“A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them.”
― Lemony Snicket, Horseradish
Falls of Schuylkill Library
Spring Hours
Monday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
☎️FSL direct extension:
(215) 685-2093
☎️FLP help number:
1-833-TALK FLP (825-5357)
Falls of Schuylkill Library
Upcoming Holiday Closings
Falls of Schuylkill serves the community of East Falls with a variety of programs for all ages. Childrens Programs are held in the downstairs meeting room (Midvale Avenue entrance). Some select samples of programs offered include:
👶🏻Stories and Songs for Babies and Toddlers
Wednesday, March 25 at 11:00 AM
Join Ms. Grace for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces perfect for babies and children under 5, along with their caregivers! Free play with baby-friendly toys will wrap up the program. Siblings are welcome.
🧘🏻Gentle Yoga
Saturdays, March 28, April 4, 11, 18 at 2:00pm
This yoga series is for all levels of practice and beginners are welcome. The classes are centered on gentle movement, tension release, breathing and mindfulness and are led by certified yoga instructor Al Fung.
🎶Jack McCarthy: A Century of Music Under the Stars
Tuesday, April 14 at 5:30 PM
Join us for a discussion of the recently released book A Century of Music Under the Stars: A History of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts and Robin Hood Dell with the author, Jack McCarthy.
📖Shiruli שירולי Hebrew Storytime
Wednesdays, April 8, 15, 22, May 6, 13, 27, and June 10 at 11:00 AM
Join local storyteller Ana Atach for Shiruli שירולי Hebrew Storytime! We’ll explore songs and stories in Hebrew, with a new animal theme each week. Feel free to bring your own animal toy to play along. No Hebrew language skills are needed – it will be a fun and interactive time for all. This program is intended for ages 0 to 5 years old, along with a caregiver. Siblings are welcome.
A bit unbelievable that after two recent snow storms, we find ourselves at the ledge of March 21 st and the arrival of Spring.
For those who have not yet heard the news, our district Councilman Curtis Jones pledged $500,000 at our Annual Meeting in December for a new HVAC system and an upgrade to an ADA compliant rest room on the lower level of the library adjacent to the Meeting Room. The letter has been signed and the funds have been earmarked from the city budget into the budget of Property Management of the Free Library of Philadelphia…Continue reading the President’s Message here.
From the Desk of:
Falls of Schuylkill Librarian, Jenn Estepp
Happy almost spring, Friends! As I write this – a few weeks before publication – it’s still fairly chilly, but I’m definitely ready for more sunshine and warmer temperatures. Traditionally, spring is a time of renewal and rebirth and we hope that that will be the case for our library – we could use it, after a pretty trying winter (and fall, and summer … Continue reading From the Reference Desk here.
The Fiber Arts and Sit and Stitch groups were initiatives of the Community Outreach and Engagement Committee of the Friends of the Falls of Schuylkill Library.
The goal of both groups is to build a strong, vibrant, diverse and inclusive community through any and all fiber crafts and arts. These modalities include, but are not limited to, knitting, crocheting, quilting, needlepoint, sewing, weaving, felting and embroidery. Participants are passionate and can answer questions, give tips, and share some basics. All skill levels are welcome.
The Tuesday afternoon Fiber Arts group was started in 2023 and the Saturday
morning Sit and Stitch group began in 2025. The dedicated participants of these groups are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all and will continue to work toward supporting all of the people who participate in these meet ups so that the fiber traditions continue and flourish. The group is committed to enhancing the experiences, opportunities and safety of participants by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment.
Whether you have lived in East Falls for a while or are a newcomer to the neighborhood, live or work in a nearby neighborhood, are a social butterfly or a quiet introvert, the intent is to maintain a fiber arts space that that is respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, (dis)ability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, culture and fiber arts skills levels.
The Fiber Arts group meets Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sit and Stitch meets on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Both meet in the adult area of the library. Bring a portable craft project (knitting, crochet, hand-sewing, embroidery, etc.) that you are working on and join us.
Curious or have questions, email fallsfriendsfiberartsgroup@gmail.com
-Martha Fuller and Ernestine Banas, coordinators for the Fiber Arts group
🌻Garden Committee Update🌻
The holly trees and weeping crabapples in the library garden have been pruned now that snow has receded. Little yellow winter aconites are blooming and bulbs are breaking ground.
Spring will be here soon so sign up to volunteer in the garden this season. We want you to join us. The garden is maintained by community members for all to enjoy.
See you in the garden!
