Posts by Gennifer R. (14)

Blog Articles

Black History Month | A Boys Booklist for Toddlers!

Have you been on the lookout for children’s books with little faces like the ones you love? This booklist offers ten of our favorite children’s books, from Coretta Scot King Book Award winners to magnificently illustrated picture books, all in honor of our young black boys.   Whose Knees are These by Jabari Aseem Whose knees… continue reading Black History Month | A Boys Booklist for Toddlers!

By written by Gennifer R.    February 19, 2020    1  

Michelle Obama Grows a Garden

Today is the birthday of celebrated former First Lady and citizen of the world, Michelle Obama . A political figure in her own right, Michelle Obama is well known for her healthy eating campaign, Lets Move! The campaign targeted childhood obesity by focusing on nutrition and creating home-grown solutions to battle barriers of nutritional food… continue reading Michelle Obama Grows a Garden

By written by Gennifer R.    January 17, 2020   

There's a Rumbly in My Tumbly

Grab your honey pot, ‘cause it’s National Winnie the Pooh Day this upcoming Saturday, January 18! Author Alan Alexander Milne ’s birthday is also January 18, and for good reason, there is a holiday made in his stead. So how old is Winnie the Pooh, really? Gifted to Milne’s son, Christopher Robin, on August 21, 1920,… continue reading There's a Rumbly in My Tumbly

By written by Gennifer R.    January 16, 2020   

MLK Day of Service | When the Youth Lead

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a strongly celebrated day in Philadelphia. People of all ages come together to support their communities and uplift the values of MLK’s civil rights leadership during this nationally recognized Day of Service. To celebrate, volunteer, sign up for a project, or step into a workshop that promotes long-term… continue reading MLK Day of Service | When the Youth Lead

By written by Gennifer R.    January 15, 2020   

Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Book Award’s 50th Anniversary

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Book Award , honoring African American authors and illustrators in children’s and young adult literature. Noted by their familiar emblem, the Coretta Scott King Award comes in a variety of colors. The bronze and black emblem is the original insignia, denoting a winner of the… continue reading Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Book Award’s 50th Anniversary

By written by Gennifer R.    December 20, 2019   

Winter Storytimes at the Free Library

The Free Library is reading around town! Find a Free Library storyteller at the Christmas Village , the RiverRink Winterfest , and as always, Reading Terminal Market . Children, families, and classrooms are welcome at our citywide storytimes throughout the winter season. Christmas Village The Christmas Village is lighting up Center City this… continue reading Winter Storytimes at the Free Library

By written by Gennifer R.    December 9, 2019    1  

Welcome in the Winter Season with Free Library Storytimes at the Christmas Village!

Philadelphia is soon to be lit up with the awe-inspiring glee of the opening of the annual Christmas Village, presented by Bank of America and located in LOVE Park. The open-air German Christmas market is decorated for the holiday season and filled with storytimes, children’s activities, vendors, and live music. This year, the Free… continue reading Welcome in the Winter Season with Free Library Storytimes at the Christmas Village!

By written by Gennifer R.    December 2, 2019   

'Tis the Season for the Winter Reading Challenge

As the weather changes, there's no better company than reading a good book in a cozy space. Running from November 25 to February 29 , our Winter Reading Challenge invites readers of all ages to register and earn badges as they gather reading minutes, reach reading goals, try out new activities, and write their own book reviews! This year,… continue reading 'Tis the Season for the Winter Reading Challenge

By written by Gennifer R.    November 25, 2019    3  

Indigenous Reads for Children and Teens

This month, in celebration of Indigenous, Native, Aboriginal, and First Nation peoples, we will follow some notable hashtags, making waves for people seeking relatable content in the pages of a good book. Though not an exhaustive list, you can check out some novel reads under the hashtags #OwnVoices and #IndigenousReads , representing authors… continue reading Indigenous Reads for Children and Teens

By written by Gennifer R.    November 14, 2019   

Bringing Families Together: A Booklist About Adopted Children and Their Families

November is National Adoption Awareness Month, a celebrated tradition that began in 1976 . This year, the monthly focus is on the adoption of children who are currently in foster care. The stories below portray multidimensional and personal narratives in adopted life, spanning the complexities of race, identity, and sense of belonging.   A… continue reading Bringing Families Together: A Booklist About Adopted Children and Their Families

By written by Gennifer R.    November 12, 2019   

The Pumpkin on the Plate

Squash is one of those wonderful, hearty foods that last throughout the colder seasons, and comes in many intriguing shapes and sizes. It serves as a point of literary intrigue, a cultural cornerstone, and a hot topic for cookbooks. Check out what the Free Library has in our cookbook collections —all in celebration of squash!   The… continue reading The Pumpkin on the Plate

By written by Gennifer R.    October 30, 2019   

Black Girl Magic

If Blk Girl Soldier by Jamila Woods has been your anthem for the past few years... then you might be ready for the following booklist! Feeling telepathic? Step into this selection of *Black Girl Magic* featuring Black women authors and Black femme characters, who battle the supernatural and engage in their own magical abilities.   Black… continue reading Black Girl Magic

By written by Gennifer R.    October 23, 2019   

Philly School Fairs Help Fulfill Needs and Goals of Students

Every year, Great Schools Philly hosts the Philly High School Fair , an opportunity for students to find the schools that fit the futures they want to build. For the third year in a row, the Free Library got to attend! Nestled in a sea of community partnerships, we met many enthusiastic middle schoolers and high schoolers excitedly finding… continue reading Philly School Fairs Help Fulfill Needs and Goals of Students

By written by Gennifer R.    October 10, 2019