LEAP Afterschool Program

The Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) offers daily literacy activities, Maker projects, health and wellness programs, homework assistance, computer literacy, and library skills for students in grades K–12, and daily literacy enrichment activities for elementary school students.

LEAP is a free, drop-in program at Free Library locations throughout the city.

2018 – 2019 School year Schedule

Parkway Central Library
Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Neighborhood Libraries
Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (At select locations)

Regional Libraries
Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library
Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
Northeast Regional Library
Tuesday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Fridays, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

LEAP activities and programs promote traditional literacy as well as literacy in science, technology, and cultural arts. LEAP also introduces students to the many Library resources and materials that are available, free of charge, to help them with school assignments, applying to college, and eventually securing meaningful employment.

The Free Library also offers online databases to help students with homework assignments. Homework Help Online, powered by Brainfuse offers everything from live tutoring—in English and Spanish—to specialized test prep and a writing lab. In addition to encouraging academic achievement, LEAP also fosters a safe and supportive zone for children and teens.

Afterschool Leaders (ASLs) head the LEAP staff in each Free Library location under the supervision of library staff. Each school year the Free Library also employs approximately 120–150 high-school students as Teen Leadership Assistants (TLAs) and seven college students as Associate Leaders to support the LEAP program. All LEAP staff members receive six hours of orientation training prior to their placement, and additional continuing education throughout the year. This multi-tiered employment model has been lauded nationally and reflects the Free Library's commitment to mentoring and positive youth development.

For more information, please contact your local library or Youth Services and Programs (215-686-5372).