Event Archives

Mudras for Inner Balance

Canceled because of air conditioning problems. May be rescheduled.

Fridays, July 5, 19, 26 (no session July 12), 12:15 to 1 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Community Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Mudras are hand gestures that support physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.  Practiced for centuries, mudras focus on energy points in our bodies that can change how energy moves, which works to promote inner balance.  In this class, we’ll learn and practice several mudras each week that promote stillness and balance.  Come and enjoy a full body reset that is available at your fingertips!

About the instructor: Toby Calandra brings more than 20 years of experience in the therapeutic fields, first as a speech-language pathologist and then as a biodynamic craniosacral therapist. She strives to offer a space where people can experience and embody the power and wisdom within themselves.

Sponsored by The Friends of Falls of Schuylkill Library.

For more information please email outreachffsl@gmail.com

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Visual Playwriting Workshops

Mondays, June 24 through July 29, 1 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

This program celebrates drawing as a form of storytelling, guiding students through the process of creating a story from beginning to end using a blend of images and words. Over the course of six classes, students will learn the different elements that make up a story (such as character, plot, and conflict), and different ways they can represent these elements using images to create a story of their own. While this program is great fit for visual learners or visual communicators, there is NO prerequisite for participating students to be artists. In fact, students will be encouraged to get ideas down on the page in clear, quick sketches which can range from single images of stick figures to drawing within storyboard panels to show the sequence of their story.

For students rising into grades 3 – 12. This Visual Playwriting session will run for six weeks on Mondays from June 24 through July 29, 2024, 1:00-2:30 pm. Please plan to attend all six. Led by Philadelphia Youth Playwrights teaching artist, Mr. Andre Jones and supported by the Friends of the Falls Library group. 

Registration required. To save your spot, click here to sign up.

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Eagles Eye Mobile at the Library

Friday, July 26, 10 AM to 2:30 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

This summer, the Eagles Eye Mobile – Powered by Vision To Learn – is providing no-cost eye exams and glasses to kids (in K – 12th Grade) who have previously failed a vision screening or are having vision problems. Visit this link to schedule an exam appointment for your child (between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) https://eem.intakeq.com/booking

For more information, please contact philadelphia@visiontolearn.org, or 215-339-6770.

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All About Mushrooms! with Philly Mycology Club

Tuesday, July 23, 5:30 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Explore fungal diversity and general mushroom morphology with members of the Philadelphia Mycology Club. This talk will serve as a beginner-friendly introduction to fungal identification and ecology. For more info, check out their website at https://phillymycoclub.com/about.

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Science in the Summer: Be a Robotics Engineer!

Thursday, July 25, 3 PM or Tuesday, July 30, 3 PM (choose one)
Falls of Schuylkill Library Community Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Big Question:  How can we design a rover’s arm to scoop up soil and rocks?

Kids entering grades 2 – 6 can be space scientists this summer at the Falls Library!  Science in the Summer is a free science education program that helps elementary school children “grow into science’, increasing their interest and confidence in doing science, and pursuing STEM careers.  We will provide engaging, hands-on activities and exploration which models various science professions.

Each class has a max of 20 participants; participation is first-come, first served and a waitlist will be generated. Each class will be offered twice – it will be the same curriculum for each, so only sign up for one. To sign up for the Thursday, July 25 session, click here. To sign up for the Tuesday, July 30 session, click here.

This program is a partnership between the Free Library and the Franklin Institute.  It will take place in the meeting room downstairs, please enter through the Midvale garden door.

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Science in the Summer: Be a Rocket Engineer!

Canceled due to Air Conditioning breakdown:

Thursday, August 8, 3 PM or Tuesday, August 13, 3 PM (choose one)
Falls of Schuylkill Library Community Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Big Question:  How can we design a rocket to fly as far as possible?

Kids entering grades 2 – 6 can be space scientists this summer at the Falls Library!  Science in the Summer is a free science education program that helps elementrary school children “grow into science’, increasing their interest and confidence in doing science, and pursuing STEM careers.  We will provide engaging, hands-on activities and exploration which models various science professions.

Each class has a max of 20 participants; participation is first-come, first served and a waitlist will be generated. Each class will be offered twice – it will be the same curriculum for each, so only sign up for one..  To sign up for the August 8 session, click here. To sign up for the August 13 session, click here.

