Tagged Summer Reading
Join the Summer Camp Challenge!
Summer is on its way, once again. If you will be working with Philly kids at an existing summer camp program, we welcome you to join us in the Summer Camp Challenge! Whether it’s your camp’s first time or third, this program…
Celebrating Another Summer of Wonder
We're setting new Summer of Wonder records in 2022! Not only did we meet our Community Reading Minutes goal for the summer, we also blasted past all of our minutes-read milestones and logged the most online community minutes…
Time Travel to the Beginning of the Universe
Interested in time travel? The superpowered James Webb Telescope has released its first images this month, giving us a window into distant space and the distant past. It’s dazzling. The Carina Nebula, a birthing ground for stars,…
Halfway through Summer of Wonder 2022!
The Summer Readers of Philadelphia are on a roll. Just halfway through the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder, we’re more than halfway to our citywide online reading minutes goal! If you’re not signed up yet, it’s…
Summer of Wonder is Heating Up!
Summer is here, and along with the rising temperatures, the Summer of Wonder is heating up! In June, we kicked off Pride Month with a brand new Pride March right here in Philly, and we’re celebrating Pride with the Free Library…
Summer of Wonder Begins! | Everyone. Everywhere.
Everyone. Everywhere. The Summer of Wonder is all around you. It is happening at libraries and bus stops, at city parks and in camps, on PlayStreets, and in your very own homes. Everywhere you look this summer, you’ll find Philly…
Start Summer of Wonder with a Treasure Hunt
There’s treasure in your neighborhood if you know where to look! Southwest Philadelphia families are invited to hunt down treasure troves of books to kick-off Summer of Wonder in June. Saturday, June 4th, starting at 10am until…
Join Science in the Summer to Be a Biologist!
Summer is a time of growth, fruit, and bloom, when life on this planet feels abundant and vibrant. It might be a season when we feel more aware of other beings living alongside us, even here in the city. Is it a natural time to consider…
Summer Camp Challenge is Back!
It’s that wonderful time of year again, when the birds begin to sing and educators, caregivers, and camp leaders start to wonder: what is this summer going to hold? If you’ll be working with Philadelphia kids at an existing…
An Update from Our Summer of Wonder Teen Artist Deyania Sanders
Last year, the Free Library put out a contest call for artwork from high school students. Deyania Sanders’ art teacher encouraged her to submit her designs and she was selected to be our Summer of Wonder artist! You’ve seen…
I Love My Curls Author Janay Anderson Closes Out Summer of Wonder 2021
The Parkway Central Children’s Department has been having loads of fun in the sun this summer, with outdoor programming in Shakespeare Park, including storytimes on weekday mornings and special guests joining us for exciting…
Q&A with Christina Holmes | Children's Summer Programming at Blackwell Regional Library
Summertime is here and the Free Library is offering incredible outdoor and virtual programming! This July marks the second summer we’ve spent during the COVID-19 pandemic and as we gather safely to celebrate this spectacular…
Summer of Wonder | Program Highlights for Families
Summer is here, and we know you’re ready for some fun! Whether you’re looking for outdoor, in-person programs or virtual adventures, the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder has got you covered. Last summer, we learned how…
Readers and Dreamers: Kick Off Summer of Wonder with Local Author Stephany Coakley
The Parkway Central Children’s Department is excited to announce a series of outdoor author visits for Summer of Wonder 2021! Please join us in kicking off this summer's festivities with Readers and Dreamers, featuring local…
Youth Services and Programs at the Free Library
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…
Kick Off Your Summer of Wonder!
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…
Sign Up Now for This Year's Summer Camp Challenge!
Free Library Youth Services is excited to announce a new Summer Camp Challenge season! Are you working with the youth of Philadelphia at a camp program this summer? The Free Library is here to help Philly kids prepare for the future by…
There’s Always Something New to Discover at the Free Library!
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…
Summer Outreach in the North Central Cluster
When we reflect on the highly unusual Summer of Wonder 2020 , one highlight stands out for the staff at the North Central Cluster of Libraries – making and sharing Grab ‘n Go Activity Kits. Thanks to materials from…
Looking Back on the Free Library’s First All-Virtual Summer of Wonder!
