Tagged Summer Reading
Enjoy Online Reading Challenges Year-Round!
You may have heard of our citywide Summer of Wonder program full of activities, programs, and prizes for all ages, but did you know that the Free Library offers an Online Reading Challenge that runs all year long? And…
That’s a Wrap on Summer of Wonder 2023!
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…
Teens Working at the Free Library
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…
Summer of Wonder: We're Halfway Through!
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…
Celebrate Disability Pride Month!
July is Disability Pride Month! After years of fighting, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, and Disability rights activists declared the day to be Disability Pride Day . It wasn't until 25…
Why Libraries Are So Important This Pride Month
Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong — like something about you wasn’t right, or didn’t meet the expectations of others — and can you remember how that felt? What about when you were welcomed —…
Kick off Your Summer of Wonder With a Week of Play!
It’s that wondrous time of year again when the sun heats up, the spray parks open, and the books come out! We’re talking about the Summer of Wonder , of course. What started over a century ago as a week-long reading…
Join the Summer Camp Challenge!
Summer is on its way, once again. If you will be working with Philly kids at an existing summer camp program, we welcome you to join us in the Summer Camp Challenge! Whether it’s your camp’s first time or third, this program…
Celebrating Another Summer of Wonder
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…
Time Travel to the Beginning of the Universe
Interested in time travel? The superpowered James Webb Telescope has released its first images this month, giving us a window into distant space and the distant past. It’s dazzling. The Carina Nebula, a birthing ground for stars,…
Halfway through Summer of Wonder 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…
Summer of Wonder is Heating Up!
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…
Summer of Wonder Begins! | Everyone. Everywhere.
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…
Start Summer of Wonder with a Treasure Hunt
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…
Join Science in the Summer to Be a Biologist!
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…
Summer Camp Challenge is Back!
It’s that wonderful time of year again, when the birds begin to sing and educators, caregivers, and camp leaders start to wonder: what is this summer going to hold? If you’ll be working with Philadelphia kids at an existing…
An Update from Our Summer of Wonder Teen Artist Deyania Sanders
Last year, the Free Library put out a contest call for artwork from high school students. Deyania Sanders’ art teacher encouraged her to submit her designs and she was selected to be our Summer of Wonder artist! You’ve seen…
I Love My Curls Author Janay Anderson Closes Out Summer of Wonder 2021
The Parkway Central Children’s Department has been having loads of fun in the sun this summer, with outdoor programming in Shakespeare Park, including storytimes on weekday mornings and special guests joining us for exciting…
Q&A with Christina Holmes | Children's Summer Programming at Blackwell Regional Library
Summertime is here and the Free Library is offering incredible outdoor and virtual programming! This July marks the second summer we’ve spent during the COVID-19 pandemic and as we gather safely to celebrate this spectacular…
Summer of Wonder | Program Highlights for Families
Summer is here, and we know you’re ready for some fun! Whether you’re looking for outdoor, in-person programs or virtual adventures, the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder has got you covered. Last summer, we learned how…
Fun in the Shade!
Are you ready for some fun in the shade? Cool down with us on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm while we play, explore, build, create, and more each week! This program will take place in our Story Hour Room and is intended for our…
Crafternoon for Kids
Join us for a new self-directed craft every week in July and August! Drop-in on Thursday afternoons 2:00-4:30 p.m. August 29: Assortment of crafts from previous weeks! No camp groups or large groups (8+ people) allowed due to limited…
Fun in the Shade!
Are you ready for some fun in the shade? Cool down with us on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm while we play, explore, build, create, and more each week! This program will take place in our Story Hour Room and is intended for our…
Kids' Summer Book Club
Discuss our book of the month and eat snacks! Today we will be talking about A Single Shard , by Linda Sue Park. Stop by Natalie's desk in the children's area or mail hartogn@freelibrary.org to register. We…
Crafternoon for Kids
Join us for a new self-directed craft every week in July and August! Drop-in on Thursday afternoons 2:00-4:30 p.m. August 22: Origami August 29: Assortment of crafts from previous weeks! No camp groups or large groups (8+ people)…
Crochet Club
Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Learn the basics of crochet with us or work on your own project. Supplies and instruction will be provided. This is a multigenerational club; anyone age 8 and up is…
Fun in the Shade!
Are you ready for some fun in the shade? Cool down with us on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm while we play, explore, build, create, and more each week! This program will take place in our Story Hour Room and is intended for our…
Crafternoon for Kids
Join us for a new self-directed craft every week in July and August! Drop-in on Thursday afternoons 2:00-4:30 p.m. August 15: Scratch Art August 22: Origami August 29: Assortment of crafts from previous weeks! No camp groups or large…
Outdoor Read, Baby, Read Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces! We will meet on the front lawn outside of the library. If it's over 85 degrees by 9:00 a.m., we will meet inside. Best for children from birth to age 2; siblings welcome.…
Journaling for Teens
Participants will receive a notebook to decorate and write or draw in. Write about how your day's going, your plans for the future, or whatever is on your mind. Or compose your own stories and poems. Enjoy a snack while you journal.…
PreSchool Summer Storytime with Miss Dorothy!
Join the wonderful Miss Dorothy for some fun storytelling this summer! For children ages 2 to 5 with an accompanying adult.
Outdoor Preschool Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, and early literacy games! We will meet on the front lawn outside of the library. If it's over 85 degrees by 9:00 a.m., we will meet inside. Best for children, ages 3 - 5; siblings welcome. Most…
Kids' Nature Club
Stop and smell the flowers! Learn about plants, bugs, birds, weather, and more with fun activities. If it's below 85 degrees, we will meet outside on the front lawn; if not, we will be inside. Best for children entering grades…
Family Storytime at Parkway Pals!
Join Miss Mary for a Family Storytime and to-go craft, while supplies last! This in-person, outdoor storytime will take place at Sister Cities Park and is in collaboration with Center City District. In the case of bad weather, the…
Monday Fun Day
Stop in every Monday for a new activity. Do crafts and science experiments, play games, build with LEGO bricks, and more! Text @ricschool to 81010 for reminders.
Kid's Art and Music Club
Learn about our instrument of the week, and even try it out! Then, we will listen to music showcasing our star instrument while completing an art project. For children, ages 4 and up. most Mondays through August 12. An ASL…
Crochet Club
Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Learn the basics of crochet with us or work on your own project. Supplies and instruction will be provided. This is a multigenerational club; anyone age 8 and up is…
Fun in the Shade!
Are you ready for some fun in the shade? Cool down with us on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm while we play, explore, build, create, and more each week! This program will take place in our Story Hour Room and is intended for our…
Crafternoon for Kids
Join us for a new self-directed craft every week in July and August! Drop-in on Thursday afternoons 2:00-4:30 p.m. August 8: DIY Jigsaw Puzzles August 15: Scratch Art August 22: Origami August 29: Assortment of crafts from previous…
Foam Party Summer Finale
Play in mountains of foam and bubbles outside the library! Wear something that can get wet! Swim shoes and a change of clothes are also a good idea. In case of rain, program will be rescheduled. Text @ricschool to 81010 for reminders.…
Elin Hilderbrand | The Perfect Couple
“The queen of the summer beach read” ( New York Post ), Elin Hilderbrand has captured the flavor, scenery, and people of Nantucket in more than 20 New York Times bestselling novels, including The Beach Club, The Matchmaker , and The…