June is African American Music Appreciation Month and a celebration of “African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage,” according to the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. In addition to music history books covering significant genres and African American artists, the Free Library of Philadelphia is home to a vast catalog of musical scores, CDs, cassettes, vinyl records, and downloadable music to enjoy. There are even musical instruments for loan!

Speaking of musical instruments, Make Music Day, an annual worldwide celebration of music, also happens to fall on June 21. From jazz musicians and church choirs to rappers, rock bands, and more, all ages and skill levels are invited to share their talents and love of music with friends and neighbors in cities nationwide, including Philly! If you also want to share your love for the Library this month, please consider donating to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, and help us fund vital programs making a difference throughout our region.

The Musical Instrument Petting Zoo

In a recent round-up of Make Music Day 2024 programming throughout the country, PR Newswire highlighted the Free Library of Philadelphia’s upcoming Musical Instrument Petting Zoo event. One of many enriching programs offered by the Free Library, the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo was developed in partnership with Keep Music Alive, a Pennsylvania nonprofit dedicated to promoting “the educational, therapeutic and social benefits of playing music,” and The NAMM Foundation.

The Musical Instrument Petting Zoo will occur at Shakespeare Park (adjacent to the Parkway Central Library) on Friday, June 21 at 11:00 a.m. This fun, free event is open to the public and will have over 75 different musical instruments available to try. Be sure to visit makemusicphilly.org for more information on other Make Music Day 2024 celebrations, workshops, and performances taking place in and around the city of Philadelphia for all ages and abilities.

Donor support enables the Free Library of Philadelphia to provide countless resources and services to millions across the city and beyond each year. Join us in our collective mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity by becoming a member or donating to the Free Library Fund today! And follow the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn!

The Free Library is one of Philadelphia's most important educational and cultural institutions. While the City of Philadelphia provides public funds for the operations of the Free Library, it is through the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and the generosity of private funding from individuals, foundations, and corporations that the Free Library can offer many of the Library’s incredible programs and activities that advance literacy, guide learning, inspire curiosity throughout the region, and help deliver on the promise of an equitable future for all of Philadelphia’s children, families, and communities.