This summer, grab a blanket, a book, and park yourself under a shady tree in Philly’s public spaces. For the first time, Philly’s parks and libraries are teaming up to offer free outdoor reading programs all summer long, thanks to the Knight Foundation Neighborhood Collaboration Grant.
The reading series first kicked off in May, with the Reading Literacy Carnival in Mifflin Square hosted by Friends of Mifflin Square, Friends of Whitman Library and Friends of Fumo Family Library during Love Your Park Week. The event featured a free afternoon of stories, books, music, and activities in the park, including Music and Movement with Mr. Ray and storytime with Philly’s Drag Queen Brittany Lynn.
In June, Hartranft Playground Alliance and the Friends of Lillian Marrero Library teamed up to host a Safe Summer Kickoff, featuring book giveaways, children’s storytime, as well as music, health screenings, and more fun and free programming.
The summer reading fun continues in Vernon Park in Germantown and Malcolm X Park in West Philly:
Under the Shady Old Tree at Vernon Park
On four Friday afternoons in August, relax in the shade and explore a different theme each week such as beekeeping, essential oils and herbal blends, cooking with natural spices, yoga, spoken word, creativity and more! Storytime and reading circles, arts & crafts and workshops for kids, teens and adults. Free and open to all!
Storytime and Crafts at Malcolm X Park
Now through August 12, head to Malcolm X Park in West Philly on Mondays at 11am for a storytime and craft celebrating nature! This program is for children ages 6-8 and their families. Meet under the pavilion, rain or shine!
To learn more, be sure to check out the Public Spaces Summer Workshop Series, hosted by the Conservancy, the Free Library, Knight Foundation, and the Philadelphia Parks Alliance.
