Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library

Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library Located in historic Germantown, Northwest Regional was renamed in 2002 to honor the late Councilman Coleman. The library serves Northwest Philadelphia.

We provide access to much more than books, and can help you with technology and finding information!

All Free Library of Philadelphia locations will close early at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4. On Saturday, September ...
09/02/2026

All Free Library of Philadelphia locations will close early at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4. On Saturday, September 5, Coleman Library and other locations (see freelibrary.org/locations) will be open regular hours 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. All locations will be closed on Monday, September 7, for the Labor Day holiday.

Here is our full schedule for the month of September! A few highlights: ➡️High school students interested in applying to...
09/01/2026

Here is our full schedule for the month of September! A few highlights:

➡️High school students interested in applying to college, please join us on Tuesday, September 8, from 4:30-6:30, for our FAFSA Completion Workshop! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is used to apply for federal grants, loans, and other financial aid to help pay for a college degree. In this free workshop hosted by The Alexander Advantage, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about FAFSA and financial aid, get started on your application, and ask a college prep professional your financial aid questions. Parents & guardians welcome.

➡️Lives of Others: A Memoir Meet-up, our new book club, continues this month on Wednesday, September 16, 3:00-4:30 p.m., with Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. Discover new perspectives with us! Reading the book beforehand is encouraged but not required. Limited copies of the month’s selection will be available to check out at Coleman’s adult reference desk.

➡️On Tuesday, September 22, Philly Career Launch hosts a free career exploration workshop from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Explore careers that build on your strengths and interests and get hands-on experience with online resources, such as the Free Library’s database of training opportunities at careertraining.freelibrary.org. Boxed lunch provided. Registration is required. Go to tinyurl.com/Coleman-Career-Exploration or click the link in our bio.

➡️On Tuesday, September 29, join us at 5:30 p.m. for a live performance by Patricio Acevedo, whose music invokes the traditions of his native Chile, fluent in poetry and vibrant melodies. His haunting harmonies and melodies are derived from dedicated studies of the music from Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Trova Cubana and of course Chile. The combination of all these influences give Patricio’s music a refreshing nuance and unique expression on the World Music stage. All ages welcome! A Historic Heritage Month program.

➡️Finally, please note that starting September 11, Let’s Art: Collage Your Family Story is moving to a new time—still Friday, but now at 3:00-4:30 p.m.

High school students interested in applying to college, please join us on Tuesday, September 8, from 4:30-6:30, for our ...
09/01/2026

High school students interested in applying to college, please join us on Tuesday, September 8, from 4:30-6:30, for our FAFSA Completion Workshop! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is used to apply for federal grants, loans, and other financial aid to help pay for a college degree. In this free workshop hosted by The Alexander Advantage LLC, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about FAFSA and financial aid, get started on your application, and ask a college prep professional your financial aid questions. This workshop is for college-bound students and their parents or guardians to attend together.

The Free Library’s 2026 College Prep program series is made possible through the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers.

Here is our schedule for the week of August 31-September 5! Aside from our regular offerings, some things to note: TUESD...
08/31/2026

Here is our schedule for the week of August 31-September 5! Aside from our regular offerings, some things to note:

TUESDAY, September 1
➡️1:00-3:00 p.m. Neighborhood CAC: Work SuccessPhilly/Hiring Bus. Come meet the Office of Human Resources at your Neighborhood Community Action Center (Action Center 8) and have 1-on-1 time with a Human Resources Professional every month. In front of the library

FRIDAY, September 4
➡️1:00 p.m. Closing early for the holiday

SATURDAY, September 5
➡️Open 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. as usual

Joseph E. Coleman Library is honoring the memory of Dolly Parton. Especially close to our hearts is her Imagination Libr...
08/27/2026

Joseph E. Coleman Library is honoring the memory of Dolly Parton. Especially close to our hearts is her Imagination Library, which has promoted childhood literacy for more than 30 years by distributing millions of free books to children. Please stop by the Dolly Parton Imagination Station on the 2nd floor to see books & other materials that touch on just a few of the things that she created and loved.

Here is our schedule for the week of August 24-29! Aside from our regular offerings, some things to note:SATURDAY, Augus...
08/24/2026

Here is our schedule for the week of August 24-29! Aside from our regular offerings, some things to note:

SATURDAY, August 29
➡️12:00-1:00 p.m. Black Imagination Book Club. Join poet Lindo Jones for a new take on book clubs. This one will explore Black imagination using graphic novels, sci-fi, fantasy, and comics. There is no reading commitment, just come to the library, pick up something that catches your eye, read for about 10 to 20 minutes and then talk about what came up for you. We will be meeting on the 2nd floor.

Please note: the summer meal program (M-F, 12-1 p.m.) at Joseph E. Coleman Library for students enrolled in pre-K throug...
08/18/2026

Please note: the summer meal program (M-F, 12-1 p.m.) at Joseph E. Coleman Library for students enrolled in pre-K through 12th grade ends THIS FRIDAY, August 21. The fall schedule begins on Monday, August 24. Meals will be served after school from 3:30-4:30 Monday-Friday. This program is a federally funded Child Nutrition Program sponsored by Nutritional Development Services.

Here is our schedule for the week of August 17-22! Aside from our regular offerings, some things to note:TUESDAY, August...
08/17/2026

Here is our schedule for the week of August 17-22! Aside from our regular offerings, some things to note:

TUESDAY, August 18
➡️1:00-4:00 p.m. Community Action Center: Water Department Office Hours. Representatives from the PWD will be holding office hours in your Neighborhood Community Action Center (Action Center 8) here at the library. Community members are welcome to drop in in for one-on-one consultations with the department for assistance getting water service in your name, general water bill account questions, scheduling meter appointments, addressing water service issues, signing up for water bill assistance, and more.

THURSDAY, August 20
➡️3:00-4:30 p.m. Lives of Others: A Memoir Meet-up. Join our new memoir book club to explore diverse life journeys of resilient and inspiring people. Each session will offer engaging discussions and space to share experiences with other readers. Discover new perspectives with us! Reading the book beforehand is encouraged but not required. Join every month or whenever you are available.

SATURDAY, August 22
➡️1:00-2:30 p.m. Meet the Scientists: Learn About the Forces of Life. Science conversations should be community conversations! Join scientists from the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology to learn about their research, have two-way discussions with scientists, and participate in a hands-on demonstration of how cells respond to physical forces. Snacks will be provided and the first 20 attendees will receive a giveaway! For adults and teens

Join us at Coleman Library on Saturday, August 22, 1:00-2:30 p.m., to Meet the Scientists & Learn About the Forces of Li...
08/14/2026

Join us at Coleman Library on Saturday, August 22, 1:00-2:30 p.m., to Meet the Scientists & Learn About the Forces of Life. Science conversations should be community conversations! Join scientists from the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology to learn about their research, have two-way discussions with scientists, and participate in a hands-on demonstration of how cells respond to physical forces. Snacks will be provided and the first 20 attendees will receive a giveaway! For adults and teens
Engineering Mechanobiology STC

Check out our new PUZZLE table at Coleman! Unwind and help piece together a rotating selection of colorful, inspiring, a...
08/13/2026

Check out our new PUZZLE table at Coleman! Unwind and help piece together a rotating selection of colorful, inspiring, and (currently) delicious puzzles. Grab a sunny window seat and help complete the “Mexican Table.” No experience necessary; just bring your determination. Let’s get it together!

Address

68 W Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19144

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 7pm
Tuesday 11am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(215) 685-2150

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share