9 free programs and services at the Free Library of Philadelphia that go beyond checking out books

Whether you have been a proud library card holder since you were a kid or have never even been to your local branch, you probably know it as the place you go to check out books, online or in-person.

But did you know that the Free Library of Philadelphia offers so much more than that?

The Inquirer has covered how to get your library card, what comes with it, and where to access free Wi-Fi in over 50 libraries across the city.

Below, we hone in on some of the best free programs the library has to offer. All of these events, activities, and services are free to library card holders (except for ticketed author events).

» READ MORE: Your ultimate guide to the Free Library of Philadelphia

Film buffs, rejoice: The library recently announced the return of Kanopy, an on-demand streaming service with a collection of 3,000-plus films. It’s available to library cardholders free of charge, and there are no viewing limits or watch tokens. Highlights include Orson Welles’ The Stranger and modern American classics like Glengarry Glen Ross, to award-winning foreign films like Corpus Christi and iconic documentaries like King: A Film Recorded. With your library card, enjoy movies, cinema classics, documentaries, independent, and foreign films right on your phone, TV, or computer at kanopy.com.

Hosted at the Parkway Central Library near Logan Square, these events allow readers to listen to their favorite authors talk about their books. There are free and ticketed events (from $11 to $16), with the opportunity to buy a copy of the author’s book at certain events. Find author events on the library calendar at freelibrary.org/calendar.

Here is a sneak peek of the spring lineup:

Did you know the library also uploads videos of author events on YouTube? Check ‘em out at youtube.com/@AuthorEvents. Or listen to the podcast version at freelibrary.org/podcast.

The Languages and Learning Center at Parkway Central provides resources for adult education, digital literacy, English language learning, and world language learning. There are opportunities to prepare and practice for standardized tests and high school equivalency exams, plus access to skill and language learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Mango language learning app. Education and language learning events are also available at other libraries across the city — check with your local library to see if there are events near you.

Your library card gives you free access to these programs, and you can use them at home or anywhere with internet access:

The Culinary Literacy Center hosts a variety of cooking courses and educational lessons around food and language arts. Looking to brush up on your English language skills? At Parkway Central and participating libraries, people who are interested in learning English can join other students in Edible Alphabet where you’ll practice English by reading recipes and cooking a dish to completion. The class offers free groceries for students to cook with, and they offer virtual programming to practice at home. Sign-up for the next available class.

If you need a job, resume help or want to build skills for a specific career, the library has resources for you at the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC). From skill-based classes like digital literacy and math, to headshots and resume reviews, BRIC’s staff helps you achieve your goals — all for free. In-person and online events every week help people prepare for their dream job. See when their next event is by using their calendar.

Want to learn to play an instrument or practice one you know but don’t own? You can rent a plethora of musical instruments — one at a time — for a period of three weeks. The library offers guitars, bass, keyboards, violins, steel drums, ukuleles, banjos, and mandolins. Search for available musical instruments using the library’s online catalog at catalog.freelibrary.org

There are dozens of “kits” available for free that can help you exercise at home, learn a language, play jigsaw puzzles, read to children, play card games, use health equipment, and so much more. These bags are filled with everything you need to complete a specific activity. They can be found at libraries across the city and you can search for available kits using the online catalog at catalog.freelibrary.org.

» READ MORE: The best Free Library events for kids in Philadelphia

The city’s longest-running after-school program, LEAP provides students with homework help and hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Plus, foster a love for reading in students. LEAP programs are provided all throughout the city at local libraries. If you’re interested in LEAP programs for your child, contact your neighborhood library and follow LEAP on Instagram and Facebook at @flpleap.

Movie nights, anime showings, video game tournaments, karaoke, jewelry making, book clubs, weird soda taste tests — how much awesome stuff can one teen need? The Field Teen Center at Parkway Central Library is open weekdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is a haven for kids ages 12 to 18. It’s a great place for teens to hang out after school and get involved in activities that interest them.