Back to School Resources for Teens at Parkway Central and Beyond

By Kris L. RSS Thu, September 8, 2016

Summer absolutely flew by and it’s now time to get back into a new school year. If you’re wondering how you’ll cope with all of the assignments and homework coming your way, the Free Library of Philadelphia has got you covered. From the newest graphic novels and ebooks to weekly programs and events, you’ll find resources to help with homework as well as ways to relax after a long day of school.

When you’re ready to tackle those essays and projects, the subject departments at Parkway Central Library have exactly what you need. You can speak with a librarian about what you are working on and they can hook you up with the perfect resources to impress your teachers.

Are you stressing about that AP class you signed up for this school year? Already starting to worry about taking the PSAT, SAT, or ACT? Teen Central in Philbrick Hall at Parkway Central Library is stocked with shelves full of study guides for all of those tests you’ll be taking this year.

You’ll find more than just informational books at the Free Library. We have all of the new titles you are dying to get your hands on and a large selection of comics, graphic novels, and manga.  

If you’re looking for something besides a book to glue your eyes to, you can grab a few DVDs or Blu-rays to binge watch over the weekend. Parkway Central’s Music Department can also help keep your iTunes playlists up to date with free music.

If you don’t have time to stop in, the Free Library is open 24/7 @ freelibrary.org with free ebooks for all of your devices. You can also stream movies, TV shows, and music through Hoopla, an incredible free media service through our Digital Media Portal.

Teen Central also serves as a great study space, with lots of comfortable seating and tables. You can use the computers for homework or for gaming when you need a break from all of that studying.

Speaking of taking a break, the library isn’t just for books or homework. Every day after school, students come to Teen Central just to hang out and relax. Teen Tuesday—a weekly hangout with games and snacks—returns to Parkway Central this school year. Take on your friends with one of our gaming systems or try out a hand of Yu-Gi-Oh or Magic: The Gathering.

Programs like this and other resources are also available all over the city throughout our neighborhood libraries as well. Stop in and ask your local librarian how they can help make this year a little less stressful for you and your friends. We’re here to help!


Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.

Leave this field empty

Add a Comment to Back to School Resources for Teens at Parkway Central and Beyond

Email is kept private and will not be displayed publicly
Comment must be less than 3000 characters