Summer is here, and along with the rising temperatures, the Summer of Wonder is heating up! In June, we kicked off Pride Month with a brand new Pride March right here in Philly, and we’re celebrating Pride with the Free Library all month long! June is also the time we honor Immigrant Heritage Month with the theme Looking Back to Move… continue reading Summer of Wonder is Heating Up!
By written by Emily S. June 21, 2022 3
Everyone. Everywhere. The Summer of Wonder is all around you. It is happening at libraries and bus stops, at city parks and in camps, on PlayStreets, and in your very own homes. Everywhere you look this summer, you’ll find Philly folks engaged in mind and body, learning through play. What does playful learning mean to you and your family?… continue reading Summer of Wonder Begins! | Everyone. Everywhere.
By written by Emily S. June 2, 2022 1
There’s treasure in your neighborhood if you know where to look! Southwest Philadelphia families are invited to hunt down treasure troves of books to kick-off Summer of Wonder in June. Saturday, June 4th, starting at 10am until all books are gone, Kingsessing Library and A Book A Day are hosting our second ever Summer of Wonder Treasure… continue reading Start Summer of Wonder with a Treasure Hunt
By written by Rachel R. May 25, 2022
Summer is a time of growth, fruit, and bloom, when life on this planet feels abundant and vibrant. It might be a season when we feel more aware of other beings living alongside us, even here in the city. Is it a natural time to consider being a scientist? We here at Youth Services think so! Biology is no more or less than the study of life… continue reading Join Science in the Summer to Be a Biologist!
By written by Emily S. May 4, 2022 3
Marian Sosa spent the summer volunteering for the Free Library, with Youth Services , the Summer of Wonder , and on Philadelphia's Play Streets . Here is what she had to say about her experience... Summer in the streets of Philadelphia, like the summer in many cities all across the nation, oftentimes means that there’s going to be a… continue reading A Summer of Service: What I Learned on Philly's Play Streets
By written by Administrator November 17, 2021
Whether it is eating ice cream, swimming, or visiting your neighborhood library, there are so many great summer pastimes. One of the most exciting parts of summer is listening to all the incredible music! As we approach the end of summer, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best summer albums through the decades, beginning in the 1950s to… continue reading Best Summer Albums Through the Decades
By written by Inaara S. September 2, 2021 1
Sunday Fundays, a program series of stories and songs featuring mindfulness, meditation, and movement in celebration of Jewish culture, is a partnership between Folkshul and the Free Library. Children ages infant to 5 and their caregivers are invited to join us in Shakespeare Park on Sunday, August 22 at 10:30 a.m. The program is led by Ms.… continue reading Sunday Funday Yoga Storytime with Folkshul
By written by Becky S. August 17, 2021
Beans bring a lot to the table! Taste, color, and flavor are among their positive qualities. They add nutrition to meals, containing protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These burgers in the following recipe can be eaten on a bun, on bread, in a tortilla, or wrapped in a lettuce leaf. What seasonings and toppings do you like to put on your… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | How Have You Bean?
By written by Shayna M. August 6, 2021
Tomatoes are available in different sizes and colors—canned, dried, powdered, juiced, sauced, or fresh—and can be found in many different recipes and preparations. The tomatoes in the following dish are smashed with hands, without the use of any sharp tools. If preferred, a knife could be used to chop the tomatoes into small pieces.… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | Talking About Tomatoes!
By written by Shayna M. July 30, 2021
What does summer time make you think of? There are as many responses to that question as there are fireflies on a drowsy summer evening, but one of the first things I think of when it comes to summer is… PIE! Sweet pies made with blueberries, raspberries, or apple; savory pies made with meats and cheeses — all delicious. And pie… continue reading Pie High Summer!
By written by Jeff B. July 29, 2021
Yes, it’s that time of the year again, to head to the beach (or a heavily air conditioned reading nook) and dive into some fun reading! Here are some new and newish books that are perfect for giving yourself a mental vacation: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship alone, not knowing who he is or why… continue reading Summer Reading with Dena!
By written by Dena July 26, 2021
After the postponement of the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the torch will be lit once again this year as the rescheduled Summer Games will take place in Tokyo, Japan starting today, Friday, July 23, and run through Sunday, August 8 . This Summer Olympic Games, the 29th held since 1896, will feature over 11,000 athletes competing… continue reading Local Athletes Competing in the Summer Olympics
By written by Peter SM July 23, 2021 1
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! From access to books and other materials to computers and wireless internet access, our libraries currently offering in-person services are here for you, and we're working to… continue reading Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer with the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. July 19, 2021 1
It’s beach time! Grab your bathing suits, towels, sunscreen, and go to the beach. Here are some books to get you in the mood for some sand, sun, and fun! Board Books Beach Baby written by Laurie Elmquist ; illustrated by Elly Mackay A gentle, poetic lullaby for babies, filled with memories from a perfect day playing on the beach.… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Let's Go to the Beach!
By written by Monica C. July 15, 2021
Back in 2014, I wrote a blog post suggesting books that can help kids feel comfortable playing in the water. Some of us have no problem getting in the water from the get-go, while others need a little time and encouragement, and that is perfectly fine! Here are some new books to add to the list. Have fun reading (and later splashing in the… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Fun in the Water!
By written by Monica C. July 7, 2021
Welcome to the Summer of Wonder 2021! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and from June 1 - August 31, the Free Library will be sharing new ways to read, learn, and grow. Help us celebrate 100 years and join in on the fun! We are honored to again feature Summer of Wonder artwork by local teen creator Deyania Sanders. She chatted with us… continue reading Kick Off Your Summer of Wonder!
By written by Emily S. May 25, 2021
Do you have a young scientist at home? An endless Lego tower builder or a spaceship dreamer? A robot creator or future climate-change solver? Sign up for a new virtual summertime science adventure with The Franklin Institute . This year, curious young minds will have the chance to Be An Engineer . This program is designed for children ages… continue reading Add Some Science to Your Summer with the Franklin Institute
By written by Emily S. May 6, 2021
In this unprecedented time, the Free Library has had a lot of firsts. We pulled together to bring you our first virtual Summer of Wonder with the help of librarians and library staff, camp counselors, teachers, caregivers, activists, and youth from communities across Philadelphia. Our summer artwork was brought to you by a teen artist for the… continue reading Looking Back on the Free Library’s First All-Virtual Summer of Wonder!
By written by Emily S. September 11, 2020
2020 Summer of Wonder poster In December, the Free Library and the design team at Mighty Engine put out a contest call for artwork from high school students. Deyania Sanders’ art teacher encouraged her to submit. Now, she’s the artist behind 2020’s Summer of Wonder. I’m so glad to meet you. This Summer of Wonder… continue reading An Interview with Deyania Sanders, the High School Artist Behind This Year's Summer of Wonder
By written by Emily S. September 4, 2020 8
It’s the final full week of our virtual Summer of Wonder for kids, teens, adults, and camp groups , and we’re so glad you’ve come along! Look for our upcoming interview with high school artist Deyania Sanders who designed our Philly-themed summer artwork this year! And stay tuned for our next fantastic and fun-filled virtual… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 13: Free Meals for Families, PAWS Read to a Dog, Spanish Language Storytime, and a Virtual Performance from Ants on a Log!
By written by Emily S. August 21, 2020