In this unprecedented time, the Free Library has had a lot of firsts. We pulled together to bring you our first virtual Summer of Wonder with the help of librarians and library staff, camp counselors, teachers, caregivers, activists,…
Block Party
Read and Build Wooden Block Parties Thursdays in July 6, 13, 20, 27 Join us for a themed story and creative playtime with blocks and toys. The program is for families with young children. Older siblings welcome! Groups…
Block Party
Read and Build Wooden Block Parties Thursdays in July 6, 13, 20, 27 Join us for a themed story and creative playtime with blocks and toys. The program is for families with young children. Older siblings welcome! Groups…
Block Party
Read and Build Wooden Block Parties Thursdays in July 6, 13, 20, 27 Join us for a themed story and creative playtime with blocks and toys. The program is for families with young children. Older siblings welcome! Groups…
Block Party
Read and Build Wooden Block Parties Thursdays in July 6, 13, 20, 27 Join us for a themed story and creative playtime with blocks and toys. The program is for families with young children. Older siblings welcome! Groups…
Airbrush Tattoo Fun
Join us for airbrush tattoos with multiple designs to choose from. Only alcohol-based temporary tattoo ink with FDA compliant ingredients are used. Limited to 80 participants. First come, first served.
SAT Crash Course AND College Application Essay Workshop with Lunch
Join us for a double workshop that includes pizza and beverages! 12:30 pm-5:30 pm (lunch will be during the break). SAT Prep and College Applications will be the workshops.
Story Adventure
Go on a movement adventure with the exciting performer Thembi Palmer! Toddlers will dance, do some yoga, and engage in pretend play. For ages 2 to 5.
Insectopia: Meet the Animals!
Meet the Insects! You'll get up close and learn about six different live insect friends including a tarantula, scorpion, and blue death feigning beetles with local entomologist, Trisha Nichols.
Ananse and Me with the Amazing Mr. Q
Join us for Ananse and Me! This fun program includes puppets, magic, folk music, and dance featuring stories about the antics and adventures of Ananse the Spider. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children's Yoga
Yoga instructor Janet Faulls will take us through poses, breathing and meditation. This program is for school age children. We have a limited number of mats available for use, but you are welcome to bring your own mat
Bead and Go
Join us for a beading workshop with Ms. Juanita! All supplies will be provided. This program is best suited for school-age children and teens. Space may be limited.
The Pocket Joys
Bring the whole family for a musical performance by The Pocket Joys, a kid-friendly Philly based indie-folk musical duo, perfoming "Cozy Songs and Snacks".
All Together Now in the Reef
Learn about sea creatures and meet some live animals when the Center for Aquatic Sciences comes to the library!
Musicopia: Bucket Drumming
Musicopia: Bucket Drumming. Explore one of the most intuitive forms of music making: percussion! Spanning genres including jazz, Caribbean, traditional classical, and current pop, this highly interactive drummer Leon Jordan…
The Secrets of Magic
Ran’D Shine! This fun filled magic program will include a dazzling display of illusions, comedy, and audience participation! Children of all ages, as well as teens, are welcome to join us for what promises to be an…
Muungamano Magic Show with the Amazing Mr. Q
Join us for an afternoon full of magic
Fabulous Faces: Face Painting at the Library!
Flowers, hearts, birds, clouds... What would you like to have decorating your face? Try on a different look with face painter and artist Jane Lashner. Space may be limited. For school age kids. From 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.…
Snake Party!
Join snake expert Scott Prior to meet his favorite scaly friends as they visit the library. He'll share interesting facts about snake behaviors and habitats, and answer your questions. If you are brave enough, you can pet one! For…
Let's Explore the Ocean with the Geography Lady
Join us as we learn all about the ocean through pictures, maps, stories, sensory, games, movement, crafts, and more!
Around the World with The Geography Lady!
Take a trip around the world from the comfort of the Library with The Geography Lady! This program is for adults and seniors.
Books & Authors *
Discover fiction and non-fiction books that match your interests! Books and Authors (powered by Gale's popular What Do I Read Next? series) is for readers from every level of reading proficiency and enables users to explore the endless…
Elin Hilderbrand | The Perfect Couple
“The queen of the summer beach read” ( New York Post ), Elin Hilderbrand has captured the flavor, scenery, and people of Nantucket in more than 20 New York Times bestselling novels, including The Beach Club, The Matchmaker , and The…