Love it or hate it, we’ve all heard of the great sporting event that is Black Friday. If you’re up for the chaos, Black Friday is a great opportunity to score deals on discounted merchandise, but what if you’re looking for something more... unique? Or an opportunity to shop that doesn’t require getting up at the crack of dawn to battle over a microwave? Well, then check out Small Business Saturday!

Small Business Saturday encourages people to #ShopSmall and check out the local businesses that make each neighborhood special. Established back in 2010, Small Business Saturday takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving (11/26 this year!) across America. Last year, over 95 million people participated—and this year, we’re hoping for even more!

The Business, Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC) at Parkway Central Library is proud to be a Neighborhood Champion in supporting Small Business Saturday, partnering with neighborhood libraries to spread the word and show our small business community some holiday love. Neighborhood libraries in small business corridors will serve as pick-up stations where local businesses may pick up Small Business Saturday swag. We’ll be highlighting local businesses in every corner of the city on our social media accounts to give you ideas on where to find great, local items (make sure to check out twitter.com/flpbusiness). Plus, if you’re a shop ‘til you drop kind of person, you can bring your receipt from a local small business to your neighborhood library for a free seasonal refreshment!  

Here’s a list of Small Business Saturday participating library locations:

• Whitman Library | 200 Snyder Avenue
• Philadelphia City Institute | 1905 Locust Street
• Wadsworth Library | 1500 Wadsworth Avenue
• Walnut Street West Library | 201 South 40th Street
• Fishtown Community Library | 1217 East Montgomery Avenue
• Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library | 600 West Girard Avenue

#SmallBizSat is November 26. Get up, get out, and #ShopSmall to show your love for local businesses!

Contact the BRIC at erefbsi@freelibrary.org for more information!