Rosh Hashanah —the celebration of the Jewish new year—begins at sundown on Wednesday night, September 20. Even those not celebrating the holiday may be preparing, as Philadelphia… continue reading
By Julie B. September 18, 2017
When I came aboard at the Free Library of Philadelphia in March of this year as Chief of Staff, I set a goal to make it to all 54 neighborhood library locations . It was important to me to do so… continue reading
By Leslie W. September 15, 2017
A version of this post was originally printed in the Southwest Globe Times on Friday, September 8, 2017. In today’s employment landscape, English proficiency has become essential to… continue reading
By Administrator September 14, 2017
Over three previous concert seasons at the Parkway Central Library , veteran and up-and-coming Philly musicians have explored some questions. What has the Great Migration meant to music in… continue reading
By Perry G. September 13, 2017
The Free Library’s Cultureshare is nearly here! Don’t miss your chance to subscribe to this exciting new venture that pairs art, music, and writing from locals with pieces from the… continue reading
By Autumn M. September 13, 2017
Welcoming Week is almost upon us—an annual national series supported by the city’s Office of Immigrant Affairs that aims to bring together immigrants, refugees, and native-born… continue reading
By Julie B. September 12, 2017
Read by 4th is Philadelphia's Grade-Level Reading campaign, aiming to get all kids reading on grade-level by the time they reach 4th grade. Reading happens everywhere—in our schools,… continue reading
By Peter SM September 12, 2017
We at the Free Library love celebrating monthly themes, especially when they tie in to our resources! September – in addition to being National Library Card Sign-Up Month – is… continue reading
By Kate C. September 11, 2017
In the autumn of 2016, we were tasked with a fascinating challenge: create a bold and welcoming exhibition that would discuss the history of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. On the surface, this… continue reading
By Laura S. September 8, 2017
Originally posted on the City of Philadelphia’s blog in recognition of Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you had to guess, how many questions do you think librarians at the Free Library… continue reading
By Administrator September 8, 2017 1
Happy International Literacy Day ! Literacy is, of course, very near and dear to our hearts here at the Free Library, and a core tenet of our mission to serve Philadelphians. And while everyone… continue reading
By Kate C. September 8, 2017
Summer absolutely flew by and it’s now time to get back into a new school year. If you’re wondering how you’ll cope with all of the assignments and homework coming your way, the… continue reading
By Kristina L. September 7, 2017
We didn’t think we could love poetry any more than we already do here at the Free Library … but we were wrong. The City of Philadelphia Poet Laureate program —which has… continue reading
By Julie B. September 7, 2017 2
As a young girl, I loved fairy tales—especially those centered on princesses. But I was also drawn to strong female characters. So, I decided to re-read Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson… continue reading
By Lo I. September 7, 2017
This year the Free Library of Philadelphia is participating in Welcoming Week: Connecting Neighbors, Serving Communities , taking place September 15 through 24, with a variety of cultural events… continue reading
By Mary Marques September 6, 2017 1
Is everyone ready for the start of another school year? At the Free Library of Philadelphia, we spent the last few weeks of our summer brushing up on the wonderful online resources available… continue reading
By Rachel F. September 6, 2017
The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to announce that beginning today we will offer free access to Lynda.com with your library card ! Lynda.com is an online training and learning tool… continue reading
By Jamie W. September 5, 2017 14
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is celebrating its 100th birthday ! Come celebrate with the Parkway Central Library and our Parkway neighbors ! The centennial celebration will kick off on Friday,… continue reading
By Julie B. September 5, 2017 1
Now that the summer is drawing to a close, children, teens, and even adults are prepping for the start of the coming school year. We at the Free Library of Philadelphia are prepping, too! That is,… continue reading
By Becky F. September 1, 2017
Feel that cool fall air? That means it’s September, and time for a new Early Literacy Calendar! September is the time we head back to school (or start school for the first time) and begin to… continue reading
By Sarah S. September 1, 2017