Please be sure to check the event organizer’s website for any last-minute changes or cancellations prior to attending.
Have an event that will fit well on our calendar?
Join us for an Intro to Collage program that will introduce the unique and original art form. Participants will have materials provided to create their own collages. Collages make for a wonderful and heartfelt Mother’s Day gift idea!
Join us on Wednesday, June 10th in the Print and Picture Collection and on Saturday, June 27th in the Rare Book Department to create your own pins based on images from the Free Library's Special Collections. Events will run from 1 pm - 3 pm. Stop by anytime to make a button!
What do you want America to be like in the future? Perhaps you have a wish for your own future. Visit our wish wall, located in the 2nd Floor West Gallery, and write or draw your vision for our nation's future. Your wish will then be added to the wall to encourage further discussion, and to display the diversity of lived experiences, stories, and desires of our community. The Free Library encourages patrons to make their voice heard and delve deeper into civic engagement. By advancing literacy, guiding learning, and inspiring curiosity, the Free Library of Philadelphia can provide avenues
Celebrate America's 250th by making your own poster of Independence Hall! Stop by the lobby of Parkway Central Library between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. for a free hands-on screen printing workshop. All ages welcome and no experience required. A teaching artist from Posters for the People will guide you in making your own print based on the Independence Hall W.P.A. poster from the Print and Picture Collection.
Do you have gently used or new art and craft supplies that are collecting dust? Are there things you bought for projects you're never going to get to or lost interest in? Do you want to try a new hobby but need inspiration and means? Let's share materials that are in good condition! The Art Department and Special Collections invite you to come by the library with supplies that you no longer want or need and pick up something else in exchange. You do not need to bring materials to take something. Join us at Parkway Central in the Heim
Join us on Wednesday, August 26 to see highlights from the Print and Picture Collection's Book Arts Collection. The Book Arts Collection has over 650 artists' books created by hundreds of artists. The collection includes miniature books, accordion books, flag books, books with unique bindings, and more. Drop by anytime between 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This open house is open to all!
Join us on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 2 PM in the Art Department for a talk by Philadelphia artist Cavin Jones. Cavin Jones is a painter, muralist, and collagist whose figurative work is inspired by American history, particularly the African American experience. Jones has said that his work is "a catalyst to stimulate thought and promote discussion about various issues prevalent in society." His dynamic compositions often feature contrasting elements that as he says, "infuse the paintings with layers of meaning and associations." Cavin will talk about his art journey, including his public mural work. After the talk in
Do you have gently used or new art and craft supplies that are collecting dust? Are there things you bought for projects you're never going to get to or lost interest in? Do you want to try a new hobby but need inspiration and means? Let's share materials that are in good condition! The Art Department and Special Collections invite you to come by the library with supplies that you no longer want or need and pick up something else in exchange. You do not need to bring materials to take something. Join us at Parkway Central in the Heim