Blog Articles
February 2, 2022, will mark the centennial of the publication of James Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses . Constructed as a modern parallel to Homer’s Odyssey , … continue reading Ulysses at 100
By written by Rosa D. January 26, 2022
In the Path of Islam, in collaboration with Al-Bustan Seed of Culture, are excited to announce the return of the well-received, virtual, free Arabic conversation classes this February and… continue reading Free Virtual Arabic Language Programs Return in February and March!
By written by Joe S. January 25, 2022
Did you know that January is National Hobby Month ? From baking bread in mass quantities to perfecting our puzzle skills, many of us have used these unorthodox past two years to find new… continue reading Find a New Hobby with the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. January 21, 2022
Another year, another stack of superhero stories, fascinating biographies, funny books, and extraordinary illustrated tales that defy classification! While not necessarily a "Top 10"… continue reading 21 Great Graphic Novels and Comics from 2021
By written by Peter SM January 19, 2022
Most of us are familiar with the artwork created by the Works Progress Administration: the striking photography, the murals in state buildings and post offices, the posters, and the public… continue reading The Federal Writers' Project American Guides
By written by Nina C. January 18, 2022
Today, the Free Library welcomes Mr. Kelly Richards as its new Director . Prior to this appointment, Kelly served as the Muskegon Area District Library Director in Michigan and Michigan Library… continue reading Q&A with New Free Library Director, Kelly Richards
By written by Administrator January 14, 2022 6
On January 17, our nation commemorates the 27th Annual National Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work and legacy. Dr. King’s part in the Civil Rights Movement… continue reading In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By written by Emily S. January 13, 2022
Join the Adult Literacy Book Club, presented by the Free Library's Languages and Learning Center and Beyond Literacy . Improve your reading skills while reading and discussing interesting… continue reading Adult Literacy Book Club's Winter Book Selection
By written by Phil K. January 12, 2022
Nourish your literacy by creating stories from scratch—with a seed starter! Chrissy loves to read, write, and tell stories. Her suggested steps for creating folklore were offered back when… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | Planting Story Seeds with Madame Marie and Her Magic Garden
By written by Shayna M. January 11, 2022
The Free Library has many resources and programs for Philadelphians of all ages to improve their reading skills! Read, Baby, Read is a Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy… continue reading Improve Your Reading Comprehension Skills with the Free Library
By written by Lindsay S. January 10, 2022 1
Words mean things. We communicate with them, express ourselves with them, define and describe our surroundings and world with them. In the 21st Century, in the absence of physical reference books,… continue reading 2021's Words of the Year
By written by Peter SM January 7, 2022
Turn the lights down, grab some snacks, and tune into your screen of choice—the National Film Registry 's 2021 recommendations and selections have been announced! 25 films have been… continue reading Newest Additions to the National Film Registry
By written by Peter SM January 6, 2022
What better way to start your new year than with one of these new titles coming to the Free Library this January? Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) The Year We Learned to Fly written by Jacqueline… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in January!
By written by Rachel F. January 5, 2022
The Free Library and the Philadelphia Poet Laureate Governing Committee are excited to announce that Airea D. Matthews has been appointed the 2022-2023 Philadelphia Poet Laureate . The committee… continue reading Philly, Meet Your New Poet Laureate
By written by Administrator January 4, 2022 3
It's that time of year again for my annual list of favorite books from the Philbrick Hall Fiction Department at Parkway Central Library ! Welcome to the tenth anniversary of this yearly list… continue reading Dena's Favorite Books of 2021
By written by Dena January 3, 2022
It can be difficult to get into the holiday spirit in the midst of so much confusion, fear, and grief. Children and adults alike may find ourselves feeling sad at the loss of a loved one, of… continue reading Giving Back for the Holidays
By written by Emily S. December 23, 2021
Read, Baby, Read is a Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy development among infants and young toddlers under two years old. We work with 12 participating libraries across… continue reading Read, Baby, Read Presents Early Literacy Ideas: Numbers!
By written by Sarah J. December 22, 2021
Which were the best books you read this year? The Children’s Librarians at Parkway Central Children’s Department have all the extremely specific book awards and recommended reads you… continue reading Best Books of 2021 Selected by Parkway Central Children's Librarians
By written by Administrator December 21, 2021
Can you believe we’re about to turn the page on another (long, strange, COVID-19 filled...) year? I know I can't! While I've never really been a big New Year's… continue reading The Free Library and You: New Year’s Resolutions in 2022!
By written by Kate C. December 20, 2021 2
Free Library staff recently took the time to chat and answer some of our Library-specific Rebuild questions. Read their insights and enthusiasm about what Rebuild (Rebuilding Community… continue reading Free Library and Rebuild: Building Stronger Communities One Park, Recreation Center, and Library at a Time
By written by Jenn D. December 17, 2021