Wawa Welcome America—the annual festival marking the birthday of the United States here in its very own hometown, Philadelphia—returns once again. From Saturday, June 29, to Thursday, July 4, enjoy free celebratory and cultural events for all ages throughout the city.

As usual, the Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to partner with Wawa Welcome America’s Free Museum Days initiative and open the doors to the Rare Book Department and The Rosenbach free of charge. We’re also joining up with the festival to offer four Citywide Reading events at neighborhood libraries!  

On Saturday, June 29, visit the Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library, one of the largest public library special collections in the United States. Check out our latest show, Our 5 Senses, an interactive exhibition for all ages that connects the senses, the brain, and the literary experience across three centuries of unique materials. We’ll be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.—get your free timed tickets today!
 

Next up, head over to Rittenhouse Square and enjoy The Rosenbach on Sunday, June 30. Visitors are invited to explore the rare book library and historic house along with the temporary exhibition Out of Many, One, which looks at the diverse individual experiences that shape our country’s history. Families of all ages are also welcome to enjoy a marbled paper bookmaking activity. Free timed tickets are available between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.!
 

And on Monday, July 1, four neighborhood libraries will host Citywide Reading events from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. These interactive, community-focused celebrations will each offer their own special programming—from mask- and zine-making to improv comedy—and all will feature kid-friendly activities, readings, and free book giveaways courtesy of Books in Homes USA! Check out the full event descriptions for Citywide Reading at Haddington, Lawncrest, Logan, and Whitman Libraries for more information.

Many more great events—such as Free Museum Days at other institutions, concerts, movie nights, community service opportunities, and, yes, the 27th annual Wawa Hoagie Day—will be coming your way during Wawa Welcome America. We’ll see you there!