Philadelphia is a city brimming with hidden literary gems (and great food!) and nowhere is that more evident than in the vibrant neighborhoods south of Center City. A great way to get your steps in, share books, and pick up your next TBR all while getting to know Philly’s neighborhoods is by going on a “Little Free Library Crawl.”
There are two routes for this Little Free Library Crawl. Follow either one or tweak one to your liking by looking for other nearby LFLs on the LIttle Free Library world map website. There are countless corners to explore and little shelves to rummage through. I bet there are some in your own neighborhood!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Go on a Little Free Library Crawl?
- Planning ahead
- Tips & Tricks for Success
- The Stops
- Route Options
Why a Little Free Library Crawl?
You get your steps in and you get books. What better reason is there to go on a Little Free Library crawl?! Little Free Libraries are more than just tiny boxes stuffed with books— like all LFLs Philadelphia’s Little Free Libraries are symbols of community connection and shared resources. By visiting Little Free Libraries, you become part of the story, contributing to each neighborhood’s literary life and your own! Plus, exploring the Italian Market on foot is an experience in itself: from the sounds of the neighborhood to the irresistible aromas of fresh produce and sizzling meals, this is quintessential Philly (not to mention it’s role in the Rocky films).
I decided to start The Novel Tourist Book Club’s LFL adventures in South Philly’s Italian Market neighborhood. I mean, seriously, does anything scream Philly book nerd more than sipping hot cocoa while scouring side streets to give and recieve free books? Yea, I didn’t think so. Add in a delectable dinner in America’s oldest and continuously operating outdoor market and you’ll never want to leave!
Plan Ahead for your Little Free Library Crawl
If you plan in advance, stopping at your local thrift store, Goodwill, or Salvation Army is a great way to pick up a variety of inexpensive but in great shape children’s books to help stock Philadelphia’s Little Free Libraries. The LFLs that are tucked in by schools and daycare centers especially appreciate your contributions. I picked up quite a few popular children and middle years books on a recent thrift store stop and spent less than $5 for all of them.
LFLs are also great ways to maintain a rotating selection on your TBR pile. As you finish one, pop it in a bag to drop off on your next Little Free Library Crawl. You won’t come back empty handed!
Tips & Tricks for a Successful LFL Crawl
- Bring Books to Share: Part of the Little Free Library ethos is “take a book, share a book.” Bring a few of your own to keep these community troves well-stocked.
- Wear comfy shoes: The Italian Market area’s cobblestone, pavement, and bustling sidewalks can be tricky in heels. Go for comfy sneakers, and be prepared to walk, alot. This route is 2.1 flat urban miles.
- Budget Some Time: You’ll stumble upon so many distractions—from irresistible smells to adorable sidewalk cafés—that you’ll want to linger. Make sure you have at least an hour to crawl and then just as much time to eat and shop.
- Plan to eat: Alot! There are numerous delicious Italian and Mexican restaraunts dotting 9th street and, of course, you’ll find the infamous Pat’s and Geno’s cheesteak shops at the end of the market.
What You’ll Find on this LFL Crawl: The Stops
The Italian Market LFL Crawl is a loop. No matter which route you take you’ll be able to grab a chocolate volcano at Rim Cafe, visit 5 Little Free Libraries, hit up two bookstores and a plethera of unique shops in Philadelphia’s Italian Market. This LFL crawl will take you past several Little Free Libaries near schools, so be sure to grab some books (including children’s books!) of your own to share.
Chocolate Volcanos at Rim Cafe
The crawl begins at Rim Cafe at 1172 South 9th Street, a quirky neighborhood spot brimming with chocolate goodness and amusing decor. Rim is known for its exceptional espresso, seriously decadent hot chocolate known as the chocolate volcano, and the owner Renee’s penchant for turning coffee-making into performance art. Grab their famous hot chocolate volcano and a cannoli to fuel up for the day’s adventures. Oh, and you will definitely want to check out the bathroom while you’re there. It’s ummm…unique!
Little Free Libary at Gold Star Park
According to it’s creator, “[t]his Little Library was a labor of love for my dad and me over several rainy weekends in autumn. My dad, who is a mechanical engineer, was able to incorporate my design of the light going on when the Little Library’s door is opened. We installed the Little Library in our local park with a neighbor who wanted to be involved in the project and contributed to it by building the supporting pole, so this Little Library is also a labor of friendship.”
Little Free Library at 710 Alter Street
This LFL is tucked down a dead end street and is called the “Fantastic Fox Box.” This is one LFL that adds extra curb appeal to an already charming Philly rowhome. On our Little Free Library Crawl, the LFL’s owners happened to be leaving as we were peeking in to see the bookish goodies. They were so happy to see us enjoying their little free library.
Nebinger Elementary Little Free Library
This Little Free Library was built by the Nebinger Elementary School 8th Grade Graduating Class of 2019. It was part of a Lowe’s Toolbox Grant and holds the honor of being the first Class Gift from the Nebinger Elementary School. Books from the Volunteer-run school library fill the Little Free Library. Your own donation will be a welcome addition.
