This winter, Free Library Youth Services are working together to bring your family stellar virtual programming through the socially-distant holiday season and beyond.
For the Whole Family
Enjoy an at-home concert of original songs and music with Sundays on Stage.
Family-friendly programming is now also available to view on Philly CAM
Winter Reading Challenge
Longing to try something new while you’re safer at home? The Free Library’s virtual Winter Reading Challenge has something for everyone. This virtually accessible adventure runs through February 28. Sign up online to earn points and badges with your reading habits and books reviews, and by taking part in this season’s new projects, games, and virtual events! Sign up for one of our 2-3 week focused mini-challenges! Explore mindfulness with Sharing Good Things in Philadelphia, get into a Journaling Jawn, learn to better navigate the news, or you can even pen your own short story! Open to all ages and groups.
Free Library Programs on TV
To enjoy the Free Library’s Family Programming on television, check out PhillyCAM at 4:00 p.m. each Wednesday and on-demand. Each 30-minute episode includes music, crafts, storytimes, cooking, book reviews, and more excellent at-home fun for you and your family created by Free Library staff. PhillyCAM is a community media center committed to teaching, creating, and distributing locally-produced media content on cable television, FM radio, and online.
Watch Live: online | Xfinity 66/966 | Fios TV 29/30 | Roku | Apple TV
Listen Live: online | WPPM 106.5 FM | TuneIn
Virtual Programs and Events
Don’t miss out on the fun of this season’s Virtual Sundays on Stage! Enjoy a theatrical take on experimental science with Light Box, tune into an at-home concert from award-winning Latin Children’s music artist Sonia De Los Santos, or get virtual front row seats at Pages to Pirouettes’ international production of holiday favorite The Nutcracker.
For up to date resources, programs, and events for kids, teens, families, and educators, follow Youth Services on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
For fun and simple recipes and virtual cooking classes, follow the Culinary Literacy Center on Facebook.
To find programs for all ages, including storytimes, book clubs, maker programs, language conversation groups, professional development, and mutual aid events, check-in regularly with our Events Calendar.
Get Connected
Don’t have reliable internet at home? PHLConnectED will connect eligible K–12 student households with access to reliable internet service at no cost through June 2022. Call 211 to get started with the application process or visit phila.gov/phlconnected to learn more. Seeking a safe space for children to engage in digital learning? Families without childcare can apply for a spot at one of Philadelphia’s Student Access Centers. Looking for meal distribution? Explore the Food Finder map at phillyfoodfinder.org. Need a new library card for your young learner or yourself? Register for a library card online today! If you need to verify your account, you can find help on our website. Forgot your 4-digit pin? Request an email reminder.
The city of Philadelphia can help your family connect to the internet for free.
Babies and Toddlers
Virtual storytimes and more are happening on social media.
Read, Baby, Read
Read, Baby, Read hosts a virtual storytime for babies on Instagram Live @read.baby.read every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. to discover simple early literacy tips for babies and their caregivers. Early Learning’s Youtube channel offers literacy and learning tips for teachers and caregivers of babies and toddlers, bilingual stories and songs for the little ones, and much more. Find more storytimes, offerings for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers on our Events Calendar.
Kids, Tweens, and Teens
Your homework help questions have been answered in LEAP's useful Q&A video.
Dramatic Storytelling
Throughout the month of December, ASAP Drama will offer free interactive virtual workshops on Facebook Live. Kids and teens who take part will learn to channel the drama and practice effective storytelling through a range of engaging activities inspired by the dramatic arts.
Virtual Activities
This winter, Youth Services will share tri-weekly activities. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to join in on the fun! Mondays, flex your mind muscles with a puzzling brain teaser. Wednesdays, explore your crafty creative side. Fridays, play word games and grow into a super reader with DIY Lit Lab. Earn points in our virtual Winter Reading Challenge for every program you complete!
Help with Homework!
Watch LEAP’s video tutorial to learn how students can access free Homework Help Online with their library card! To learn more about Homework Help and virtual schooling tips, check out their video Q&A and ask your questions in the comments. Find more back to school resources on this very blog!
Teen Central
Register for the Winter Reading Challenge to log and review your favorite reads, become a more savvy navigator of the news, craft your own short story, or ease your worries with mindfulness or a new journaling practice. Access Homework Help Online for tutoring help for all-things homework, essay-writing, and college entrance preparation from home. Follow LEAP on Facebook or Instagram for online learning tips, self-care suggestions, and social justice discussions—just for teens. Follow the Field Teen Center on Instagram to join in on jewelry-making, painting projects, writing groups, homework hangouts, the virtual Teen Reading Lounge, games, and more! You can also check out their recommended booklists for teens in our catalog.
Find Your Story with Youth Services at the Free Library.
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.