This program is a partnership between the Free Library and the Franklin Institute.  It will take place in the meeting room downstairs, please enter through the Midvale garden door.

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Author Event:  Caroline Wiseblood-Meline, PhD

Tuesday, July 9, 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

THE CONSTANT DIETER: A Philosopher’s Guide to Conquering Chronic and Compulsive Overeating.

This unique book helps readers address four major obstacles to conquering chronic and compulsive overeating: not understanding the constraints on their will, not living in their creative true self, unconsciously working against their own aims, and not dieting realistically. The book offers an inspiring intellectual journey and a radically sane eating program, which can lead to long-term, desired change(s).

Philosophy professor Caroline Wiseblood Meline is a member of the Liberal Studies Faculty at Curtis Institute of Music.

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Science in the Summer: Be a Planetary Geologist!

Thursday, July 11, 3 PM or Tuesday, July 16, 3 PM (choose one)
Falls of Schuylkill Library Community Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Big Question:  How can we learn about landscapes on Mars where future astronauts might go?

Kids entering grades 2 – 6 can be space scientists this summer at the Falls Library!  Science in the Summer is a free science education program that helps elementrary school children “grow into science’, increasing their interest and confidence in doing science, and pursuing STEM careers.  We will provide engaging, hands-on activities and exploration which models various science professions.

Each class has a max of 20 participants; participation is first-come, first served and a waitlist will be generated. Each class will be offered twice – it will be the same curriculum for each, so only sign up for one. To sign up for the Thursday, July 11 session, click here. To sign up for the Tuesday, July 16 session, click here.

This program is a partnership between the Free Library and the Franklin Institute.  It will take place in the meeting room downstairs, please enter through the Midvale garden door.

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Science in the Summer: Be an Astrobiologist

Thursday, June 27, 3 PM or Tuesday, July 2, 3 PM (choose one)
Falls of Schuylkill Library Community Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Big Question:  How can we discover if a sample contains something alive?

Kids entering grades 2 – 6 can be space scientists this summer at the Falls Library!  Science in the Summer is a free science education program that helps elementrary school children “grow into science’, increasing their interest and confidence in doing science, and pursuing STEM careers.  We will provide engaging, hands-on activities and exploration which models various science professions.

Each class has a maximum of 20 participants; participation is first-come, first served, and a waitlist will be generated.  Each class will be offered twice – it will be the same curriculum for each, so only sign up for one. To sign up for Thursday, June 27, 3 PM , please click here.  To sign up for the Tuesday, July 2, 3 PM session, click here.

This program is a partnership between the Free Library and the Franklin Institute.  It will take place in the meeting room downstairs, please enter through the Midvale garden door.

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Children’s Author Reading: The Adventures of Yin and Yang Storytime

Tuesday, June 25, 1:30 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Join us in the children’s area for a reading of The Adventures of Yin & Yang: Snoppje and the Pizza Box, by local author Susan Hermse Schaefer.  Find out what happens when two set-in-their ways cats, and their loving humans find a new companion in the most unlikely of places.  Stick around for fun, related coloring pages!

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Tai Chi

Tuesday, June 18, 5:30 PM
Tuesday, June 25, 11:30 AM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Center your mind and get in touch with your spirit doing Tai Chi with Deanna McLaughlin. A combination of self-defense and qigong, this elegant mind/body discipline is a moving energy meditation. A graceful series of movements performed in slow motion, Tai Chi is easy on the joints and is a powerful stress reliever. Among other conditions, it can address improper posture, muscle tension, and mental stress. This program is free, and open to all ability and skill levels. Please dress comfortably.

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Dog Safety for Kids ages 5 and up: Part 2, Canine Body Language

Monday, June 11, 5 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Join Lisa Cruz and her Assistance Dog for part 2 of a 2 part series on dog safety. Part 2 is about reading canine body language to know when it is safe to be around a dog, and when it is best to walk away. This program is specifically geared for caretakers with children ages 5 and up, but everyone is welcome.  

Lisa is a Kids Around Dogs Approved Professional, and her Assistance Dog is a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen.

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The Claymobile at the Library

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 2 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

The Claymobile is a pop-up ceramics studio. Participants will learn skills from The Clay Studio’s professional teaching artists using clay to nurture imagination, critical thinking, and persistence. All materials will be provided and space may be limited. For ages 5 and up.

