Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
Summer of Wonder Begins at the Free Library
PHILADELPHIA, June 5, 2023— Today the Free Library of Philadelphia is kicking off a new season of reading, literacy, and activities for all ages that continues through August 11, 2023 at libraries across the city.
The Free Library’s Summer of Wonder program encourages students to continue reading and learning throughout the summer. From artistic inspiration to world exploration, connect with your favorite library activities or try something brand new! Attend Library programs, find new books to read, and explore activities to keep your mind growing throughout the summer. Reading and other activities can keep your mind active, which can help stop “summer slide,” the gap in learning that can happen between school years.
This year’s theme is Summer of Wonder: Everyone. Everywhere, and all activities are free. Activities held at libraries across the city include writing sessions, introductory culinary sessions, story times, and college and career prep for teens.
“I look forward to Summer of Wonder every single year, because I know it’s one of the most important programs that the Free Library provides. Summer of Wonder is about keeping your mind curious and active all summer long with lots of programs and activities for everyone,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
This flagship Free Library program supports literacy in Philadelphia by encouraging more than 35,000 children, teens, and adults to read and participate in library programming during the summer months. From June 5 – August 31, caregivers of children ages 0-5, kids, teens, and adults can sign up online (freelibrary.beanstack.org) to track progress, participate in themed challenges, and earn badges as you go.
From June 5 – August 11, stop by your neighborhood library to ask about summer programming and ways to participate for children, teens, and adults. Whether you participate online or on paper, the Free Library will keep your summer fun.
The Free Library will be hosting a Summer of Wonder kick-off event June 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Cecil B. Moore Library, 2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue. There will be ace painting, balloon animals, and other entertainment available throughout the day as well as refreshments in the afternoon.
Summer of Wonder and Science in the Summer will be hosting virtual and in-person events throughout the summer. A full list of library events is available at freelibrary.org/calendar.
Summer of Wonder is made possible by generous support secured through the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation from Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, Kline & Specter, Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers, William Penn Foundation, Osage Partners, Abington Neurological Associates, Chameleon Cloud Service, Elliott's Vending Company, Inc., Steven Goldberg Consulting, Inc., Fulton Bank, Truist, and additional donors.
For more information on summer programs with the Free Library visit freelibrary.org/summerreading or you can ask a librarian your quick, simple questions using your cell phone! Send your text to 66746 and start the body of the text with keyword askfree then a space, followed by your question. You can also request information on summer reading or any other Free Library programs by calling 1-888-TALK-FLP (8255-357).
06/05/2023
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850