The Free Library of Philadelphia advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity across the city through its network of library locations. With a vision to build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning, the Free Library offers extensive programs, services, and events for all ages and backgrounds.
The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity.
The Free Library offers diverse programming including English conversation groups at multiple proficiency levels, adult basic literacy classes, language learning in Spanish and Japanese, arts and crafts workshops like Sew What!, STEM activities for school-age children, teen book clubs, culinary literacy classes, wellness programs including chair yoga, and business resources such as housing guidance workshops.
The Free Library hosts over 2,700 events annually across its locations, featuring author events, book clubs, language conversation groups, arts and crafts programs, STEM activities, wellness challenges, and community workshops. Events are offered for all age groups—from preschool through seniors—with many programs free and open to the public.
In this super-secret meeting, join museum staff as we learn about the spies of the Revolutionary War! From shopkeepers and mystery women to enslaved people who served as double agents, let’s discover who these spies were and how they operated undercover. We’ll solve puzzles, uncover…
Join Librarian Kate in the children's section for a weekly craft! This craft program is intended for kids 5-11.
Adults 18+ are invited to BYO crafting project for casual relaxation while watching a film curated by your library staff! Popcorn provided. Donations of any kind, such as fabric or yarn, is appreciated. Schedule: June 15 - Picnic at Hanging Rock June 29 -The Grand Budapest Hotel July 6 - Vegas…
Staring at a blank page? Looking for fresh ideas? Need a creative spark and a community that "gets it"? We got you! Join a powerful circle of writers for focused writing time, group reads, real feedback, and accountability without pressure. During the summer, this program runs from…
Children and teens ages 5-18 are invited to the Second Annual Studio Ghibli Movie Festival! Each week, the library will feature an animated family film from Japan's Studio Ghibli in our meeting room. Movie Festival Schedule: June 24 - Spirited Away July 1 - Castle in the Sky July 8 -…
Children 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to Family Storytime with Librarian Kate! We'll read, sing, dance, and play! Storytime will take place every other Friday in the garden outside of the library; inside during inclement weather.
Join us for a gathering of adults interested in casual and cozy gaming. Bring a snack for yourself or to share and your playful spirit! We will be hosting some multiplayer Wii and Switch games including Mario Party, Pikuniku, Super Monkey Ball, and more. Controllers for multiplayer games will be…
