Youth Services and Programs (YSP) is a division of the Free Library of Philadelphia that provides programs and services for families and educators across all of our Neighborhood Libraries and communities. YSP focuses on providing children, teens, caregivers, educators, and library staff with support services, year-round out-of-school… continue reading Youth Services and Programs at the Free Library
By written by Emily S. May 28, 2021 1
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… continue reading Kick Off Your Summer of Wonder!
By written by Emily S. May 25, 2021
In the month of May, we honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month , celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of the diverse Americans who belong to communities with ancestry in Asia, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific Islands. That’s a lot of different countries, cultures, and… continue reading Honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Your Family
By written by Emily S. May 17, 2021 1
Read, Baby, Read is a Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy development among infants and young toddlers under two years old. We work with 12 participating libraries across Philadelphia to reach caregivers of all ages, providing resources that support early literacy skills, language development, and purposeful play. In… continue reading Read, Baby, Read Presents Early Literacy Ideas: Water!
By written by Sarah J. May 14, 2021
Do you have a young scientist at home? An endless Lego tower builder or a spaceship dreamer? A robot creator or future climate-change solver? Sign up for a new virtual summertime science adventure with The Franklin Institute . This year, curious young minds will have the chance to Be An Engineer . This program is designed for children ages… continue reading Add Some Science to Your Summer with the Franklin Institute
By written by Emily S. May 6, 2021
It’s easy to get blasé about Earth Day amidst the many other real concerns we face each day. But caring for the planet we live on was still a radical idea in the United States when the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. People in Philadelphia and across the country awakened to the danger of pollution that was damaging our… continue reading Why is Earth Week Important?
By written by Emily S. April 19, 2021
Read, Baby, Read is a Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy development among infants and young toddlers under two years old. We work with 12 participating libraries across Philadelphia to reach caregivers of all ages, providing resources that support early literacy skills, language development, and purposeful play. In… continue reading Read, Baby, Read Presents Early Literacy Ideas: My Body!
By written by Sarah J. April 15, 2021
What are the most popular Googled questions about Ramadan? Here's what we found: When does Ramadan begin and end in 2021? What is allowed and not allowed during Ramadan? What does Ramadan celebrate? What can’t you do during Ramadan? And, can you kiss during Ramadan? My coworker Shahadah Abdul Rashid and I thought… continue reading Happy Ramadan: Manuscripts of the Muslim World and Beyond!
By written by Joe S. April 6, 2021
Read, Baby, Read is a Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy development among infants and young toddlers under two years old. We work with 12 participating libraries across Philadelphia to reach caregivers of all ages, providing resources that support early literacy skills, language development, and purposeful play. In… continue reading Read, Baby, Read Presents Early Literacy Ideas: Animals!
By written by Sarah J. March 5, 2021
Today is National Caregivers’ Day, and we’d like to take a moment to honor the essential role that caregivers play in our communities. Whether it is for loved ones or how you earn your living, giving care is work. Caregivers provide care for the young and elderly, the sick and others needing care, and perform other varieties of… continue reading Self-Care for Caregivers | National Caregivers' Day
By written by Emily S. February 19, 2021 1
The first Saturday of February is Take Your Child to the Library Day! This holiday , invented by two librarians, encourages families to make a trip to their neighborhood library with their young learners leading the way. As an added bonus this year, The African American Children’s Book Fair also falls on the same day as Take Your Child to… continue reading There’s Always Something New to Discover at the Free Library!
By written by Emily S. February 5, 2021
It’s that time of year again! The 2021 Youth Media Award winners have been announced, honoring this year’s best and brightest titles for children and young adults. Watch Julius C. Jefferson Jr., President of the American Library Association, deliver the full announcement of the award winners. Usually accompanied by audible cheers… continue reading Read a Youth Media Award Winner!
By written by Emily S. January 28, 2021
Read, Baby, Read is a grant-funded Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy development among infants and young toddlers under two years old. We work with 12 participating libraries across Philadelphia to reach caregivers of all ages, providing resources that support early literacy skills, language development, and… continue reading Read, Baby, Read Presents Early Literacy Ideas: Things That Go!
By written by Sarah J. January 26, 2021
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… continue reading Winter Programming for Children and Families at the Free Library
By written by Emily S. December 11, 2020
Thank you to Nourishing Literacy (NL) team member Carolyn for writing this blog post! In addition to sharing her experience and findings, Carolyn has included some of the activities and approaches that we use in NL. The NL team enjoys providing interactive food info and ideas that spark curiosity and are inclusive to all… continue reading Noodles Across Tables
By written by Shayna M. November 6, 2020 2
High School selection season is upon us—the window for students to select a Philadelphia School District High School is open now through November 6. The Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) is proud to kick off a new initiative providing virtual support to middle school youth in their high school search. Thanks to the Jump-Start… continue reading The Philly High School Choice Website Is Now Online!
By written by Bryan B. October 29, 2020 2
The fall season is upon us, and along with turning leaves and back-to-school resources, the Free Library is here to help you and your family learn, grow, and play every day. For the Whole Family The Free Library’s Fall Learning Challenge is open to all ages. Fall Learning Challenge If you loved the virtual Summer of Wonder , we’ve… continue reading Fall Programming for Children and Families
By written by Emily S. October 28, 2020
The Latin American Book Fair , in partnership with the Culinary Literacy Center , will be presenting Language Through My Kitchen: Latin Cuisine , during a virtual event broadcast on Facebook on Friday, October 16, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m . The idea of this project is to explore the origins of culinary ingredients and to provide the… continue reading Language Through My Kitchen: Latin Cuisine
By written by Mary Marques October 8, 2020
It’s the final full week of our virtual Summer of Wonder for kids, teens, adults, and camp groups , and we’re so glad you’ve come along! Look for our upcoming interview with high school artist Deyania Sanders who designed our Philly-themed summer artwork this year! And stay tuned for our next fantastic and fun-filled virtual… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 13: Free Meals for Families, PAWS Read to a Dog, Spanish Language Storytime, and a Virtual Performance from Ants on a Log!
By written by Emily S. August 21, 2020
Parkway Central Library Children’s Department is excited to present its first-ever Mutual Aid Fair! Central Children’s is teaming up with Youth Services, Read by 4th , the Art Department , and our Community Partners: Dipes’n’Wipes will be giving away diapers, wipes (and more!) The Philadelphia Women’s Center will… continue reading Free Library Mutual Aid Fair
By written by Kate E. August 17, 2020
