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Reading is a right! The Little Free(dom) Library initiative encourages residents and visitors in Philadelphia to pick up a free banned book at one of 14 locations throughout the city.
Initially launched in February 2024 to highlight banned books by Black authors for Black History Month, the initiative has expanded with new banned titles added during heritage months and observances throughout the year, including Women’s History Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month.
The Little Free(dom) Library project is presented in partnership with Little Free Library and the Free Library of Philadelphia, which provides resources on their site to help protect everyone’s right to read.
The initiative is part of Visit Philadelphia’s In Pursuit of A More Perfect Union series, showcasing Philadelphia as the nation’s premier welcoming and inclusive destination.
Among the locations where you can find a Little Free(dom) Library: the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Square, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Johnson House Historic Site and Queen & Rook Game Cafe.
Titles included in the libraries to date include:
Don’t just grab a book and go, though! Before or after visiting a Little Free(dom) Library, stop into nearby minorty-owned and woman-owned businesses to browse, shop or grab a bite to eat. We’ve listed a few of these businesses within a short walk or drive of each location.
And spread the love by leaving a book of your own (optional).
Did Betsy Ross make the first American flag or not? Ask her yourself when you visit the iconic home of America’s most famous seamstress. Chat with Betsy to hear about the history of the flag and her interaction with George Washington as you explore the tiny rooms and tight staircases of her 1740s abode.
How to find the library
The library is located near the admissions desk. Enter through the gift shop.
Businesses to support nearby
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
This community-focused outpost of the national nonprofit organization is located along North Broad Street amid the sprawling urban campus of Temple University. In addition to fitness facilities and gymnasiums, the location is home to several youth development programs for local kids and teens.
The library is located in the entrance lobby.
Where: Columbia North YMCA, 1400 N. Broad Street
Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, the massive Eastern State Penitentiary operated from 1829 to 1970 and introduced Americans to the concept of prison as a reform (penitentiary for “penance”) tool. Today, the site — which once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone and Willie Sutton — offers self-guided tours that explore the attraction’s history, along with modern social justice issues that surround incarceration.
The library is located at the entrance to the penitentiary.
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue
Faheem Alexander has taken the barbering world by storm with his hands of precision. At it for over 25 years now, he’s known for his expertise in styling, hairline correction and beard grooming. Faheem has worked on many celebrity clients, including Tracy Morgan and Philadelphia’s favorite hip-hop group, The Roots.
The library is located just inside the entrance of the barbershop.
Where: Faheem's Hand of Precision, 2100 S. 20th Street
The diverse staff and board members of the Frankford Community Development Corporation work to spur development and economic activity in lower Northeast Philadelphia, with a focus on affordable housing and sustainable uses for public space. Housed inside the historic Daral Building, the organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary with plans to further transform empty and unused buildings and parcels in the district.
The library is located in the building’s vestibule area. On nice days, it will be set up in the outdoor space at Frankford Pause Park.
Where: Frankford Community Development Corporation, 4667 Paul Street
Franklin Square, one of five public squares laid out by William Penn in his original plan for Philadelphia, offers a refreshing, urban green space with a ton of awesome activities within its eight-acre grounds. The park regularly hosts pop ups with The African American Museum in Philadelphia and is home to a Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Bench in the warmer months.
The library is located outside of the ticket sales building, to the right.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
Historic Germantown is a partnership of 18 historic homes, museums and destinations in Northwest Philadelphia, including the Johnson House Historic Site (see more below), Cliveden and the Lest We Forget Slavery Museum. The organization is housed inside the beautiful, red-brick Germantown Historical Society building, which is also home to a museum and library dedicated to the neighborhood’s rich history.
The library is located just outside of the front entrance during business hours.
Where: Historic Germantown, 5501 Germantown Avenue
The official visitor center of Independence National Historical Park serves as a one-stop shop for maps, brochures, tickets and tour information. The center — also home to a welcome film, a digital interactive wall and stunning views of Independence Mall — is a stone’s throw away from some of the most popular attractions in Philly, including The President’s House, The African American Museum in Philadelphia and the National Constitution Center.
The library is located next to the visitor information desk.
Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street
A crucial part of the Colonial Germantown Historic District, this site attained a National Historic Landmark designation for its role in the Underground Railroad. Tours offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the injustices of slavery and the 19th-century resident Johnson family, who participated in the Underground Railroad and risked their lives offering refuge to freedom seekers. Among the freedom fighters who stayed here: William Still and, according to family lore, Harriet Tubman.
The library is located just inside the front entrance, to the right.
Where: Johnson House Historic Site, 6306 Germantown Avenue
The brightest light on the Avenue of the Arts is the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, a dazzling regional performing arts center (and one of the many venues that make up Ensemble Arts) with a discreet brick exterior that rises to a bold 150-foot glass vaulted rooftop. Resident companies include the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, PHILADANCO, Opera Philadelphia, Philadelphia Ballet and the Curtis Institute of Music.
The library is located in Commonwealth Plaza inside the lobby of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Where: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, founded by Bishop Richard Allen in 1794, sits on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans, and is the mother church of the nation’s first Black denomination. Today, Mother Bethel is a church (where the congregation worships weekly), museum and archive. The museum houses the tomb of Bishop Richard Allen and artifacts dating to the 1600s, tracing the history of the AME Church. Reservations are required for museum tours.
The library is located inside the church’s lecture hall. The Little Free(dom) Library at Mother Bethel AME Church is only available Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 419 S. 6th Street
One of the nation’s largest art institutions, the Philadelphia Museum of Art rises majestically at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Inside are vast galleries, highlighting Renaissance, American and impressionist art, plus rotating special exhibitions.
The library is located at the west entrance of the museum. Inquire at the admission desk for more information.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Roll the dice at Queen & Rook Game Cafe, the Queen Village board game cafe run by Jeannie Wong and Edward Garcia. The super-fun spot’s game selection runs the gamut from classics to indie games made by locals. Also available: puzzles, collectible game cards and more. Pro tip: While you’re there, sample the plant-based cafe menu, which includes fried cauliflower and Beyond meat burgers.
The library is located just inside the entrance of the cafe.
Where: Queen & Rook Game Cafe, 607 S. 2nd Street
Once home to the legendary punk-rock store Zipperhead, this spot on South Street now houses the offices for the South Street Headhouse District. Its facade — covered in enormous ant sculptures and a giant faux zipper — makes the building hard to miss. Pop inside to learn about South Street businesses new and old and check out rotating exhibitions that explore the history of the eclectic neighborhood.
The library is located just inside the mosaic-ed entryway, to the left.
Where: South Street Off Center, 407 South Street
The launch of the Little Free(dom) Library initiative also included a four-part social media video series with notable Philadelphians like Marc Lamont Hill, Dr. Christina Afia Harris and Solomon Jones reading passages from banned books written by Black authors for Black History Month.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?