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CPR Training

Friday, June 14, 1 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

This CPR training takes less than an hour and can double or triple a person’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest.  The training will be conducted by Lt. Claire Shuster, Mobile Integrated Health Unit of the Philadelphia Fire Department and will include an information session as well as hands-on practice.  Please note that this training does not offer certification. Click here for more information.

Registration is required, as only 20 participants can be accommodated. Register by email to info@eastfallsvillage.org

This program is sponsored by East Falls Village.

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Author Talk: Addie L. Robinson

Monday, June 17, 5:30 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Educator, Motivational Speaker and Founder of Ever-Evolving School of Ministerial Studies, Addie L. Robinson is author of the book A Queen Like Me: From Rags to Riches,

Join Dr. Addie Robinson as she reads excerpts from her inspirational, eye-opening and powerful read.  This book takes a look inside of one woman’s battle with some of life’s most dangerous and complicated issues. It allows the reader to understand, whatever they’re experiencing in their lives, can and will be fixed… if only they’ll listen to that small, still, guiding voice inside.

The reading will be followed by Q & A after which Dr. Robinson will be on hand to sign and sell copies of her book for those who wish to purchase.

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Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, June 10. 2024, 1 to 6 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

There is a critical need for blood donations in the region.  The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Can you help?

The event will be held in our meeting room from 1:00-6:00 PM. To schedule an appointment click here, or call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: Schuylkill Free Library.

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Dog Safety for Kids ages 5 and up: Part 1, Canine Interactions

Monday, June 3, 5 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Join Lisa Cruz and her Assistance Dog for part 1 of a 2 part series on dog safety. Part 1 focuses on how to be safe and respecttul when interacting with both familiar and unfamiliar dogs.  This program is specifically geared for caretakers with children ages 5 and up, but everyone is welcome.  

Part 2, How to Speak Dog (Canine body language – dogs have feelings too!) will take place on Tuesday, June 11 at 5:00 p.m.

Lisa is a Kids Around Dogs Approved Professional, and her Assistance Dog is a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen.

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Dog Safety for Kids ages 3 to 5

Tuesday, June 4, 10:30 AM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Join Lisa Cruz and her Assistance Dog to learn how to be safe and respectful when interacting with both familiar and unfamiliar dogs. This program is specifically geared for caretakers with children ages 3 – 5, but everyone is welcome.  

Lisa is a Kids Around Dogs Approved Professional, and her Assistance Dog is a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen.

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Fall Risk Screenings

Wednesday, June 5, 2 to 4 PM – drop in any time ’til 3:30
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Are you at risk for falling?  Drop in for free screenings administered by Occupational Therapy students from Jefferson University.  Drug interactions can increase the chance of falling, so optionally, bring a list of all your medications (including name, frequency, dosage, over-the counter meds) for a free review by Janet Eaton, RN and member of East Falls Village.  Click here to read more about falls and this program.

This program is sponsored by East Falls Village and will be held downstairs in the meeting room. Please use the Midvale entrance.

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Dog Safety for Kids ages 5 and up: Part 2, Canine Body Language

Monday, June 11, 5 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Join Lisa Cruz and her Assistance Dog for part 2 of a 2 part series on dog safety. Part 2 is about reading canine body language to know when it is safe to be around a dog, and when it is best to walk away. This program is specifically geared for caretakers with children ages 5 and up, but everyone is welcome.  

Lisa is a Kids Around Dogs Approved Professional, and her Assistance Dog is a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen.

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Yoga Story Time

Monday, May 20, June 3, 10, 17, 2024, 11 AM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Take a fun and playful yoga journey led by Sarah of Surya Moon Yoga!

We’ll learn individual and partner poses through songs and storytelling, all while building confidence, creativity, and strong, healthy bodies.  Children and caregivers will practice how to center themselves through breathing and relaxation. This class is designed for caregivers with kiddos aged 2 to 5 years old, but anyone is welcome.  Please bring your own yoga mat or beach towel to practice on.

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State Senator Vincent Hughes – Information Table

Thursday, May 23. 2024, 10 AM to 1 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Avenue entrance)

Senator Hughes, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, PCA and the Campaign for Working Families, will be signing seniors up for Property Tax/Rent Rebates in the meeting room; Midvale Avenue entrance.

