Kensington Neighborhood Library

09/23/2026

Help! We have lovely clay art that has not been claimed by its creators! The items were made during several sessions of our Clay, Play, Read program. If you think one of these might be yours, please stop by the branch.

Image description: A variety of works of art in clay rest on a table.

Top row: four unpainted creaturer (mostly mouth).
Second row: blue and green saucers in the shape of flowers, plus a small tray in the chape of a strawberry.
Third row: three small fish-shaped bowls plus a red heart-shaped bowl.
Fourth row: a green insect, a yellow heart-shaped dish, and a pink and blue pizza slice.

09/23/2026

Exciting developments for our sibling branch!

We’re breaking ground on a major $21.7 million transformation of McPherson Square Library and Park as we celebrate Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s 1,000th day in office!

Where: McPherson Square Library and Park, 601 E. Indiana Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
When: Monday, September 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

This project will transform one of Kensington’s most important community spaces, with major improvements to both the library and surrounding park.

Join Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Capital Program Office, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Free Library of Philadelphia, Impact Services, community partners, and neighbors as we celebrate the start of construction.

09/23/2026

It's time to get vaccinated--for free!

Link in comments.

Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at five Philadelphia City Health Centers for residents ages 6 months and older. No appointment is required.

09/18/2026

Put your library card to the test with Free Library Card Bingo! 📚

Have you checked out a book, streamed a movie on Kanopy, explored your family history, or used an online learning resource? See how many squares you can check off!

Let us know how you did in the comments. And if you don’t have a Free Library card yet, sign up this Library Card Sign-Up Month and start exploring everything your card can unlock. ❤️

09/14/2026

Check out this specially themed evening storytime at our partner branch, Richmond Library!

High Holidays Storytime
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 5:30 PM

Learn about the Jewish High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, through stories, songs, and a hands-on activity. Enjoy a snack of apples and honey for a sweet new year (maple syrup available for a vegan option). This event is for children ages 2 to 5 and their families. Younger/older siblings are also welcome!

Richmond Library
2987 Almond Street
215-685-9992
freelibrary.org/richmond

09/02/2026

The last day is September 30.

One of our librarians remembers going there at the age of 6 or 7 with her class--back in the 1970s!--the start of an abiding love for Stegosaurus.

The Academy will continue scientific research and public education, but its museum will go the way of the dinosaur.

08/31/2026

A reminder--October 19 is the last day you can register in order to vote on 11/3/2026!

It only takes a few minutes to ensure you're ready to vote in the next election. Make note of these important dates:

🗓️ Oct. 19 – Last day to register to vote in the general election. vote.pa.gov/Register

🗓️ Oct. 27 – Last day to apply for a mail ballot. vote.pa.gov/MailBallot

🗓️ Nov. 3 – Election Day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

08/24/2026

The branch has welcomed a wave of new arts and crafts books. This fall, pick up a new form of creative expression!

Titles:
Rowe, Lynne. Beginner's Guide to Knitting: Easy Techniques and 8 Fun Projects.

Paton, Becky. Mosaic Secrets: Project-Based Tips and Techniques for All Abilities.

Rempel, Karen. Complete Beading for Beginners.

Barretta, Angela. Complete Starter Guide to Macramé.

Michelet, Juliette. Embroidery in 10 Lessons: Step-by-Step Instructions for First-Time Stitchers, Plus 10 Designs for Denim, Shoes, Linens, and More.

Le, Tri. The Artist's Guide to Pen and Ink: Take your Drawings to the Next Level with Gorgeous Shading Techniques.

Shufunotomo. The Complete Book of Origami: A Beginner's Guide to the Most Popular Folded Paper Models.

Ferris, Katia. Make Your Own Animal Friends: 10 Cute Cloth Dolls to Sew, Dress Up and Personalize.

Fitzgerald, Diana Li. Patchwork Sashiko: Transform Your Scraps--14 Slow-Stitched Projects.

Fukuchi, Hiroko. Fashion Illustration Techniques: A Beginner's Guide for Fashion Designers and Illustrators.

Build It Simple: Practical Projects and Inventive Solutions for Home and Garden.

Bennett, Jim. Calligraphy for Dummies.

Bucciarelli, Anna. 101 Watercolor Secrets: Essential Insights and Techniques for Painters.

Kuru. The Complete Course for Drawing Manga: Learn to Write and Illustrate Your First Manga.

Baca, Salena. Crochet Now: A Beginner's Guide to Essential Stitches and Techniques, + 6 Easy Patterns.

Bailey, Emily. Scrap Quilts from Crumbs, Strips & Strings: Use up Every Last Piece with 15 Scrap Quilt Patterns.

08/10/2026

https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-library-critical-artificial-intellifence-literacy-workshop/?mc_cid=9dcc8a1bc4&mc_eid=ca03a14cb5

The Free Library's Critical AI Literacy series explores the technology, with a focus on disabling unwanted features, spotting scams and understanding AI's impact on the city.

08/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1591410339007072&set=a.279139470234172

Go Support Your Local Library!

Here’s 3 easy ways to get started:
1.) Get a library card (it’s free and usually just requires proof of residency!)
2.) Attend your local library’s events and programming.
3.) Advocate for increased support and funding.
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Digital illustration of a redhead fem with cat eye glasses wearing a green sparkly dress. She's leaning on a bookcart next to a tuxedo cat holding a book that reads, 'support your local library.' Behind her are books with titles that are commonly banned in schools.