Maybe when they say November 17 is Take a Hike Day, they mean you’re supposed to tell someone on your nerves to go take a hike?! Hmmm. *shrug emoji* In any case, we figured it was a good time to remind you that the Free Library has plenty of resources if you’re looking to get out for a hike while you still have time to enjoy these picture perfect fall leaves!
 

Did you know that your Free Library card allows you to borrow a hiking backpack from the Andorra Library? The new backpacks come complete with a book of camp songs, a field guide to trees in the area, maps of the Wissahickon Valley and Fairmount Park, and more! You can also snag a birding backpack from three locations! They allow our patrons the chance to explore nature in our city in a whole new way, giving access to binoculars, a field guide, and maps for exploring—perfect for beginners and experts alike!
 

Need inspiration? This Curbed Philly article gives some great recommendations for scenic hikes in the area! If your hike happens to take you by the Wissahickon Environmental Center (WEC), look out for the Little Tree House Library, made possible by the Andorra Library and the Friends of the Andorra Library.
 

If you’re looking to dig into the Free Library's collections before you hit the trails, our Map Collection may provide some additional ideas for routes, while our trusty Materials Management staff has compiled the perfect reading list to keep you company, from chilling mysteries to memoirs and poetry exploring our connection with the great outdoors!

We hope you’ll find something at the Free Library to spark your outdoor excursion, and let us know in the comments where you wind up on Take a Hike Day!