Literacy in Early Learning Spaces is a Free Library project focused on literacy and language development in children from birth through 5 years old. We partner with childcare programs across Philadelphia and are funded through a generous investment from the Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program™ and the William Penn Foundation. Writing… continue reading Literacy in Early Learning Spaces | Write from the Start

By written by Alicia G.    November 2, 2022   

• Childrens Programs
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Literacy in Early Learning Spaces

Literacy in Early Learning Spaces is a Free Library project focused on literacy and language development in children from birth through 5 years old. We partner with childcare programs across Philadelphia and are funded through a generous investment from the Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program™. This post was written by Bilingual Early… continue reading Literacy in Early Learning Spaces | How does reading out loud help young children learn to talk?

By written by Emily S.    August 10, 2022   

• Childrens Programs
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Literacy in Early Learning Spaces

Literacy in Early Learning Spaces is a Free Library project focused on literacy and language development in children from birth through 5 years old. We partner with childcare programs across Philadelphia and are funded through a generous investment from the Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program™. This post was written by Bilingual Early… continue reading Literacy in Early Learning Spaces | How do young children interact with books?

By written by Emily S.    July 13, 2022   

• Childrens Programs
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Literacy in Early Learning Spaces

The fall season is upon us, and along with turning leaves and back-to-school resources, the Free Library is here to help you and your family learn, grow, and play every day. For the Whole Family The Free Library’s Fall Learning Challenge is open to all ages. Fall Learning Challenge If you loved the virtual Summer of Wonder , we’ve… continue reading Fall Programming for Children and Families

By written by Emily S.    October 28, 2020   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Pre K
• Adult Learning

Feeling at a loss for learning this summer? Looking for fun ways to expand your mind and keep your summer fresh and engaging—even indoors? The Free Library has a new virtual Summer of Wonder experience for you! What’s Your Story? From artistic inspiration to STEAM building projects, from writing groups to world exploration, connect… continue reading Find Your Story with the Free Library’s Virtual Summer of Wonder!

By written by Emily S.    May 29, 2020    2  

• Childrens Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Pre K
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

Nourishing Literacy is the Culinary Literacy Center ’s set of programs that connect youth, teachers, and caregivers to the library through educational cooking opportunities. We offer school year and summer programming for youth, intergenerational programs, career development, and teacher trainings. We are so happy to announce the opening… continue reading Nourishing Literacy 2019/2020 Registration Now Open to School Classrooms!

By written by Shayna M.    October 4, 2019   

• Childrens Programs
• Teens
• Pre K
• School
• Culinary Literacy
• STEM
• STEAM
• Teachers
• Students

Every year, the Free Library of Philadelphia hosts a Family Fest —a celebration just for children and their families in the historic Parkway Central Library . Open to the public, this very special fundraiser features activities for the whole family to enjoy. In celebration of the recent launch of our new Knee-Hi Society membership , this… continue reading Celebrate the Free Library at This Year’s Family Fest!

By written by Alexa L.    March 25, 2019   

• Events at the Library
• Childrens Programs
• Community Events
• Family Programs
• Parkway Central
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Early Literacy

Though our One Book, One Philadelphia 2018-2019 season is now over, the Free Library will keep connecting readers through a shared text all spring long! We are thrilled to be launching an ambitious pilot program called Books for Rising Readers. With lead support from the William Penn Foundation and in partnership with Read by 4th , Books for… continue reading Books for Rising Readers: Strengthening Early Literacy in Philadelphia with a Shared Reading Experience

By written by Jess P.    March 20, 2019   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Reading
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Early Literacy
• School
• Author Events
• Read by 4th

Turn the page to a new season with the Free Library’s Spring Reading Challenge ! Readers of all ages—whether individually or as part of a classroom or group —can create accounts online to earn badges and have fun learning with our Spring Reading Challenge. The Challenge provides a fun way to integrate technology,… continue reading Look to Spring with the Spring Reading Challenge

By written by Molly B.    March 11, 2019    3  

• Reading
• Teens
• Pre K
• Literacy
• Writing
• Adult Learning

Are you looking for activities to keep your children engaged over Winter Break? Check out these diverse programs taking place in Free Library locations around the city. We have events for toddlers through teens. Try something new, explore your local branch, and have fun some fun at the Free Library this Winter Break!| Sunday, December… continue reading Check Out These Fun Free Library Programs Taking Place Over Winter Break

By written by Molly B.    December 26, 2018   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Pre K

December is here and that means it’s time for the  Winter Reading Challenge ! Adults, parents, and students can create accounts online to track reading minutes, practice writing book reviews, and read book reviews completed by their peers. There is also an option to register a class or group—perfect for daytime teachers,… continue reading It's Time for the Winter Reading Challenge!

