Get a library card

A Free Library card is available at no cost to anyone who lives, works, pays taxes, or goes to school in the City of Philadelphia. In addition, anyone who lives in the state of Pennsylvania can obtain a Free Library card without charge.

• Your library card will be valid for 60 days until you verify your account.

• After verification, you can request a physical card by visiting any of our library locations.

You will be asked for identification the first time you borrow physical materials with your new card.

Click here to apply.

New app connects conflict resolution volunteers to those in need

Michael D’Onofrio, Philadelphia Tribune

Got a conflict that needs resolving? There’s an app for that. Philly Truce, a phone app that launched in May, is angling to become the Uber of conflict resolution by offering a safe space for volunteer community mediators to connect with those seeking assistance.
The app also is an alternative to interacting with Philadelphia police officers, whom many African Americans don’t trust. It has the backing of the Philadelphia Interfaith Coalition, as well as some city and state officials.

Click here to how it works

Covid-19 vaccines: How to talk to friends & family

COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out in Pennsylvania, bringing us new hope and a path back to our lives. Every Pennsylvanian who chooses to get vaccinated brings us a step closer to moving past the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we can defeat the virus. Many of us have friends and family who are hesitant to get the vaccine. Here are some ideas for how to talk to loved ones about their concerns in a safe and supportive way.

More here.

Learn about the Covid-19 variants.

Register Here Registration link: https://bit.ly/3hdVQ5d

Covid-19 vaccine clinic @ Norris Square Park

Click here for additional sites, FAQ and upcoming schedule.

Covid-19 Vaccine SECOND DOSE ALERT

Did you know that being FULLY vaccinated can protect you from the Delta variant. People who are only partially vaccinated, which means they only have one dose of Pfizer or Moderna, are only 33% protected. Just getting that second dose raises your protection up to nearly 90% Have you or do you know someone that has missed their 2nd vaccination dose. If so, you can receive your second dose regardless of how much time has passed without having to receive the 1st dose again. More information and the registration link can be found here.

Vaccination Opportunity

Friday, July 16, 4-7 pm
Pop Vaccine Clinic (NEPCA)
1013 Cottman Ave, 19111

Friday 1-4 pm, Every Friday- August 20th
Logan Library 1333 Wagner Ave, 19141

Saturday, July 17, 9-1 pm
Cognitive Behavioral Health Services
3257 N 6th St, 19140

Child Tax Credit: how to enroll

If families didn’t make enough to be required to file taxes in 2020 or 2019, they can still get benefits by signing up using the IRS non-filer portal. They can also find out whether they are eligible and enrolled to receive their payment using the IRS online tool. The tool also allows individuals to provide or update bank account information or unenroll from advance payments.

Info from the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project (via PhillyTenant.org)

View the information clicking here.

Report a Pothole!!

Community Legal Service renters survey

The results will help Community Legal Services (CLS)
better represent and advocate for renters.
Fill the survey at https://buff.ly/3zQri1O

SKCP & Project TechCycle Digital Divide SURVEY

Hello neighbor! This survey will be a great benefit to us as we begin trying to develop programs and workshops to help lessen the Digital Divide in our service area. South Kensington Community Partners' NAC and Project TechCycle are teaming up to try to bring our neighbors some useful information, build skills, and allow for more computer access.

We need your help to do that. By filling out this survey, you are supporting our development of programs and workshops that we hope to bring to our neighbors sometime soon.

Please note that the survey can take about 10 minutes to fill out. However, there is no timer, so take as much time as you need. The deadline for submitting is 5pm on Friday August 6th. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email them to rdavis@southkensingtoncommunity.org.

Everything you need to know about abandoned vehicles in Philadelphia

John Ryan, Philly311
Abandoned vehicle removal is one of our most frequently submitted service requests. In March 2021 alone, we received 4,198 inquires about abandoned vehicles. These vehicles are investigated and removed by the Neighborhood Services Unit (NSU) of the Philadelphia Police Department.

We want to make sure all of your questions about abandoned vehicles are answered and take you through the removal process from start to finish. Read here for details.

Philly courts just extended eviction protections again. Here’s what that means

Taylor Allen, WHYY

The requirement for Philadelphia landlords who want to evict tenants must first go through the city’s eviction diversion program and apply for rental assistance by Aug. 31, according to an order issued late by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court late Wednesday evening. The order extended a previous mandate that was set to expire Wednesday. Read more here.

Philly races to distribute rental assistance before the national eviction ban ends
Michaelle Bond, Philadelphia Inquirer

The eviction bans that have kept people in their homes during the unprecedented pandemic and its economic fallout are nearing their end. People waiting for help are terrified that rental assistance will come too late. Consequences from both eviction bans and lockouts will reverberate long after the health emergency ends. Many renters fear losing their homes. And some landlords who have struggled to stay afloat without rental income plan to sell their properties, a blow to the already scarce affordable housing in the city. More here.