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The Brave Little Tailor

Tuesday, May 14, 4 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Join Enchantment Theatre Company for a delightful tale from the Brothers Grimm about a feisty litle tailor who kills seven flies in one blow.  Impressed by his own accomplishment, he creates a sash with the words “Seven in One Blow” and wearing it, sets off to make his fortune. But, everyone he meets assumes that he has killed seven knights, not seven flies.  Faced with a series of challenges, the tailor rises to meet each one.  Using his pluck, courage and intelligence he defeats two evil giants, conquers a rampaging rhinoceros, saves the kingdom from a ferocious dragon, and wins the hand of the princess too! With expressive masks, life-size puppets, original music and imaginative scenic affects, Enchantment Theatre brings this beloved story to life in its uniquely magical way.

Children, teens, families and adults are welcome!

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Author Event: Stephanie Feldman

Monday, May 13, 5:30 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room – Midvale Ave. entrance

Join Stephanie Feldman for a reading and Q & Q about her most recent novel, Saturnalia, a fantasy-thriller set in a near-future Philadelphia.  

Stephanie Feldman is also the author of the award-winning novel The Angel of Losses.  She teaches fiction writing at Acadia Univerisity and the University of Pennsylvania.  She is co-editor of the multi-genre anthology Who Will Speak for America?.She lives outside of Philadelphia with her family.

This program is hosted by The Friends of Falls of Schuylkill Library, and will take place in the Community Room (use the Midvale Avenue entrance)

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East Falls Village Art Show

Friday, May 17, 1 to 4 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Ave. entrance)

East Falls Village’s popular Art Show returns to the library, showcasing our neighbors’ photography, needlework, model-making, pottery, painting, drawing and more.  Around twenty artists from our community will exhibit, including several Village members.  Come and wander, talk to the artists and admire their work.  Sorry, no on-site sales are allowed but feel free to ask the artists for their contact information.

Families are welcome and we will have some light refreshments. 

This program is hosted by East Falls Village.

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Give What You Want/Free Book Sale

Monday and Tuesday, May 6 and 7, 11 AM to 6:30 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room

See what treasures remain after our Spring book sale. Give what you want, or just take them. All proceeds will help support library programming and materials. 

Sale runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room and garden.

“The Ladies of the Street” with Thomas Keels

Wednesday, March 13, 2 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Ave. entrance)

Philadelphia’s “forgotten fair, The Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition of 1926 is remembered (if at all) as a crumbling, sodden, bankrupt mess.  One of its few bright spots was the “High Street of 1776,” a recreation of a Federal-era Market Street lined with 22 reconstructions of vanished historic structures.  Created by the Women’s Committee, the Street of 1776 was the Sesqui’s most popular single attraction, and one of the few to turn a profit.  “The Ladies of the Street” describes how Philadelphia women defied the corrupt Republican Organization to create some of the fair’s most memorable monuments.

About the speaker
Tom Keels is a lecturer, writer, and commentator specializing in Philadelphia history and architecture.  He has published seven books.  He has given lectures for many organizations in Philadelphia and beyond, including “Philadelphia’s Golden Age of Retail” and “Forgotten Philadelphia” in East Falls.  For many years, he’s been a tour guide at Laurel Hill Cemetery.  Click here to learn more about him.

Sponsored by East Falls Village and East Falls Historical Society

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Geology of the Wissahickon Park

Friday, March 15, 1 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Join PA Master Naturalist Lisa Myers for an introduction to the geology of the Wissahickon Park and forces that shaped what we see here today. We will explore the theory of plate techtonics, mineralogy, and the rock cycle. There will also be a display of books and a local rock specimen collection to browse

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Stroke Prevention Techniques

Wednesday, March 27, 2 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Learn the warning signs of a stroke – BE FAST – and how acting FAST could save a life and make recovery easier for the survivor.

Dawn Stewart, Stroke Care Coordinator at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, will explain:

• The types of strokes
• How an advanced primary stroke center like Roxborough works
• How to prevent stroke with medical management and lifestyle changes

This program is FREE and is open to all – no registration needed!

This program is coordinated by East Falls Village.

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Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!

Mon, April 8, 3 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library – Midvale Garden

Witness a solar eclipse!  At 3:23 p.m., the moon will block about 90% of the sun for viewers of the greater Philly area. 

We will provide  glasses for safe solar viewing on a first come, first served basis and also have family-friendly activities.  Meet us in the library garden on Midvale.

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Movie Nights – watch for the next ones!