Nancy Pontone
Andrea Sunderland
Co-Chairs Garden Committee
🚨Advocacy Committee Update and THANK YOU🚨
The Advocacy Committee would like to take a moment to thank everyone who supported our recent petition to Curtis Jones on behalf of the Falls of Schuylkill library. Thanks to your efforts, the City of Philadelphia, in partnership with Councilman Curtis Jones, has committed $500,000 to our Falls of Schuylkill Library to repair the HVAC. In addition to updating the cooling system, an ADA-accessible bathroom for the downstairs portion of the library is also in the budget.
The Advocacy Committee will continue to press the city for maintenance updates, and whether you signed the petition, circulated it with neighbors or attended the annual meeting, your efforts mattered!
Thank you for advocating for the Falls Library, a vital community space in East Falls!
Get more involved with advocacy efforts by emailing Neha Pancholi and Karla Irwin at advocacyffsl@gmail.com. Future actions include advocacy during the upcoming spring budget season.
If you are interested in participating in budget efforts for libraries and learning about citywide advocacy efforts, please contact us at advocacyffsl@gmail.com.
-Neha Pancholi & Karla Irwin, Co-Chairs, Falls Library Advocacy Committee
The library has multiple free programs this Spring with programs for all ages.
Click here to check the library website for any updates to the verify the specifics of which space/time changes for each event.
🧶Fiber Arts🧶
Tuesdays at 2:00 PM
Stop by the library and bring a portable craft project (knitting, crochet, hand-sewing, embroidery, etc) that you are working on. Don’t know how, but want to learn to hand-craft from others who are passionate about their work? Stop in to watch and learn some basics.
✒️Falls Writing Group✒️
Tuesdays at 5:30 PM
Connect with other writers for motivation, accountability, and inspiration via free writing, prompts and writing games, group sharing, feedback sessions and more. This will be a positive and non-judgmental community open to writers of all genres and skill levels.
🪡Sit and Stitch🪡
Saturdays at 10:30 AM
Join us for a casual, drop-in meet-up for crafters of all varieties and levels. Bring your own knitting, crochet, embroidery, or other project for socializing and inspiration.
📚Avid Reader’s Circle📚
Fridays, April 17, May 15, June 12 at 11:00 AM
Join us for a new unconventional book club, with no assignments. Chat about what you’ve been reading, get suggestions for new reads, and connect with other readers about all things bookish!
🎲Board Game Cafe🎲
Saturdays, May 9, June 10
at 2:00-4:00 PM
Enjoy board games? Looking to socialize, meet up with neighbors, and have fun?
Bring your favorite board games or enjoy one of the many owned by the library, including familiar favorites. Every Board Game Café will include one or two tables for playing (and learning) Mah Jong. Want to learn, but don’t know how? No worries, come learn the game, Chinese style. Starting in June, there will be an instructor on hand to teach the game, “American style.”
Light refreshments will be served but feel free to bring your favorite snacks.This program is hosted and sponsored by the Friends of the Falls of Schuylkill Library, and will take place in the Meeting Room; please use the Midvale Avenue entrance.
🪴New Class! Container Gardening with
Native Plants🪴
Wednesday, March 25 at 2:00 PM
Container gardening is ideal for Philadelphians with limited space or mobility limitations. You can use a variety of locations – including window boxes, doorways, steps, decks, patios, balconies and rooftops. And, containers in established gardens add extra and unique design elements to the space. Native plants can thrive in containers and will allow you to create small-scale habitats for pollinators and birds, bringing nature in your urban greenspace.
This presentation, by Penn State Extension Master Gardener Barbara Mancini, will provide beginners and experienced gardeners with information and practical tips on container gardening. Topics covered include placement considerations, container types, potting mixes, choosing and sourcing plants, design concepts, and how to care for your native container plants. Resources and handouts will be provided.
This program is presented in conjunction with East Falls Village and will take place in the library meeting room.
🧘🏻♀️Gentle Yoga🧘🏻♀️
Saturdays, March 28, April 4, 11, 18 at 2:00 PM
This yoga series is for all levels of practice and beginners are welcome. The classes are centered on gentle movement, tension release, breathing and mindfulness and are led by certified yoga instructor Al Fung.
Classes are based on sequences typical of Vinyasa flow, done with care and precise alignment, with the hopes that it will bring your practice something exquisite and life-giving.
📖Falls Book Club📖
Mondays at 5:30 PM
Join the Falls Book Club – one of the Free Library’s longest running programs. The group is open to all and new members are welcome.
💓Stop the Bleed Training and
Blood Pressure Screening for All💓
Tuesdays, March 31, April 28, May 26 at 1:00 PM
Death due to traumatic bleeding can occur in less than 5 minutes. In under 1 hour, you can learn to save a life.
Individuals will receive formal Stop the Bleed training, which includes a presentation followed by hands-on practice of applying direct pressure, packing a wound, and using a tourniquet to stop bleeding. Presented by educators from Jefferson Health in the Meeting Room.
