cutting or plant, then take one of ours. New to plant care? Check out one of our display books. Please only swap tabletop-sized plants or smaller, as we do not have the space for larger plants. This event is ongoing until Friday, May 2, during open hours.

Kids Gardening Club at Philadelphia City Institute

Join us outside to explore the joys of gardening. We will plant seeds and make crafts that you can use to enhance your very own home garden!

The dates and times of the club meetings are:

• Thursday, June 12 at 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 26 at 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 10 at 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 24 at 3:30 p.m.

Become a Citizen Scientist Using iNaturalist at Andorra Library

→ Monday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m.

Join us to celebrate Citizen Scientist Month. A citizen scientist is someone who collects and analyzes the natural world. We will explore the natural surroundings of the library. Using the iNaturalist app, we will capture images of nature; the app will help us identify what we have seen! Then, we can submit the information for approval by a professional scientist.

Garden Sit and Sketch at Falls of Schuylkill Library

→ Monday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m.

Join us for an all-ages program in our garden where you can work on an observational drawing, make a nature rubbing, and observe plants and animals that live in our neighborhood! We will have art supplies appropriate for babies and children, teens, and adults.

Learn About Nature with Bartram's Garden at Eastwick Library

→ Tuesday, April 27 at 4:30 p.m.

Participate in a fun nature activity presented by a Bartram's Garden educator.

House Plants 101 at Oak Lane Library

→ Tuesday, May 6 at 5:00 p.m.

Growing healthy houseplants can sometimes be a challenge. Join us for a class on how to care for indoor plants. You can bring your own plants, and your questions, to get help on common issues. All gardening levels are welcome.