Explore a World of Books in Your Language
Reading in your native language not only allows you to relish a good story but also supports cultural exploration and family bonding. The Free Library of Philadelphia’s World Languages Collections feature books both originally written in languages like Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Polish, and others, as well as translations into these languages.
These collections are designed to broaden reading access for Philadelphia’s diverse communities, offering chances to connect with one’s language and culture, engage in family reading, or practice a new language.
Below are highlighted libraries that have incorporated Spanish books into their collections. Although selections vary, they cater to different ages and interests. Explore each library’s offerings to find your next favorite read.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our book lists, curated by the Languages and Learning team and Free Library staff.
Locate Spanish Books and Materials Near You
Visit these libraries to find a story that you’ll be eager to take home.
Kensington Library
Situated near the York-Dauphin station of the L Line (Market-Frankford), Kensington Library serves the Kensington, West Kensington, Norris Square, and surrounding communities. Explore their collection of Spanish books and materials.
Additionally, savor neighborhood stories with the Kensington / Fairhill / Riverwards Community Cookbook, a bilingual English-Spanish cookbook featuring 70 recipes and the stories behind them.
Lillian Marrero Library
Located near El Centro de Oro, Lillian Marrero Library offers Spanish books and materials, including a five-volume collection of historical documents on Puerto Rico.
Northeast Regional Library
The Northeast Regional Library offers a small but varied Spanish collection. Resources include a five-volume set on Puerto Rican history and materials for GED preparation, English learning, and citizenship study.
South Philadelphia Library
Located within the Community Health and Literacy Center at Broad and Morris, it offers Spanish collections for adults, children, and teens, with a recently expanded selection of Spanish books for teenagers.
Tacony Library
Tacony Library offers a small and varied collection of Spanish books and materials. Discover novels originally written in Spanish, translated works, and informational books on everyday life topics.
Walnut Street West Library
Located at 40th and Walnut, Walnut Street West Library serves University City, Spruce Hill, Cedar Park, Garden Court, and nearby communities. Visit to explore their collection of Spanish books and materials.
Wyoming Library
Wyoming Library houses Spanish collections for adults and children. The adult collection is regularly updated with new and popular fiction titles. You can also find Spanish books on birds alongside the bird-watching backpack exhibit.
More Reads at Parkway Central Library
Parkway Central Library boasts the largest selection of Spanish materials in the Free Library of Philadelphia. Explore books for various ages and interests, movies, music, periodicals, educational resources, and materials available in their departments and special collections.
Visit the Literature Department to discover novels in Spanish and other languages.
Your Next Obsession Could Be Manga!
A series you can’t put down? A novel that makes you say “just one more chapter”? At Parkway Central Library’s Field Teen Center, a vast collection of manga and Spanish literature for teens awaits. Find a story that captivates you from the first page!
Share Stories from an Early Age
Reading is enjoyable even before learning to read! Share stories in your language and family reading moments with your baby or young children.
At Parkway Central Library, the Languages of Philadelphia series offers bilingual story times in Spanish and other languages for children aged six and under and their caregivers. Each session highlights a language from our city.
Check out upcoming story times and find one for your family.
What Will You Read Next?
A family story, a novel from your favorite author, or the next volume of that manga you’ve been anticipating. Come and find it!
Visit one of these libraries or browse the Free Library of Philadelphia catalog to choose your next read.
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