Having a hard time finding a special gift for that impossible-to-shop-for book fanatic in your life? We have a unique gift idea for you—one that celebrates your loved one’s love of… continue reading

By Alexa L.   December 10, 2018   

Type "slime" into any search engine and you’re bound to find a variety of slime-making kits sold through major retailers, links to several YouTube accounts dedicated to slime, and… continue reading

By Khyra L.   December 7, 2018   

On Saturday, November 10, 34 students from several area colleges and universities gathered for a New Student Orientation held in the Skyline Room at Parkway Central. Students were welcomed by Debi… continue reading

By Administrator   December 7, 2018   

“Tell me and I forget.Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” - Xun Kuang, philosopher   Imagine trying to learn to knit. Would you learn best by reading a book about… continue reading

By Community-Centered Libraries   December 6, 2018   

December is here and that means it’s time for the  Winter Reading Challenge ! Adults, parents, and students can create accounts online to track reading minutes, practice writing book… continue reading

By Molly B.   December 5, 2018    1

In case you missed it, we announced in mid-October that Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing is the 2019 One Book, One Philadelphia selection . We’re now in the heart of the reading… continue reading

By Lo I.   December 5, 2018   

In traditional fairy tales, princesses are usually the ones in need of rescue. That’s one way to think of princesses, but certainly not the only one! There are new princesses in town: they… continue reading

By Monica C.   December 4, 2018   

Excited for the Netflix premiere of Dumplin'  starring Jennifer Aniston and Danielle MacDonald? Did you know the movie was based on the Young Adult novel also titled Dumplin’ by… continue reading

By Rachel F.   December 3, 2018   

One of the most popular items in the Rare Book Department that resonates with visitors the world over is not what you would expect. It is not a rare manuscript or a printed book from one of our… continue reading

By Joe S.   December 3, 2018    2

Looking for a fun and fabulous time while supporting Philadelphia’s beloved Free Library and the countless ways it serves Philadelphians? Listen up , because one of our favorite ways you can… continue reading

By Alexa L.   November 30, 2018   

If you’re looking for some seasonal gift ideas or just something to take your mind off of the holiday frenzy, check out the following new titles that will transport you to a world away.… continue reading

By Paul A.   November 30, 2018   

We are excited to announce that Literacy Lab has returned for the 2018-2019 school year. Literacy Lab, previously piloted as the Sunday Literacy program during the 2016-2017 school year, provides… continue reading

By Elizabeth K.   November 29, 2018   

Today marks 100 years since the birth of children's and young adult author Madeleine L'Engle , and some of our resident book lovers are pondering her legacy – and her best-known… continue reading

By Kate C.   November 29, 2018    2

The Free Library will be returning for another festive season of Storytimes at the Christmas Village ! Storytimes will be held every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., starting today, November 28 and… continue reading

By Elizabeth K.   November 28, 2018   

On Tuesday, October 30, Parkway Central Library ’s Skyline Room was abuzz with the cheers of sixth graders, the sound of buzzers and music, and the roar of applause. The cause? A "Book… continue reading

By Jess P.   November 28, 2018   

by Kile Smith While this is our first-ever podcast, Discoveries is actually entering its 17th year of broadcasts. In the fall of 2002, the Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music at the Free… continue reading

By Fleisher Collection   November 27, 2018   

The Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, is fast approaching. However, our libraries are not short on immersive, interactive programming. Experience a flurry of fun and… continue reading

By Christina P.   November 27, 2018    1

The days have gotten shorter. We’ve dug up our coziest sweaters. We’re making hot chocolate and plenty of other steaming drinks. We’re spying twinkly lights all around,… continue reading

By Lo I.   November 26, 2018   

If the idea of heading out into the world at some ungodly hour to fight crowds and spend money makes you queasy, and you’re choosing to celebrate today as Buy Nothing Day rather than Black… continue reading

By Kate C.   November 23, 2018   

Ever wonder what to do with that slightly wrinkled bell pepper sitting in your produce drawer, or that Tupperware of cooked rice? Have you ever felt an overpowering sense of humdrum eating,… continue reading

By Paul M.   November 23, 2018