REPORT A POTHOLE!!

SEPTA Forward: Bus Revolution is a project that will create a more efficient, effective and accessible bus network.

By creating routes that are more direct, reliable and easier to use, more riders will be able to take advantage of this important service within our community. We will be taking an in-depth look at how the needs of our riders are changing and we want to hear from you. Learn more about how you can make sure your voice is heard and be a part of our Bus Revolution. Click here to fill the survey.

Want to leave a comment or speak to the team? Email us at busnetwork@septa.org or call us at 267.291.6045

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Technology is changing’: SEPTA finally giving its troubled Key card a reboot.

Darryl C. Murphy, WHYY
Read here.

Probate Deferment Initiative PSA

Calling all Lawyers! We need your help! More than 10,000 Philadelphians reside in a property where ownership is in the name of a deceased relative. We call this a “Tangled Title” and it's a CRISIS.

The Philadelphia Register of Wills's office is working with local Legal Aid Organizations and started "The Probate Deferment Initiative" for low income families. Which delays fee payments so a family can address their tangled title and remain in their home. But, untangling a title is complex and they need to be represented by an Attorney. You have the power to keep a Philadelphia family legally in their home. Please. Will you help? View video here. More informative videos here.

Do you have a Tangled Title? Email for assistance: ROW.PDI@phila.gov

PHS Gardening Contest

Welcome to the PHS Gardening Contest! A true celebration of gardening and gardeners, the PHS Garden Contest allows gardeners of all levels to showcase their horticultural accomplishments in a friendly virtual competition.
Entries can be submitted in the following categories:

• Outdoor Home Gardens

• Indoor Gardens

• Public Space Gardens

The contest deadline has been extended to July 12.

Click here for more details, FAQ and how to apply.

Free produce vouchers available through 2021 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

Applications for the 2021 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program are now being accepted. The annual program provides $24 in free vouchers for fresh, Pennsylvania-grown produce to income-eligible Pennsylvanians 60-plus. PCA is again distributing produce vouchers in Philadelphia by mail. Applications for the 2021 program have been mailed to 2020 produce voucher recipients.
Older adults who did not receive produce vouchers in 2020 can learn more about the program and download an application here. PCA wants to hear from you! Complete our advocacy survey
This initiative was created by PCA’s Board of Directors to better identify priority areas for advocacy with the input of both older Philadelphians and aging network stakeholders.

Please complete the survey (available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Russian) to give us your thoughts on what is important yo you.

Philly public pools return for the first time in 2 years — but fewer than 70% will open

Robby Brod, BillyPenn

For the first time since summer 2019, Philadelphia is opening its public pools. The rolling schedule of openings begins this week, but will only extend to just 69% or so of the available swim spots because of major challenges recruiting lifeguards. Only some of the 70+ Philly pools will welcome residents this year, with the first few launching on Wednesday, and 16 expected by the end of this weekend. A total of 41 will be open by July 10. How did Parks & Rec choose which ones get to open? A combination of neighborhood need, geography, and past pool usage data, officials said.
Here’s the opening schedule, which isn’t as robust as the past because of a major lifeguard shortage. In the neighborhood, Hancock's pool open on Tuesday July 6th and Cruz Rec's pool is closed for the public (read here).

Click here to find Sprinklers and Spraygrounds. Benson Park and Hart Park are open in the neighborhood.

PDPH: Heat Health Emergency Resources

During extreme heat, it's important to check on your neighbors, especially older adults and people with chronic health conditions who are more likely to get sick. Make sure they have access to air conditioning, are staying hydrated, and know how to call for help if they need it. To learn more about what happens when the City declares a Heat Health Emergency, click here.

During the Heat Health Emergency, the following resources will become available:

• The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging will open its Heatline - (215) 765-9040. Residents can call to get health and safety tips and talk to medical professionals about heat-related illness.

• The Office of Homeless Services will increase outreach. If you see someone on the street that needs help, call (215) 232-1984 or 911.

• Pet safety measures will be enforced. To report a dog left outside in very hot weather, call (267) 385-3800.

The City has opened cooling centers that are available for use by all residents looking to escape the heat. Residents can call 311 to find a nearby cooling center, or check out this map or this list of cooling sites, spraygrounds, and pools.

Reach out to publichealthpreparedness@phila.gov with any questions, requests for presentations about extreme heat, or additional resources!

• Other resources:
  Stay Cool, Philly! Brochure English | Spanish