All throughout September, we’ve been celebrating National Library Card Sign-Up Month by highlighting some of the amazing, often life-changing things you can do, for free, with your shiny red card. From access to hundreds of databases to books, audiobooks, musical instruments, and nearly everything in between, there’s something for everyone across our 54 locations and online. However and whenever you need us, we’re here.
To get to the heart of how Philadelphians are using our resources, we launched the #MyFreeLibrary project on social media in April during National Library Week. We used it as a chance to find and tell some of the great stories of our patrons, and we continued the campaign through the summer and into Library Card Sign-Up Month, the perfect time to remember the worth of that little card.
Let’s take a look back at some of the people we met and stories we told:
First, there was Camille, who used the Free Library’s genealogy resources to trace her family history back to the early 1800s.
Then we talked with Josh, who used the Free Library as a place of refuge while experiencing homelessness.
The father-son duo of John and Matthew reminded us that libraries are a place to build great memories.
Melissa, a professor at the Community College of Philadelphia, taught herself to play the ukulele with an instrument she borrowed from the library.
We were moved to hear the story of Laura, an 18-year-old Colombian immigrant who has used the library to continue on her journey to learning English.
Bob’s story is a reminder that the library changes with you as you grow up.
Steven used the library to grow his business.
And most recently, we talked to Pam, who was reintroduced to the library through a breastfeeding class and has become a regular along with Jimmy, who is now 10 months.
We’ve LOVED watching the library work in the lives of Philadelphians, but we don’t want the journey to end yet! Share YOUR library story with us and don’t forget the #MyFreeLibrary hashtag!
The Free Library would like to thank Albert Lee (@urphillypal), digital content manager for the Office of the City Representative, for taking the photographs!
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.