Welcome to the Summer of Wonder 2021! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and from June 1 - August 31, the Free Library will be sharing new ways to read, learn, and grow. Help us celebrate 100 years and join in on the fun!

We are honored to again feature Summer of Wonder artwork by local teen creator Deyania Sanders. She chatted with us about her biggest surprise of the past year, what she’s learned about art-making, and why you should follow your dreams. Read her full interview.

Storytimes and live goats from Philly Goat Project kick off summer.

Kick-off your Summer of Wonder with our furry friends from the Philly Goat Project! Enjoy a family-friendly visit to Awbury Farm featuring music, goats, and summer prizes on Sunday, June 6, at 2:00 p.m. Or join the Logan Library staff for outdoor storytime with goat kids on the lovely grounds of Stenton House on Tuesday, June 15, at 2:00 p.m.

Looking for ways to participate from home? Join our newly expanded online Summer Reading Challenge, with fresh activities, badges, and mini-sprints including Virtual Field Trip, DIY Escape Room, and more! Log your reading and challenges to see how many points you can earn. Sign up online or go mobile with the free app for iOS or Android devices.

Live performances, special activities, and workshops are scheduled all summer.

Stay tuned for fantastic virtual programming throughout the summer, including a family concert with Uncle Devin, a magic show, shadow-puppet folktales, and even sharks! Neighborhood Libraries will offer virtual and hybrid summer programs, from online poetry workshops to grab-no-go craft kits for the whole family. Visit our summer events calendar regularly to see what’s new. You can also find the most up-to-date listing of available services at neighborhood libraries.

What makes the Summer of Wonder so special? Youth Services Administrator Christine Caputo has an idea:

There are no required activities or books. Everyone can read and learn anything and everything they like. Summer is a great time to learn about what makes each of us really excited.

What are you excited for this summer? Let us know in the comments below!