Author Talk/Haiku Workshop: Marshall James Kavanaugh

Tuesday, April 9, 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Come on out to celebrate National Poetry Month with local author Marshall James Kavanaugh who will share excerpts from his book, Travel by Haiku: Vol. 6-10, Far Out on the Road with Friends which has been described as “a modern ode to the community found on the road, written by six navigators of its far reaches over the course of three separate road trips” through the American southwest,  a jaunt up the Pacific Coast , and trek into the Rockies ending in Glacier National Park in Montana. Kavanaugh is a dream laborer of words and various art forms used to create poetic dream spaces for his readership to explore.

He has performed his poetry at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Contemporary, and Philadelphia International Airport. He has published two collections of short stories, several small chapbooks of travel fiction, and a previous collection of haikus with the small press, A Freedom Books. This event is part author talk, part Q & A, part haiku workshop, and attendees will be invited to get hands-on in writing their own poem story.

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Hip Hop Jazz Musicology

Monday, February 26, 5:30 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Join us for an Interactive experience of the evolution of Black American music for a hip hop influenced audience. This program is suitable for all audiences.

li Richardson, a.k.a. Text Rich Ali, is a music educator based in Philadelphia. Great for all ages and audiences of all backgrounds, Hip-Hop Jazz Musicology creates an effective space where youth and adults can relate and appreciate musical experiences through staged reenactments, role play, and live performances.

This workshop explores how the music genre of Hip-Hop, so beloved by today’s students, relates to it’s predecessors like Gospel, Jazz and Blues and how each of these musical genres can be a remarkable window into the history of the United States and the African-American experience.

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Mobile Office Hours: Office of State Representative Tarik Khan

Tuesday, March 5, 4 to 7 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library, Main Floor (Warden Dr. entrance)

The staff of PA House of Representatives Tarik Khan will be at the branch to provide local support for state services. Neighbors are welcome to come seek help with unemployment issues, renewing/applying for their senior SEPTA card, and more. Notary services will not be available here. Walk-ins welcome. We’ll be here, on the main floor, to help from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

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Chinese New Year 2024

Monday, February 5, 2 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library – Meeting Room

Come and join us as Falls resident Paul Lee tells us the meaning of Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year is celebrated by a fifth of the world’s population and is a fifteen-day holiday that has been celebrated all over the world for thousands of years.  We’ll learn about its symbols, the story behind the dragon dance, firecrackers, and, Chinese Zodiac signs.  We promise a fun filled afternoon with some tasty treats related to this important holiday.  

This program is sponsored by East Falls Village and will take place in the Meeting Room.

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An Australian Odyssey: From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef

Monday, January 22, 1 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library – Meeting Room

In September 2023, Falls resident Juanita Ringer traveled with Road Scholar and explored Australia’s unique heritage. She is looking forward to sharing her Australian adventures with you.  She marveled at the astounding Outback, natural wonders, iconic architecture, Aboriginal art and culture, and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.  The cities she visited included Melbourne, Alice Springs, Cairns, and Sydney. 

This program is sponsored by East Falls Village and will take place in the Meeting Room.

Read with a Dog

Mondays, March 11, April 1, 4 PM
Falls of Schuylkill Library

Young readers can come meet Daisy, a certified therapy dog, and share a story with her. Children can practice reading out loud, in a safe, judgment free space. Daisy loves to hear stories! Space may be limited.

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Stories and Songs for Babies and Toddlers

Wednesdays through April 24, except April 17, 10:15 AM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room (Midvale Ave. entrance)

Join Ms. Grace for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces perfect for infants and toddlers along with their caregivers!  Free play with baby-friendly toys will wrap up the program. Siblings welcome. 

Read, Baby, Read is a series of programs focused on language and literacy development for babies and toddlers, and their caregivers.  Read, Baby, Read is made possible by a grant from the William Penn Foundation.

We will meet in the downstairs meeting room, please use the Midvale entrance through the garden.

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Canticuentos: Spanish Stories & Songs with Ana

Every Friday through March 22, 10:15 AM
Falls of Schuylkill Library Meeting Room – Midvale Ave. entrance

Join local storyteller Ana Atach for Canticuentos!

We’ll explore songs and stories in Spanish, with a new animal theme each week. Feel free to bring your own animal toy to play along.  We will follow this with time for free play and socializing with Ms. Grace. No Spanish 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.  Canticuentos will be held in the downstairs Meeting Room.  Please enter through the side Midvale door.

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