With the July heat beating down and school out of session, one critical summer refuge is now closed because of the AFSCME District Council 33 city workers strike — the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Aspiring bird watchers now can check out backpacks loaded with binoculars and field guides from every branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

The Free Library of Philadelphia will host a monthlong slate of Black History Month events in February, featuring workshops, author appearances and hands-on STEM programs at branches across the city.

The libraries closed due to cooling issues for a collective 3,900 hours — more than for staff shortages, July’s city workers strike or other building issues. The libraries closed due to cooling issues ...