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.” 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!
Below is the walking route, along with some notable facts about the Little Free Library at each stop. Scrolling down you’ll find a photo of the map and a link to Google maps to upload to your phone. This LFL crawl will take us past several Little Free Libaries near schools, so grab a bag and some books (including children’s books!) of your own to share and let’s get going.
1. Starting Things Off with Hot Chocolate at Rim Cafe
Begin your day at Rim Cafe at 1172 South 9th Street, a quirky neighborhood spot brimming with chocolate goodness and amusing decor. Rim is famous for its exceptional espresso, seriously decadent hot chocolates, and the owner’s penchant for turning coffee-making into performance art. They were even featured on Food Network! 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!
2. Stroll to Gold Star Park for the First Little Free Library Stop
From Rim Cafe, walk East a few blocks to Gold Star Park—a small, tree-lined pocket park that offers a quick breath of fresh air in an otherwise bustling area. Here you’ll find the first Little Free Library on our crawl – the “Gold Start Little Library” at 613 Wharton Street. 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.”
3. 710 Alter Street – Second Little Free Library
Next we’ll head north to find our second Little Free Library at 710 Alter Street. This LFL is tucked down a dead end street and is called the “Fantastic Fox Box.” Once you find it, open the little wooden door and see what literary treasures await. Like at any LFL, consider leaving a book of your own to keep the sharing spirit alive.
4. 601 Carpenter Street – Third Little Free Library
Continuing north, we’re going to zig zag through some Queen Village streets to find three Little Free Libraries near each other. The first one is at 601 Carpenter Street installed outside the Nebinger Elementary School yard. This Little Free Library was built by the Nebinger Elementry 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.
5. Fourth and Fifth Little Free Libraries
Veering West to 930 S. 8th Street, where you’ll find the fourth LFL of the day. 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.
Next, we’ll zag East to 601 Christian Street to check out the stock at the Philly Montessori School’s Little Free Library. This is a great spot to drop off some children’s books.
6. Stop 6 – Cianfrani Park Little Free Library
Head West on Christian and then North on 8th street until you run into Cianfrani Park. 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!
6. Last Little Free Library – Moonstone Preschool
Now let’s head West on Fitzwater Street until we get to 11th Street. There we’ll find the Moonstone Preschool LFL at 750 South 11th Street. Moonstone Preschool is right up our book-loving alley. It’s an arts-based early childhood education program born from a storytelling tradition. Pop in a book or two for the wee ones and maybe grab some historical fiction for yourself.
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.
6. We Can’t Skip a Bookstore!
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite let’s go check out some cookbooks! Head South on 11th Street to Christian and then East until just before you hit 9th Street. At Christian and 9th you’ll find Binding Agents Cook/Book Shop. While it’s not a Little Free Library I couldn’t help but include it on our crawl. It’s 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.
6. Now Let’s Eat: Mangia Mangia – Italian Market Here We Come!
With your arms (and maybe tote bags) full of new books for your TBR pile, it’s time to walk down 9th Street and 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:
- 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. 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!
Don’t forget to snap a photo to remember each stop—you’ll likely want to share your Philly adventure with friends, family, or fellow bibliophiles. Feel free to tag @thenoveltourist and share your haul!
Tips & Tricks for a Successful LFL Crawl
- Bring Extra Books: 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 2.4 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 (quickly) and then 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 a cheesesteak shop or two!
Why 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).
The Route on Google Maps
Here’s a link to the Little Free Library Crawl with Google map directions that you can follow on your phone. I hope you enjoy wandering the eclectic streets of South Philly’s Italian Market neighborhoods. Philly people are friendly! If you’re lucky enough to spend an hour or so on this Little Free Library crawl, you’ll leave with an appreciation of the neighborhood, a full stomach, and a tote bag full of books.
Go ahead and follow this route, or tweak it 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 thre are some in your own neighborhood!
If you loved this Little Free Library Crawl, I would appreciate it so much if you would snap a picture and share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #noveltourist and tagging me @thenoveltourist. I can’t wait to see your stash!
For more great bookish activities and literary pairings, be sure to follow me on Instagram or Facebook. If you live in the Philadlephia area and want to join us on an adventure, join The Novel Tourist Bookclub (free!) on Meetup or the Facebook group.
Happy reading, and Buon appetito!
