The Free Library is pleased to announce that the LEAP After-School Program is once again available in neighborhood libraries across the city! This groundbreaking library program offers drop-in homework help and playful learning activities to school-aged children and teens.

Beginning October 16, LEAP hours will reflect the newly streamlined public service hours at neighborhood branches.

LEAP will be available:

• Monday–Tuesday from 3–6 p.m.
• Wednesday–Friday from 3–5 p.m.

During that time, After School Leaders (ASLs) and Teen Leadership Assistants (TLAs) will be there to help with homework, facilitate the use of library resources, support learning, and lead LEAP participants through a variety of fun and playful learning activities! Get ready for stories, art, STEAM projects, history, games, and more. All you have to do is stop by.

Each month, LEAP features themed programming. In October, you might find activities designed to explore Bullying Prevention Month with shadow puppets, the great beyond of World Space Week, or enjoy some spooky and not-so-spooky stories and crafts in celebration of All Hallow’s Read. Come November, look out for secret codes and stories for Native American Heritage Month, gratitude and goodies for Thanksgiving, and some seriously exciting creative challenges just in time for National Novel Writing Month.

In addition, each library’s After School Leader will put their very own spin on LEAP programming. If you’d love to see a particular craft, activity, or game at your branch during LEAP hours, let them know!

LEAP does provide homework help, but more extensive tutoring needs can be met by Homework Help Online, a virtual service available to Free Library cardholders that connects students with a live online tutor. Ask your neighborhood ASL or librarian to show you how!

Find more online learning resources in this recent blog post. For virtual fun, check out our Fall Into Reading Challenge. In October, we’ll explore the Mysteries of Philadelphia with a spooky new activity adventure.

LEAP is designed to serve Philadelphia’s school-aged kids and teens. Please note that children aged six or younger must be accompanied by an adult while in the library. Teens interested in volunteering at the Free Library or working with LEAP in the future should speak to their neighborhood librarian.

Whether it’s welcome or welcome back to LEAP, we look forward to spending this school year with you and your family!