Since Parkway Central Library opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections available are impressive, but some patrons may not be familiar with all of them. To promote these resources, we've asked library staff to highlight their subject departments and the patron resources they offer to help shed light on all the benefits of becoming a patron of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Have you ever wanted to make your own clothes, or even just thread a needle? Are you eager to learn Python or Java, or are you simply struggling to turn on your iPad? Perhaps you’re navigating life as a new parent to a kid, a plant, or a pet. Climb up the stairs or take the elevator to Science and Wellness on the Second Floor of Parkway Central Library and browse through our collection of subjects that are so wide-ranging and exhaustive that we have to use bullet points:

• Computers and Technology
• Cookbooks
• Plants, Animals, and Gardening
• Mathematics, Personal Finance, Business, and Management
• Physical Health, Mental Health, Nutrition, and Fitness
• Labor History and Economics
• Transportation, Aviation, and Public Transit History
• DIY Repair
• Sewing and Crafting
• Parenting, Pregnancy, and Healthy Relationships
• And, of course, Science — it's in the name!

Stop by the reference desk to grab a positive affirmation from our book sculptures, Timothy the Turkey and Henry the Hedgehog. They will guide you towards our To-Go and Grow Free Seed Library and Plant Propagation Station, where you are welcome to take a plant or "leaf" a plant, as well as check out up to five packets of seeds so you can grow your own herbs, vegetables, or sunflowers. You’ll notice flyers for our Chair Yoga and Mindful Meditation classes, and our Sew What?! Craft Circle.

Sew What?! is a creative get-together for crafters who do crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, quilting, felting, and more. Want to share what you're making with other fabric crafters? Join us to collaborate and learn in person, on Wednesdays from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. in Science and Wellness and Thursdays from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Heim Center. Bring your project, or use one of ours. We have sewing machines available for use, as well as thread and fabric. Sew What?! is for any skill, craft, or technique level.

We also partner with outside organizations like Penn Medicine Cares and The Wagner Institute so that you can ask all your burning questions about the sciences. 

If nothing else, please stop by to greet our mascot, Cyan Whaleness, the Second! Cyan is our blue betta fish who lives in an aquaponic ecosystem from Back to the Roots — meaning that his waste provides food for our edible microgreens to grow, and the plants return the favor by keeping his tank clean. His friendly nature is sure to brighten your day! 

Want to keep up with all things Science and Wellness? Join our newsletter and follow us on Instagram at @freelibrary_sw and @sewwhat_philly, and on Facebook!