Featuring award-winning children’s artists MegaRan, SaulPaul, Pierce Freelon, DJ Willy Wow, Queen Nur and more!

Friday, September 25 | 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Parway Central Library
Philadelphia, PA
FREE and open to the public

Let’s Go to the Library! The Children’s Music Network invites children and families to Parkway Central Library on Friday, September 25, for Books and Beats: Literacy is Liberation, a free community music day celebrating the powerful connection between music, literacy, storytelling, and learning.

Families are welcome to drop in or stay for the full showcase from 10:45 AM to 12:15 PM. Featuring award-winning children’s artists, educators, librarians, and community performers, the event will bring books to life through music, movement, storytelling, hip hop, and interactive activities.

The showcase opens with Queen Nur, accompanied by percussionist Dwight James, presenting Exploring R.O.O.T.S. — Reading, Opening Oral Traditions & Storytelling. Drawing on techniques from the African Oral Tradition, Queen Nur uses stories, songs, and interactive call-and-response activities to explore themes of liberation, social justice, and the power of storytelling.

Throughout the morning, Children’s Music Network members will demonstrate how books and beats can promote literacy, inspire creativity, and engage children in learning, acceptance, and understanding.

Philly-born and raised artist MegaRan (Raheem Jarbo) — a GRAMMY-nominated rapper, author, and former teacher — will share personal stories about his childhood experiences with the Philadelphia L.I.B.R.A.R.Y., celebrating the library as “the best FREE place to visit,” along with his popular song Library Jawn!

Children’s Librarian Evalyn Harper will showcase how music can be used in library storytime programming to entertain, educate, and encourage young readers. Alphabugs, a creative music and literacy experience, will combine original music by Ants on a Log with interactive content from Insects and Me A to Z. Author Mélissa Smith will join Ants on a Log to bring the book’s bug facts, strength-based affirmations, and diverse cast of characters to life through music and participation. Strawbitty Yops, Big Idea Committee, Hot Toast Music Company, and DJ Willy Wow will bring stories to life through musical and theatrical storytime, creating immersive soundscapes that invite children and families to become part of the experience.

Pierce Freelon, SaulPaul, Lachi, and MegaRan will wrap up the showcase using Hip Hop, lyrics and rhythms to encourage literacy, creativity, and critical thinking!

The celebration continues at 2:00 PM with Books & Beats at Shakespeare Park near Logan Square for an afternoon of music, movement, advocacy, and community connection.
Participants can grab a handmade protest sign and join freestyle artists and Hip Hop Fundamentals for a cypher and demonstration advocating for equity through music and literacy for young learners.

The day offers families an opportunity to experience music and literacy in action! Leave with fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and practical tools for building beloved communities through the arts!

Event Highlights
Exploring R.O.O.T.S. — Reading, Opening Oral Traditions & Storytelling, presented by Queen Nur
Books and Beats: Literacy is Liberation — Community Family Music Showcase
Songs and Stories for Building Beloved, Equitable Classroom Communities, presented by City Love
Books and Beats Philadelphia Parkway Demonstration, featuring Hip Hop Fundamentals, Pierce Freelon, MegaRan & SaulPaul