By written by Molly B.    December 5, 2018    2  

• Childrens Programs
• Reading
• Teens
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Adult Learning

The library is excited to kick off a new school year with our littlest learners… we are looking at you, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers! Thanks to a generous investment from the Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program™ , we are set to launch our 3-year Literacy in Early Learning Spaces program in childcare spaces in Logan and… continue reading Kicking off Literacy in Early Learning Spaces

By written by Devon L.    October 4, 2018   

• Childrens Programs
• Pre K
• Books Aloud
• Early Literacy
• Read by 4th

We’ve been busy making friends and creating fun ways to learn together this Fall! Share stories, enjoy family time, and build memories with these 4 reading, writing, and technology events: We’re excited to announce our first Online Fall Reading Challenge . Through the online format, you can track reading minutes for school or… continue reading 4 Ways to Jump into Fall Learning with the Free Library!

By written by Elizabeth K.    October 1, 2018   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Pre K
• Early Literacy
• LEAP
• STEM
• STEAM

Ah, summer... The sun is out, the fountains are on, school is out, energy is high, and let's face it—for parents, this can be a challenging time. Here’s a list of things that are great to do with little kids, and for parents with multiple kids (some not so little). We hope this list helps you turn summer’s challenges… continue reading Five Things To Do With Your Little Kids This Summer in Philadelphia

By written by Sarah S.    June 21, 2018    1  

• Childrens Programs
• Community Events
• Family Programs
• Summer Reading
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Early Literacy
• Summer

The weather is getting warmer, school is coming to a close soon, and the Summer of Wonder at the Free Library is almost here! Enjoy free activities and programming all summer long that support reading, learning, exploration, and fun. This program is designed for children and teens from birth to 12th grade, as well as adults, and there are… continue reading Summer of Wonder: Explore! Discover! Read!

By written by Ann P.    May 29, 2018    1  

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Summer Reading
• Pre K
• Early Literacy

Happy February, everyone! Let’s celebrate Black History Month with our favorite African American authors and illustrators. The recently published books linked to in this month's downloadable calendar are great to share all year long. And after you read all of those suggested titles, make time to check out this year's Youth Media… continue reading February 2018 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    February 12, 2018   

• Childrens Programs
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Early Literacy

Here at the Free Library, we often have parents ask us, "How can I help my child learn to read?" Of course, we know that sharing books with children helps to develop a love of reading, but beyond that, there are lots of things you can do to support your child's language and literacy development. We are happy to announce that the… continue reading Ready4K and Vroom: Early Learning Tips for Young Children

By written by Sarah S.    February 2, 2018    2  

• How To
• Reading
• Pre K
• Early Literacy
• Literacy
• Read by 4th

Happy New Year! Let’s start this new year right, by singing, talking, playing, writing—and of course reading—with our little ones! Not only did we celebrate New Year’s Day (on the first, of course), but we also commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15. Check out the MLK Day of Service website to… continue reading January 2018 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Peter SM    January 3, 2018   

• Childrens Programs
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Early Literacy

Beginning December 15, 2017, the Free Library will host an all ages online Winter Reading Challenge. The program encourages participants to continue reading all winter long, and also provides ideas for other fun activities. How do I sign-up? Visit https://freelibrary.beanstack.org on or after December 15 to sign-up. If you already have a… continue reading Announcing the Free Library’s All Ages Online Winter Reading Challenge!

By written by Barbara T.    December 14, 2017    6  

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Reading
• Teens
• Pre K
• Early Literacy
• Literacy
• Online Learning
• Digital Learning

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, whether you celebrate Hanukkah (December 12 – 20), the Winter Solstice (December 21), Christmas (December 25), Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1), or simply a peaceful turning of the New Year . December is a great time for family, food, and gifts! Here’s a fun wintery Animal… continue reading December 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    December 1, 2017   

• Childrens Programs
• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Early Literacy