Adult Basic Literacy Classes

Kingsessing Library is hosting Adult Basic Literacy Classes starting Wednesday, October 21, at 12 PM. It's a free program for adults looking to work on their basic literacy skills, and it's not just a one-off—there's another session on Monday, November 2, also at 12 PM.

The library is at 1201 South 51st Street in the Kingsessing neighborhood. It's a Carnegie library, the 22nd built in Philadelphia, and it first opened its doors on November 29, 1919. It's been through a couple of updates since then: one in 1999 as part of the 'Changing Lives' campaign and another in 2025 under the 'Rebuild' campaign. That most recent work added outdoor features like a story circle and an Indego bike station, while keeping the historic front facade intact.

The neighborhood itself has a deep history. Kingsessing comes from the Indian word Chincessing, which means 'bog meadow' or 'place of the big shells.' First mentioned in 1667, it was the first village within Philadelphia's territory. Nearby is Bartram's Garden, which John Bartram established in 1730 and is now the oldest botanical garden in the country. These classes are made possible through the support of Comcast NBCUniversal.

So, if you're looking to brush up on your reading and writing, the first session is Wednesday, October 21, at 12 PM at Kingsessing Library, 1201 South 51st Street, with a second session on Monday, November 2, at 12 PM. It's free.