The granny square is a timeless crochet pattern – a classic that never goes out of style. In this program, you’ll learn to create the foundation for stunning blankets, totes, sweaters, and more! We’ll cover three different granny square motifs (classic, solid, and corner to corner) and two simple joining techniques (single crochet and slip stitch).
This class is for those who know the basics of crochet – how to chain and work single, half-double, and double crochet stitches.
Limited supplies available but feel free to bring your own. Space limited, preregistration strongly encouraged.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Falls of Schuylkill Library and will be taught by Jackie Brown @knitwithjackie, an experienced certified knitting and crochet instructor.
📜Paper Craft Club📜
Friday, April 10, Wednesday May 6 and June 3 at 1:00 PM
Explore the world of paper crafting, in this monthly meet-up, focused on crafts like collage, card making, junk journaling, and more! We will have a variety of supplies on hand, and you are welcome to bring your own projects and materials.
This will be a self guided program, we plan to have some ideas or samples for inspiration, but there won’t be any formal instruction.
🔍Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder🔍
Tuesdays at 4:00 PM
If you love mysteries and thrillers, join us for our book club!
✨Author Event: Jack McCarthy A Century of Music Under the Stars✨
Tuesday, Aprill 14 at 5:30 PM
Join us for a discussion of the recently released book A Century of Music Under the Stars: A History of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts and Robin Hood Dell with the author, Jack McCarthy.
Everyone has a memorable story about attending a performance at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts or the Robin Hood Dell—“the Mann” and “the Dell” to their many patrons. Lavishly illustrated with more than 200 images, meticulously researched, and engagingly written, this book reveals the fascinating inside story of Philadelphia’s premier outdoor concert venues on the eve of the Mann’s 50th Anniversary.
Jack McCarthy is a longtime Philadelphia archivist and historian who has held leadership positions at several area historical institutions and directed a number of major archives and public history projects. He has written extensively on the history of Philadelphia music, industry in Philadelphia, and Northeast Philadelphia. He is the author of In the Cradle of Industry and Liberty: A History of Manufacturing in Philadelphia, numerous articles for the Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, and was a major contributor to The Philadelphia Music Book: Sounds of a City. He has served as a consulting archivist and historian for The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, and the Philadelphia Jazz Legacy Project.
✂️Paper Dolls Then and Now✂️
Thursday, May 7 at 2:00 PM
Do you remember paper dolls from your childhood? Perhaps you cut them out and played with them, or you remember someone else in your family doing that.
Paper dolls have a fascinating history! Come hear all about it in this presentation from paper doll enthusiast and collector Martha Raively. Enjoy a slide show exploring the history of paper dolls in the U.S., along with a hands-on display of paper dolls from the 1940s to the present, from her collection.
Jenna Musket, President
Mary Jean Cunningham, Vice President
Ann Wiley, Treasurer
Mamie Doyle Manella, Recording Secretary
Jenn Estepp, Branch Librarian, ex-officio
Committees and chairs
Advocacy – Neha Pancholi, Karla Irwin
Archives – Peggy Gertz
Book Case Sales – Martha Fuller
Book Sale – Beth Hymel & Emily Bongiorno
Building – Rich Matkowski
Community Outreach & Engagement – Polly Edelstein, Cassy Krueger
Garden – Nancy Pontone & Andrea Sunderland
Governance and Nominating – Connie Gillespie
Hospitality – Mary Jean Cunningham, Marie Filipponi
Membership – Jessica Herring
Marketing – Connie Gillespie
Social Media – Piyanut “La” Sripanawongsa, Jamie Winder
Technology – Nicolas Colarossi, Rich Lampert
Members of the Community Outreach and Engagement Committee
Emily Branch – Newsletter Editor
Polly Edelstein & Cassy Krueger – Committee Co-Chairs
Martha Fuller – Fiber Arts
Karla Irwin – Newsletter layout and design
Tali Satlow – Board Game Café co-host
Penny Scott – Outreach & Engagement
Piyanut “La” Sripanawongsa – Social Media (FB, IG) and co-host Board Game Café (Májiàng)
Thank you to our business members!
Joseph D. Boyle Agency;
The Fallser Club;
Connie Gillespie, Realtor, Elfant Wissahickon Realtors;
East Falls Family Dentistry;
Grim and Grove Communications;
McIlvaine Funeral Home;
Rossi Auto Repair;
ShopRite of Fox Street;
JT Ideations
Join the friends!
Ensure the library remains a vital center of lifelong learning for all the members of our East Falls community. Sign up online today!
We are looking for volunteers, too! All ages are welcome, email outreachffsl@gmail.com for more information.