Bright Future Day Care LFL
This is not a registered Little Free Library but it’s definitely worth a visit especially to view the colorful mural twhich is its backdrop. Look for the orange newspaper delivery box labeled “Sidewalk Library.” Peek inside. It’s full of books!
Wave at the Momma Library!
On your crawl you’ll pass the Momma Library! Just kidding! It is a free library, but it’s the Charles Santore Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library. If you work in Philadelphia or live anywhere in Pennsylvania you can get a Philadelphia Free Library card. For free! Add it to your collection on the Libby app for access to free digital and audio books.
930 South 8th Street LFL
This one is tucked in front of a classic Philly rowhouse and is tended by Nancy Urbschat. Take a minute to chat with any neighbors who might be dropping by, and revel in the sense of community these Little Free Libraries foster.
Cianfrani Park Little Free Library
This urban oasis dating back to the 1960s is filled with curved walkways, blooming gardens, lovely benches and a statue of one of the only remaining original city seals. It also has one of the oldest active Friends groups in the Philadelphia Park Friends Network.
It was the Friends of Cianfrani Park with financial support from the Fairmount Park Conservancy and approval from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that created the park’s Little Free Library. The LFL was installed as a “bright new feature to our neighborhood” on October 11, 2020. Check out the library’s selection and then pop a squat on the nearby bench to make your choices!
We Can’t Skip a Bookstore or two!
* Binding Agents Cook/Book Shop (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Binding Agents Cook/Book Shop is a new indie bookstore and I’m happy to support that! Established in 2024, it calls itself “a book store for culinary enthusiasts.” This unique shop carries cookbooks as well as fiction books and also offers cooking classes. If you’re all about food inspiration, this stop is pure heaven. Pick up a cook book and then head to the Italian Market for the ingredients.
Don’t forget to share your love of Book Clubs and LFL’s by adding #NovelTourist and #LFLCrawl to your FB and IG posts!
* Molly’s Books and Records
Continue the Little Free Library crawl down 9th street into the heart of the Italian Market. About half way down or so (at 1010 S. 9th Street) on your right, you’ll see Molly’s. It’s very unassuming. But, step inside and you’ll be amazed! The place is full of used books and the shelves just keep going and going! It’s a great spot to search for that unique hard cover book to upcycle into a book clock as a gift for a book loving friend or to add to the decor of your own library.
Mangia Mangia – Italian Market Here We Come!
Immerse yourself in the Italian Market, one of America’s oldest continuosly operating open-air markets. Check out the fresh produce, cheese, and meat shops as you stroll down (or up!) 9th Street.
- Warm Up by the Barrel Fires: On chilly days between October and April, you may see open barrel fires stationed along the sidewalks. Did you know that there is actually a Philly ordinance that allows vendors in the Italian Market to maintain these little sources of street heat? Fire barrels are such the epitome of Rocky’s Philadelphia that snapping a pic near one is reason enough for doing this Little Free Library Crawl in the winter.
- Snack & Shop: Sample a cannoli or pick up fresh pasta from a family-run shop. Don’t miss the specialty butcher stores and bakeries brimming with Old World charm. Honestly, walking into some of these shops literally feels like you’ve stepped into Italy.
- Italian Market Visitors Center: Don’t forget to pop into the Italian Market Visitors Center at 919 S. 9th Street. Sadly, also closed on Sundays. Here, you can learn about the market’s history and evolution and maybe pick up a map or two. The staff often have great insider tips on where to sample the best cheeses, fresh pasta, or pastries.
- Street Art & Photo Ops: Keep an eye out for vibrant murals that celebrate the city’s history and cultural heritage. They are everywhere in South Philly!
Italian Market Little Free Library Crawl -Route Options
Option 1: East to North
—————— WALKING ROUTE (East to North) ——————
This Route takes you into the Italian Market at the end of the crawl. It’s 1.9 miles
Google Maps Link: Here’s a link to the Google Map walking directions for the Little Free Library Crawl East to North that you can follow on your phone.
Make sure it shows you the WALKING directions.
Please note that it may show you various options that differ from the description below but all the stops are accurate. Have fun exploring!
Start: Rim Café – 1172 South 9th Street – Grab your Hot Chocolate or Coffee to go! Tell them you’re a Novel Tourist Book Club member and you’ll get a free mini cannoli! (On Sunday, January 12, 2025 only)
Stop 1: Gold Star Park at 613 Wharton Street – Go South on 9th street, then LEFT on Wharton. You’ll see the park on your LEFT. Look in there for the LFL.
Stop 2: 710 Alter Street – Go through the Park north to Manton Street. Turn LEFT onto Manton, then RIGHT onto 7th St. Go a few blocks until you get to Alter. Turn LEFT onto Alter and find the LFL.
Stop 3: Nebinger Elementary School – Retrace your steps on Alter and then turn LEFT onto 7th Street, then RIGHT onto Washington Ave, LEFT onto S. 6th St. The LFL is on the same side as the school.
