Summer is the perfect time to explore the world around us, to play and be active, and to learn about new things for fun! This summer, students entering grades 2–6 will have the chance to enjoy all the best parts of summer while learning about five different health scientist careers with GSK and the Franklin Institute ’s Science in… continue reading Be a Health Scientist with Science in the Summer!
By written by Kayla H. June 2, 2025
The summer season is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to introduce your little one to what will soon become one of their favorite activities: swimming! Did you know you can begin formal swimming lessons for your baby as young as three months? Yes, it’s true! Aside from reducing their risk of drowning, swimming can… continue reading Swim, Baby, Swim!
By written by Kimberly G. July 29, 2024
Photography is a powerful outlet for expression and creativity in young people. Teens aged 12–18 can explore their abilities as photographers at the Kensington and Lillian Marrero branches of the Free Library this summer, where Photography Without Borders will host three fun, hands-on classes in the coming weeks. Photography Without… continue reading View Life Through the Lens: Photography Without Borders at the Free Library
By written by Anthony T. July 23, 2024
Throughout the Summer of 2024, select Free Library locations will remain open on Saturdays starting July 6, 2024. The following neighborhood branches will be open on Saturdays this summer from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m: Cecil B. Moore Library | 2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue (19121) | 215-685-2766 Charles Santore Library | 932 South 7th… continue reading Updated Hours of Service at the Free Library
By written by Administrator June 18, 2024 6
To build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning, The Free Library is an advocate and valuable resource for students in and around the City of Philadelphia. The Free Library Foundation proudly supports the Library’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity by funding vital services and enriching… continue reading Summertime Fun and STEM Enrichment at the Free Library
By written by Free Library Foundation June 3, 2024
Teens often come into McPherson Square Library during the summer months looking for jobs, which inspired the library staff to host their first Teen Job Fair in 2021. Three years later, this has become an annual event. Teens and caregivers are looking for something for youth to do to keep them out of trouble, gain valuable life experience,… continue reading Teen Job Fair at McPherson Square Library on Tuesday, April 30
By written by Vincent E. April 24, 2024
Looking for free and low-cost summer activities that are safe and adult-supervised for children, teens, and families? The 2024 City of Philadelphia Parent and Youth Resource Fair will be held Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center G Hall at Broad and Race Streets. Connect with dozens of City… continue reading The Philadelphia Parent and Youth Resource Fair is Saturday, April 27
By written by Bridget G. April 19, 2024 2
This summer has flown by, and believe it or not, the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder is already wrapping up! We finished our in-person summer programming in branches on August 11, and our Virtual Summer Challenge will be complete by the end of the month. Now we’d like to take just a moment to celebrate a few of the many wonderful… continue reading That’s a Wrap on Summer of Wonder 2023!
By written by Emily S. August 28, 2023 3
We may just be wrapping up the dog days of summer, but a new school year is just around the corner! For Philly families looking for school supplies, we’ve got some hot tips. Each year, the Philadelphia School District hosts a Ring the Bell Bus Tour , featuring sweet school supply giveaways from July 31 until August 18 . These… continue reading Gear Up for Success With Back To School Giveaways!
By written by Emily S. August 4, 2023 5
We here at Youth Services are so proud of our new teen hires! Thanks to PYN, they’ll be with us all summer long. What is PYN? The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) works with strategic partners to create education, skill-building experiences, and employment opportunities for youth and young adults looking to begin their future career… continue reading Teens Working at the Free Library
By written by Emily S. July 17, 2023 2
It’s summer, and whether you’re lying in a hammock, soaking up the sun at the beach, taking a road trip, or — and we hope this isn’t the case — taking SEPTA to work, it’s the perfect time of year to listen to fun/interesting/uplifting podcasts... like beach reads, but for your ears! In that spirit, we present… continue reading Enjoy These Free Library Author Events Podcast "Beach Reads"
By written by Jason F. July 13, 2023
Neighborhood libraries have been busy this summer happily welcoming our patrons! As we get back to full staffing levels and resume Saturdays at select branches , it has been so wonderful to see our communities returning to in-person programming. Library staff and community performers have come together to create a Summer of Wonder brimming… continue reading Summer of Wonder: We're Halfway Through!
By written by Emily S. July 11, 2023
It's July, it is hot outside, and what could be better than a trip to the beach? Imagine yourself spending a day in the sun, dipping into the ocean, playing in the sand, and having an all-around fun time. Beach days can be loud and boisterous, or they can be quiet and relaxing — it's all good. Sometimes we all… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | It's Beach Time!
By written by Monica C. July 11, 2023
Celebrate the Summer Solstice (Wednesday, June 21) with a full day of free musical programming at the Free Library! A variety of programs for all ages will be happening throughout the day at our Parkway Central Branch . Kick off the morning with Music and Movement with Ms. Naomi! This is a regular weekly event hosted outside in Shakespeare… continue reading Enjoy a Full Day of Music at Parkway Central Library on June 21
By written by Jane L. June 12, 2023
We've got a few more weeks of sweet summertime to warm up our days and bring with it all sorts of fun outdoors activities! I'm very keen on summer, as you can see here and here . So what do I have for you this year? Check out these great books celebrating summer with all its glory: in the city, at the beach or on a lake! The World… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Summertime
By written by Monica C. August 22, 2022
We're setting new Summer of Wonder records in 2022! Not only did we meet our Community Reading Minutes goal for the summer, we also blasted past all of our minutes-read milestones and logged the most online community minutes read in Free Library history! As of this month, we have read over 360,000 minutes! We're so proud. To… continue reading Celebrating Another Summer of Wonder
By written by Emily S. August 15, 2022
The Summer Readers of Philadelphia are on a roll. Just halfway through the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder, we’re more than halfway to our citywide online reading minutes goal! If you’re not signed up yet, it’s not too late! Join the Summer of Wonder online today, and help us reach 100,000 community minutes read by… continue reading Halfway through Summer of Wonder 2022!
By written by Emily S. July 14, 2022
As the days get warmer in our area, we hope you keep the Free Library in mind as a great place to cool off! Here are a few ways to beat the heat with us (and our friends around the City of Philadelphia!). Borrow a birding backpack from select Free Library locations, and head into the shade of some of the best hiking trails in our area!… continue reading 6 Ways to Keep Cool with the Free Library and in Philly this Summer!
By written by Kate C. July 12, 2022
This July we are exploring summer treats going down the shore, world travel, escaping into sweet love stories, and possibly, battling our own clone! A little something for everyone in the following recommendations of new titles! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) A Day for Sandcastles by JonArno Lawson; illustrated by Qin Leng A busload of… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in July!
By written by Rachel F. July 8, 2022 1
Phew, the summer is heating up! As we all try our best to deal with the rising temperatures in our area, don't forget that the Free Library is a great place to cool off. Check your neighborhood library's hours of operation and available services on our Locations page —we hope to see you this summer for a visit!… continue reading Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer!
By written by Kate C. June 30, 2022
