After seeing the redesign plans for McPherson Square Park and Library, residents asked for more shade, and requested the library stay open during construction.
Backpack season is underway! We’ve got lots of places for you to scoop up new school supplies before classes start – plus a few opportunities to get wet and cool off on hot days.
McPherson Square Library, which has been closed since June 21st due to a broken air conditioning system, may reopen by next Tuesday in time for a meeting with the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program.
(From left) Students Kacy, Kadiatcu and Fatounata Berthe prepare pancakes during an Edible Alphabet class, part of a free English language program, at Lillian Marrero Library on April 4, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
Happy early Independence Day. Here’s a list of Fourth of July-themed events happening across the city this week.
Anyway, here’s your weekly roundup.
Free Activities & Events
June 30
Intermediate English learning group conversation at Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) at 4:30 p.m. Advanced English speakers can meet and practice their language skills together.
July 1
Community build day at Scanlon Rec Center (1099 E Venango St.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mural Arts Philadelphia, Tiny WPA and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are partnering to clean the pool at Scanlon and build new amenities, including a new fence around the pool. Community members are invited to volunteer to help; snacks and refreshments will be provided.
July 2
Miniature Paint Day hosted by Hive 76 at 1821 E. Hagert St. from 7 to 10 p.m. Attendees can bring in miniature figures or small canvases or be supplied with them. Airbrushes, paintbrushes, and a high-resolution 3D printer are provided. Visit this link to register and learn more.
July 3
Yarn workshop at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to knit necklaces, scarves, hats and more.
July 4
Fourth of July giveaway hosted by Wanda Community Events Inc. on the corner of Jasper and Clarence streets from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be free food, goodie bags and more.
Weekly Events
Weekdays
Free summer activities hosted by Impact Services at McPherson Square Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 12 to 4 p.m. There will be arts & crafts, outdoor games and more.
Tuesdays
Free music production program hosted by Rock to the Future at The CORE (3222 H St.) from 4 to 5 p.m. Participants will learn how to produce music and will play it at the end-of-program listening party. The program will run from June 24 to August 12. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Thursday
Teen mentorship program hosted by Timoteo Sports at The CORE (3222 H St.) from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for teens ages 12 to 18 and provides participants with goal setting, character development and confidence building. Food will be provided. Visit this link to register your teen and learn more.
Monthly Community Meetings
Friends of McPherson meets every first Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave. Contact chalmerst@freelibrary.org for more information.
Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information.
Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St.
Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information.
Funding Opportunities
The Philadelphia Department of Commerce is offering its Small Business Catalyst Fund to qualifying small businesses. The grant for each business could go up to $50,000 and includes business education and technical support. To qualify, your business must be located in Philadelphia, be up to date on city taxes or have been approved for a tax payment agreement, and be registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
Lutheran Settlement House is hiring for several positions, including Administrative Assistant, Education and Youth Coordinator and Shelter Case Manager. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
Services
Free lunch giveaway at 3105 Gaul St. every week from Monday through Friday from 12 to 2 p.m. Lunch will not be served on July 4.
Khysir Carter is a multimedia journalist, writer, and editor from Kensington who covers community stories, builds local partnerships, and engages youth in finding their creative voice through writing and multimedia.
Backpack season is underway! We’ve got lots of places for you to scoop up new school supplies before classes start – plus a few opportunities to get wet and cool off on hot days.
