You can do so much more than just check out books and DVDs with your Free Library of Philadelphia card. You can also download music, e-books and so much more! You can even take a cooking class or build with 3D printers!
Download free music, e-books and more!
The Free Library of Philadelphia has partnered with online content providers like One Click Digital to provide music and e-books to library card holders.
Download free music from Classical Music Library, Contemporary World Music, Jazz Music Library, One Click Digital, Oxford Music Online, Popular Music Library, Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries and Music Online.
Download free e-Books from BookFlix, ESCOhost EBooks, Freading, One Click Digital and TumbleBooks.
Download free magazines from Zinio.
Learn new languages from DuoLingo and Mango Languages.
Get free access to databases such as AP images, BBC Animals, Declassified Documents Reference System, Gale Virtual Reference Library, Health and Wellness Resource Center, Kid’s POWER Library, MasterFILE Main Edition, Pennsylvania Historical Newspapers, POWER Library, and WealthEngine. You also get access to the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Digital Collections.
Create a spice blend or watch a butchering demonstration in the Culinary Literacy Center!
The hands-on Culinary Literacy Center makes literacy delicious. In this commercial-grade kitchen, patrons learn about reading, math, and science through cooking. Most of the programs are completely free! You can browse the classes on the website. You’ll learn a lot about nutrition and health here!
Play with circuits, LED lights, 3D printers and more at Maker Jawn!
The Free Library of Philadelphia offers a Maker Program, also called Maker Jawn. Kids, teens and adults are invited to create with tech tools and everyday materials. Circuits, cameras, LED lights, 3D printers and more are available for use. Of course, you can also use the ordinary stuff like cardboard and fabric!
Maker Jawn is operated on a drop-in basis during certain hours. No need to enroll or schedule an appointment! Just drop by one of these locations during open hours.
Enjoy free family fun provided by the Free Library!
There is always something happening at the library!
Monday Poets invite you to listen to a free poetry reading on Monday evenings.
Sundays on Stage provides family programming that celebrates diversity through music, dance and storytelling. Programs begin at 2 pm, but the doors open at 1:30 pm. These programs are free!
We the Detectives invite participants to solve a real mystery through immersive theatrical adventures and an interactive exhibition.
Learn something new with online and on-site classes!
Your Free Library of Philadelphia card can give you access to several educational websites, including:
Brainfuse Adult Learning Center will connect you with a tutor between 2pm and 11pm, help you brush up your resume or cover letter or improve your existing skills. Service is available in English and Spanish.
Career Cruising helps you polish your skills and discover your dream job.
Driver’s Permit Practice Tests Online will help you prepare for the PA driver’s permit test, the motorcycle operators test and the CDL test. You’ll also have access to the necessary handbooks on this site.
March2Success provides practice material for the ASVAB, SAT and ACT exams. It’s ideal for aspiring military!
US Citizenship Test Prep provides practice tests and study materials to help new Americans prepare for the exam.
Universal Class provides many ongoing education classes on a variety of subjects.
Feel like heading to the library? You can access these on-site services as well!
Learn English with their English as a Second Language (ESL) classes!
Stop by the library and get help understanding and navigating the health marketplace and the Affordable Care Act.
The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) can help you put your passion to work with business plans and more. You can also get help starting a nonprofit!
Need a job or some career guidance? Stop by The Workplace for help with job search techniques and more! You can also read this virtual guide provided by the library!
If you’re an older adult, you can also get help filing for Medicare, planning your estate, volunteering, learning technology and more!
Computer classes are available for people of all ages.
Tacony Library & Arts Building provides a creative community center featuring art classes and more.
Got kids? They’ll love these the Free Library of Philadelphia!
Stories Alive helps connect incarcerated parents with their children. Live video conferencing stations, available in neighborhood libraries, allow children to see their parent as the parent reads the child a story. Free books are given to families who participate!
Visit the Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) for activities and games. Students in grades 1-12 are welcome to drop by to use computers, find books, and complete homework assignments.
You can get homework help online when you log in with your library card credentials! This service provides help to students of all levels through live tutoring, specialized test prep and a writing lab.
Don’t forget to participate in the Summer Reading program! You might earn prizes.
Teens have access to special library resources, too.
Teen Tuesdays offer snacks, activities and fun for teens. Previous events have featured hip hop dance workshops, teen talent shows, open mics and more.
Thinking about college? Get personalized, FREE help from the Free Library of Philadelphia! Library staff can help you locate college prep resources, clarify terms and help you with your college application. They can provide guidance on essays, recommendations, records and interview preparation.
Meet the author and get a free book if your school participates in the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Field Family Teen Author Series. Classes in grades 7-12 are eligible to participate.0 Participation is by invitation only. Encourage your teachers and administrators to contact the Teen Author Series Outreach Coordinator at [email protected] or (215) 686-5372 for participation opportunities.
Don’t forget to participate in the Summer Reading program! You might earn prizes.
Disabled patrons can receive home delivery service!
If you are unable to leave your home because of a disability or other unique circumstances, you may be eligible for a homebound library card. Applications are conducted over the phone. Once you’re approved, you’ll be able to have materials delivered to your home, keep them for up to six weeks and never be charged late fees. For more information, please call (215) 686-5411.
If you are blind or physically handicapped, you may qualify for additional services. If you visit the library, you can use accessible computers, digital book machines and access the library’s collection of Braille, large print or audio books. You can also order braille books and magazines, audio books and magazines, large print books, descriptive videos and more through the mail. The Braille and Audio Reading Download system will also allow you digitally download digital and braille books and magazines.
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.