Penn Reads Literacy & Children’s Art Project Presents: Children’s Bookmaking and Storytime

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The Penn Reads Literacy & Children’s Art Project presents a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service event, “Imagine A World…..!”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. imagined a world where his four little children would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” We invite children ages 3 to 8 to come imagine with us while we create and learn more about Dr. King’s vision!

Young readers will be able to participate in a theatrical storytime experience (beginning at 11:30 AM sharp), explore a unique university library, and even create a book to take home! Storytellers, librarians, teachers, and library staff will guide us in this creation. We will even have pizza and snacks to munch on to fuel our imagination.

Plan Your Visit

To enter the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, visitors will be asked to show a valid PennCard or a current, valid government or school-issued photo ID that contains an expiration date. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Find more information about visitor access.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at Penn

Each year, during the month of January, the University of Pennsylvania and our surrounding communities come together to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This commemoration includes a day of service on our campus and in the Philadelphia community on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Donate Books

Through January 31, 2026, purchase books from our curated list that will be distributed to community early childcare centers. Your donation also supports local bookstores! Use shipping address: African-American Resource Center, 3643 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104.