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!

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!

Take FREE ESL classes at J.E. Coleman Library! If you’re interested in learning English for everyday skills, scan the QR...
08/12/2026

Take FREE ESL classes at J.E. Coleman Library! If you’re interested in learning English for everyday skills, scan the QR code or go to the link in the comments to complete the interest form. After you complete the form, a site administrator will reach out to you to let you know next steps, including scheduling a pre-test. Everyone must take a pre-test before joining an ESL class. Registration is required and seating is limited, so don’t wait to schedule your pre-test.

Intake/assessment sessions will be held at Coleman on Monday, August 17 (11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.) and Wednesday, August 19 (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)

These classes are available through a partnership between Community College of Philadelphia and the Free Library of Philadelphia.

The final SAT Prep Workshop in our FREE series will be held this Saturday, August 15, from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This in-...
08/11/2026

The final SAT Prep Workshop in our FREE series will be held this Saturday, August 15, from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This in-person practice exam hosted by The Alexander Advantage LLC will provide the opportunity to practice taking the complete SAT in a setting similar to a real testing environment. This free workshop is for high school students up to age 18. There is still time to sign up, but if you plan to attend, you MUST register at tinyurl.com/JEC-SATPrep to receive important instructions that you need to know BEFORE the workshop.

The Free Library of Philadelphia’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 10-15! Aside from our regular offerings, some things to note:MONDAY, August ...
08/10/2026

Here is our schedule for the week of August 10-15! Aside from our regular offerings, some things to note:

MONDAY, August 10
➡️4:00-6:00 p.m. Pizza and Perler Party! (Teens only) Please join us to exercise your creativity and eat some pizza! Come make a keychain with Perler (fuse) beads. You can use one of our patterns or create your own design. We’ll be upstairs on the third floor.

WEDNESDAY, August 12
➡️12:00-4:30 p.m. Commerce Department Office Hours. Representatives from the Commerce Department will be holding monthly office hours in your Neighborhood Community Action Center (Action Center 8) here at the library. Local business owners are welcome to drop in in for one-on-one consultations with the Commerce Department to learn about how the city can support you and your business.

FRIDAY, August 14
➡️1:00-3:00 p.m. Work SuccessPhilly. 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. In front of the library.

SATURDAY, August 15
➡️11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. SAT Prep Workshop-Proctored Practice Exam. This in-person practice exam hosted by The Alexander Advantage will provide the opportunity to practice taking the complete SAT in a setting similar to a real testing environment. This free workshop is for high school students up to age 18. There is still time to sign up, but if you plan to attend, you MUST register at tinyurl.com/JEC-SATPrep to receive important instructions that you will need BEFORE the workshop.

Teens, please join us at Coleman Library on Monday, August 10 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. to exercise your creativity and eat so...
08/06/2026

Teens, please join us at Coleman Library on Monday, August 10 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. to exercise your creativity and eat some pizza! Come make a fun design with Perler (fuse) beads. You can try one of our patterns or create your own design. We’ll be upstairs on the third floor.

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

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