You heard right! Today is National Selfie Day, an excuse to snap a photo of yourself in the name of this glorious (fake) holiday!

Looking for the perfect place to take it? How about heading to your nearest Free Library location? We’ve even put together a few suggestions of great selfie spots across our neighborhood libraries, but if we left one off, let us know in the comments! And make sure you tag us when you post!

Ricky the Dragon at Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library
Ricky is a giant book-loving dragon who watches over his friends in the library’s children’s department, also known as the Dragon’s Lair! Stop by and say hello to Ricky – he loves selfies!

The Pepper Statue at Parkway Central Library
The Parkway Central Library’s lobby and grand staircase presents one of the most beautiful views in the city, leading up to the statue of Dr. William Pepper on the landing. Pepper chartered the Free Library of Philadelphia system back in 1891 through an initial bequest from his uncle, George S. Pepper.

 

The Maurice Sendak mural at South Philadelphia Library
Beloved children’s author Maurice Sendak created the mural in 1961 for the childhood New York bedroom of Larry and Nina Chertoff, the children of his friends Lionel and Roslyn Chertoff. After their parents passed away, Larry and Nina Chertoff donated the piece to the Rosenbach, where it was also restored and stayed for nearly five years before moving to its current home in 2016.
 

The Andorra Library façade
One of the most eye-catching neighborhood libraries, the outside of the Andorra Library is enough of a selfie spot on its own, but look closer: birds from the area like to build nests within the letters, a phenomenon that actually inspired a library offering – our Birding Backpacks!

Chinese lettering at Independence Library
In addition to housing the Barbara Gittings Gay/Lesbian Collection, our Independence Library is home to an extensive Chinese and world language collection, serving residents of nearby Chinatown and beyond. The gold lettering on the front of the building on 7th Street is worth photographing.
 

Benjamin Volta’s award-winning mural at Tacony Library
Dilgence is an indoor mural that draws upon the Tacony area’s rich industrial history. It was commissioned by the Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy's Percent for Art program and the Free Library, one of four site-specific artworks commissioned through the Library’s Building Inspiration: 21st Century Libraries initiative. Last week, Diligence was among 50 outstanding public arts projects honored by Americans for the Arts through the Public Art Network Year in Review program. Come take your picture with the award-winner today!

There are beautiful gardens, murals, statues, and other treasures all over the Free Library system just waiting for you to come explore them – so head on out and get that selfie!