We all know that the Free Library of Philadelphia is a place where you can check out books, vote and bring the kiddos on rainy days. BUT, did you know that it is so much more? Whether you are looking for something social, creative or educational, these hopping venues all across Philly are jam packed with programming that is FREE and full of culture.
We were recently inspired by @noshortusa’s video to check out the Free Library of Philadelphia’s website to see what was on tap. Their calendar can be overwhelming as it is a compilation of events at libraries all over the city, so we narrowed our search by focusing on adult programming. You can find your teens and toddlers endless events as well by checking out their calendar!
L to R: community puzzle at @fallsfreelibrary, crocheting at @nerlibrary, blackout poetry event at @walnutwestlibrary
Culinary Classes
Did you know that there is a full industrial kitchen located in the Parkway Central Library? Their focus is to connect literacy through food and cooking. There are classes where you learn English through learning recipes together (choose online or in person), cultural focused cooking classes and even knife skills!
Arts and Crafts
There is no shortage of creativity in Philadelphia, but sometimes the wallet says no go. Fuel that spark by attending one of the free craft classes at the library! Here are just a handful of experiences that caught our eye. Don’t be discouraged if the class date has come and gone, they often pop up again for you to enjoy.
Granny Squares
Fiber Craft Fridays
Collage as Healing
Paper Craft Club
Guilt-Free Fiber Guild
Zine-Making Workshop
Embroidery Workshop with the Mason Stitch Art Collective
Glimpses of Beauty: A 4-week Community Video Workshop
L to R: headshots at @bric_flp, tax forms for the taking @kingsessinglibraryflp, newspaper perusing @kingsessinglibraryflp
Getting it together
We all vow that “maybe this will be the year that I….” . The public library is here to give you that little extra nudge to achieve whatever goal you have set for yourself!
Get a professional head shot taken for your LinkedIn or website (one of the photographers is a PHG client!). Meet with experts that will help you understand the legal basics of starting that business you’ve been dreaming. Need help with grants for nonprofits? Or perhaps you’d like to attend a lecture about raising money for creative ideas and events. If you’re an artist or inventor and want to talk about patents, book time with Penn Law for FREE!
Learn a language! The library system has a plethora of free language tools including Mango, a robust language app. Drop in on a monthly language group meet up, or learn Black American Sign Language. Speak to your librarian about special ordering books to be delivered to your branch in the language you’re learning.
How about taking care of yourself? Nourish your brain with discussions such as How Might We Live (Without Losing Our Minds). Reduce stress by planning your garden and seed starting with master gardeners. Find out how to dig into your family history with genealogy classes. Too heavy? How about learning about Astrology in an “Ask Me Anything” session?
L to R: discover music 101 @freelibraryepr and @freelibrarymusic, listening club vinyl mixtape @freelibrarymusic, D & D night @nerlibrary
Bring on the culture
Focus your love of learning and soak in a lecture on Paleontology or a research discussion on the next generation of immunotherapies for Colorectal Cancer. Join a 3-part workshop and learn how to write the next protest song that will move the nation (we need it!). Take in an afternoon concert, or gather the fam for a movie filled afternoon. Gaming is big with the library crowd. Try your hand at Chess, Role Playing games as well as gathering around a Mahjong table or your classic board games.
L to R: Stitching & Stuffies fundraiser @fallsfreelibrary, surprise date with a book #philadelphiacityinstitute, unlocking your inner composer @freelibarymusic
The list goes on. Part of the fun is diving into the events calendar and discovering a love for hobbies and interests you didn’t even know you had. Once you become the libraries number one fan be sure to sign up for a free tour of the Parkway Library. We loved ours, which included the Rare Books room. We’ll see you there!
The Philly Home Girls at the Rare Books tour at the Free Library of Philadelphia
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