The Free Library has aimed to open all 55 of its Philadelphia area branches six days a week for years, and that soon come to fruition, writes Jacob Brown for WHYY.

The Free Library system is close to finalizing its goal.

Currently, 25 of the Free Library’s 55 branches are open six days a week.

“By the fall, we believe we will have a full complement of branches open six days a week, which means all of them,” said Kelly Richards, the Free Library’s President and Director.

For much of the year, Saturday service is crucial to helping give students access to technology and library resources when they are not in school. During the summer, the Free Library also provides a place to take a break from the heat.

Since beginning his role at the helm of the Free Library in early 2022, the number of library employees have jumped from 650 to 980. Over that same time period, the library’s operating budget has increased from $41 million to $72 million.

With six-day service at all Free Library locations closer to coming to fruition, there is already a vision toward committing to seven-day service at Central Library, three regional Libraries, and up to five additional neighborhood libraries.

“The Free Library is rolling, we’re moving.” Richards said.

Read more about the Free Library’s future plans at WHYY.

_____