Free Library of Philadelphia

The Free Library is closed today, Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Meet the Creator, another Summer Quest character, as they stop by Tiny WPA’s workshop to get ready for the big day. 🎨☀️

Inspired by the Creator, these programs spark collaboration, creativity, excitement, and imagination, encouraging participants to explore new possibilities and bring ideas to life together.🌟

Celebrate Pride through the power of storytelling!🌈📚

Check out our curated reading list from our staff, featuring LGBTQ+ picture books, novels, memoirs, and poetry that highlight identity, resilience, and creative expression. ✨

➡https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/5647

All Free Library locations will close at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, and will remain closed through Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Normal hours will resume at all locations on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

On this day in Philly, tradition says Benjamin Franklin flew his famous kite-and-key experiment, helping unlock our understanding of electricity. ⚡🪁

The exact date remains a mystery, but the spark of discovery lives on. ✨

Celebrating Juneteenth all week at the Free Library of Philadelphia—join us for events honoring history, freedom, and community.🔔📚🎉

Next stop on our Summer Quest tour 🛑

Our scientist character stopped by The Franklin Institute, which is celebrating 40 years of inspiring young scientists!

Fun fact: we partner with The Franklin Institute to provide free programs where you can discover hands-on science through Science in the Summer. This year’s theme is Be a Chemist!🧪🔬

Where will we stop next?🗺️👀

Looking for your next great read? 📚

New titles have arrived at the Free Library this June, with fresh picks for kids, teens, and adults. From highly anticipated fiction and thought-provoking nonfiction to stories that entertain, inspire, and inform, there's something new waiting to be discovered.

Explore this month's new reads and find your next favorite book.

To read more, check out the link bellow:
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/5649

Due to the City of Philadelphia declaring a Heat Health Emergency, select neighborhood libraries will serve as Cooling Centers on June 11–12, with extended hours until 7:00 p.m. For locations and additional information click the link bellow.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/5658

This Pride Month, explore LGBTQ+ voices, stories, and experiences with your library card.

The Free Library offers digital resources that celebrate LGBTQ+ communities, from streaming films and documentaries on Kanopy to historical archives, digital collections, and catalog recommendations that highlight LGBTQ+ history, culture, and lived experiences across generations.

Find representation, explore history, and experience joyful and moving narratives, all free with your library card.

To learn more, click the link below:
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/5651