Stop 4: Bright Future Daycare – Retrace your steps south on 6th Street and make a RIGHT onto Carpenter Street. You’ll see a colorful mural. Look for the orange newspaper delivery box. Peek inside. It’s full of books!
Stop 5. 930 South 8th Street – Continue West on Carpenter Street (passing the Free Library of Philadelphia) and then turn RIGHT onto S. 8th Street. The LFL is halfway or so up the block on the left.
Stop 6: South 8th Street and Fitzwater (Cianfrani Park) – Continue North on S. 8th Street to Fitzwater. The next LFL on our Little Free Library Crawl is in the park.
Stop 7: Italian Market – From Cianfrani Park walk West on Fitzwater toward 9th Street and then turn LEFT onto 9th Street into the Italian Market. When you get to Christian Street look for the Binding Agents Cook/Book Shop and then contineu down 9th Street to poke around in the various shops.
Stop 8: Molly’s Books and Records 1010 S. 9th Street – This is a stop within the Italian Market that is sure to be a favorite of us book lovers!
After you leave Molly’s, continue the crawl South on 9th Stree through the market. Check out the meat shops and vegetable stands. Warm up by the burning barrels until you’re back at Rim Café. Grab another chocolate volcano for the ride home then kick back on your couch and enjoy your new books from the LFL Crawl!
Option 2: North to East
—————— WALKING ROUTE (North to East) ——————
This Route takes you from Rim Cafe North into the Italian Market and then East. It’s 1.8 miles.
Google Maps Link: Here’s a link to the Google Map walking directions for the Little Free Library Crawl North to East that you can follow on your phone.
Make sure it shows you the WALKING directions.
Please note that your map may show you various options that differ from the description below but all the stops are accurate. Have fun exploring!
Start: Rim Café – 1172 South 9th Street – Grab your Hot Chocolate or Coffee to go! Tell them you’re a Novel Tourist Book Club member and you’ll get a free mini cannoli! (On Sunday, January 12, 2025 only)
Stop 1: Molly’s Books and Records 1010 S. 9th Street – From Rim Café, head North on 9th Street (i.e. turn LEFT out the door) As you crawl through the Italian Market check out the meat shops and vegetable stands. Warm up by the burning barrels! Your first stop at Molly’s is sure to be a favorite of us book lovers!
Stop 2: South 8th Street and Fitzwater (Cianfrani Park): Continue North on S 9th Street until you get to Fitzwater. Turn RIGHT onto Fitzwater and go a block to 8th Street. The next LFL on our Little Free Library Crawl is in Cianfrani park.
Stop 3: 930 South 8th Street: From the park, go South on 8th Street until you get to the LFL at 930 S. 8th St.
Stop 4: Nebinger Elementary School Continue South on 8th St. for ½ block and turn LEFT onto Carpenter. Go to S. 6th St. and turn LEFT. The LFL is on the west side of 6th Street on the same side as George W. Nebinger School.
Stop 5. Bright Future Daycare: Retrace your steps south on 6th Street and make a RIGHT onto Carpenter Street. You’ll see a colorful mural. Look for the orange newspaper delivery box. Peek inside. It’s full of books!
Stop 6: 710 Alter Street: Continue on Carpenter until you get to S. 7th St. Turn LEFT onto 7th and continue until you get to Alter. Turn RIGHT onto Alter and find the LFL.
Stop 7: Gold Star Park at 613 Wharton Street: Retrace your steps on Alter St. and turn RIGHT onto S. 7th St and then LEFT onto Manton St. You’ll see the park on your left. Pop in and look for the LFL.
End at Rim Café: Continue through the park and turn RIGHT onto Wharton St. and then a RIGHT onto S. 9th St. (You could also retrace your steps to Federal and make a LEFT and follow it to 9th). You’ve now returned to Rim Café. Grab a Chocolate Volcano for the road and then chill out on your couch reading the books you got from the crawl!
Photo Challenge!
No Little Free Library Crawl is complete without a challenge! See if you can meet the test! Photos should be fun and lighthearted. No need for perfection! Share your pics using #NovelTourists and #LFLCrawl for a chance to be featured on our page!
- Snap a pic of you and your chocolate volcano or coffee
- Take a group or solo selfie in front of Little Free Library
- Find the most colorful book and take a pic
- Pose in front of a mural
- Take a selfie with a book that has the word “Little” or “Free” or “Adventure”
- Capture your favorite LFL design/colors
- Take a “reading” photo – someone pretending to read on the spot
Wanna Be Social?
I hope you enjoy wandering the eclectic streets of South Philly’s Italian Market neighborhood. Share your pics using #NovelTourists and #LFLCrawl for a chance to be featured on our page!
For more great bookish activities and literary pairings, be sure to follow The Novel Tourists Book Club on Instagram or Facebook. If you live in the Philadelphia area and want to join us on a literary adventure, join The Novel Tourist Bookclub (free!) on Meetup or the Facebook group.
Happy reading, and buon appetito!
