There is so much to love about the Free Library of Philadelphia. As one of the most important educational and cultural institutions in the city, the Library goes beyond books to strengthen local communities and achieve its mission. While the City of Philadelphia provides for the Free Library's facilities and infrastructure, it is through the Free Library Foundation (and the generosity of the public) that the Library can provide the vital programs and community resources that make such a positive difference throughout Philadelphia. Here are some of the many programs supported by the Free Library Foundation and the Free Library Fund.
Throughout the year, the Free Library Foundation hosts a large number of exciting Author Events at the Free Library, where local writers, celebrity storytellers, and bestselling authors greet guests, sign books, and talk about their latest written works.
Celebrating our ten-year anniversary, the Culinary Literacy Center is the first space of its kind in a public library and serves as a model for libraries worldwide. Each month, we host programs throughout the city at Free Library locations. Cooking and sharing a meal promotes civic dialogue and provides an opportunity to learn about math, science, history, languages, diverse cultures, and healthy eating habits.
Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP)
Available at Free Library locations throughout Philly at no cost during the school year, LEAP provides homework assistance and learning activities that build on life skills, Maker philosophies, and wellness concepts for grades K through 12.
Each year, One Book, One Philadelphia encourages the entire greater Philadelphia area to come together through reading and discussing a single book. Over the course of seven weeks, the Free Library Foundation facilitates programs and workshops that take place online and in person throughout the city. These events and workshops are free to attend.
Philadelphia is facing a literacy crisis, but we are helping to ensure our children become the strong readers they deserve to be. Managed by the Free Library Foundation, Read by 4th is a citywide coalition of family, community, and systems leaders working together to increase the number of students in Philadelphia entering the 4th grade at reading level.
Additional Programs Supported by the Free Library Foundation Include:
- BRIC: The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at the Free Library helps entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and inventors fulfill their goals.
- Exhibitions: The Free Library of Philadelphia is home to a wide variety of special exhibitions, which showcase the important, unique, and rare items in its collections.
- Languages and Learning Center: Languages and Learning supports individual literacy, language, and learning goals of Philadelphia's adults in a welcoming and accessible environment.
- Literacy in Early Learning Spaces: Literacy in Early Learning Spaces is a three-year project focused on literacy and language development in children from birth through age five, taking place in STAR 1 and 2 childcare programs around the city.
- Read, Baby, Read: Read, Baby, Read provides resources that support early literacy skills, language development, and purposeful play for infants and young toddlers under two years old.
- Special Collections: Special Collections at the Free Library make historical materials accessible, such as rare books, images, maps, and music. Instructional programs are also offered to promote an understanding of history and culture.
- Summer of Wonder: Summer of Wonder is a citywide reading challenge for all ages, with enriching in-person and online Library programs and activities to keep minds engaged throughout the summer.
- Workforce Development: Workforce Development programs supported by the Free Library Foundation include one-on-one job search guidance, career workshops, and more.
The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Free Library Foundation is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity—and we need your assistance! Donate to the Free Library Fund today, and help us continue to support vital Free Library programs and resources. Together, we can build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning.
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The Free Library is one of the most important educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia. While the City of Philadelphia provides public funds for the operations of the Free Library, it is through the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and the generosity of private funding from individuals, foundations, and corporations that the Free Library is able to offer many of the Library’s incredible programs and activities that advance literacy, guide learning, inspire curiosity throughout the region, and help deliver on the promise of an equitable future for all of Philadelphia’s children, families, and communities.
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