Libraries are essential to our communities in many ways. In 2016, researchers found that the Philly’s public libraries support nearly 500,000 people every year with programming focused on housing, literacy, and public health.
You can check out the hours for your local branch here.
Due to staffing and budget issues, weekend hours are currently paused, but the Free Library is expecting to roll out Saturday hours again sometime in the fall, according to communications director Trenton Smiley.
Here are a few ways you can support our local libraries and keep them thriving:
- Donate to the Free Library Fund, which works to advance literacy, inspire curiosity, and provide critical programs for residents of all ages 💰
- Become a member to help preserve and grow vital resources such as the Learning Enrichment Afterschool Program, and the Culinary Literacy Center 🍳
- Sign up as a volunteer. There are plenty of ways to physically support your local branch, such as: shelving books and DVDs, assisting senior citizens with technology, teaching English, giving tours, or assisting with landscaping and beautification projects 🌸
Parkway Central Library is truly a community oasis. (Brittany Valentine/City Cast Philly)
