We like to celebrate Beatrix Potter every day here in the Rare Book Department , but today is her 151st birthday, so it's extra-special. You probably remember Peter Rabbit and his… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   July 28, 2017    1

We all know Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia's everyman. Poor Richard . Diplomat of the Revolution . Inventor of the Glass Harmonica . Postmaster General . Guy Who Flew A Kite in a… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   April 28, 2017   

The Rare Book Department 's Judaica includes a beautifully written and lavishly hand-decorated Spanish Hebrew Masoretic Text bible . Commissioned in 1496 in Lisbon, Portugal, the book is… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   February 24, 2017   

We're celebrating the 150th anniversary of beloved English children's book author and illustrator Beatrix Potter a little early up here in the Rare Book Department. The anniversary is… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   October 15, 2015   

Caitlin Goodman, one of the librarians in our Rare Book Department, writes a column for City Paper in which she gives a book recommendation based on reader submissions of two books they liked with… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   July 3, 2015   

 The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Book Department has on display an exhibition of original drawings and published works of Robert Lawson.  The Department has a large… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   February 28, 2013    2

In a previous post, I wrote about researching the personal and professional life of Philadelphia writer, actor, and comedian, Ed Wynn (1886-1966). A versatile and adaptable performer with… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   May 23, 2012   

This past year, I had the privilege of processing and creating a finding aid for the papers of Ed Wynn (1886-1966), an actor, writer, and comedian from Philadelphia, as part of an internship… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   May 22, 2012    2

By Edward Pettit The Vincent Van Gogh exhibition, Van Gogh Up Close , now open at the Philadelphia Museum of Art has been receiving lots of attention . The exhibition focuses on Van Gogh’s… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   April 23, 2012    2

As archivists at the Children’s Literature Research Collection, it’s not surprising that most of the materials we work with are children’s book materials: drafts of manuscripts,… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   April 17, 2012    1

by Edward Pettit Tonight our Dickens Literary Salon will be discussing the author’s final, incomplete mystery novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood .  SPOILERS AHEAD When Edwin Drood goes… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   March 15, 2012    2

Hi! I’m Garrett Boos, the most recent archivist to join the “Milestones in 20th Century American Children’s Literature” project at the Free Library of Philadelphia. My… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   March 6, 2012   

When Charles Dickens died suddenly of stroke in 1870 he had written half of a novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood .  Dickens published all of his novels in serial format and wrote the chapters… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   March 2, 2012    1

With all the glitz and glamour that Hollywood is known for, it is easy to imagine that the Oscars have always looked like they do now with red carpets and galas and tear-soaked speeches. … continue reading

By Caitlin G.   February 24, 2012   

Today marks the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, and the Free Library joins the global celebration honoring the life and legacy of the world's first literary superstar. Philadelphia is… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   February 7, 2012    2

A vibrant and colorful exhibition at the Parkway Central Library highlights one of the most enduring legacies of Charles Dickens's genius: the unforgettable characters he brought to life.… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   December 28, 2011    2

With 2011 coming to an end, we want to recognize the 75 th anniversary of one of our favorite children’s books: Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson’s The Story of Ferdinand. Published by… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   December 16, 2011    4

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . . the time when we get to show off all of the beautiful artists’ Christmas and New Year’s cards in the children’s… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   November 29, 2011    2

Today marks the opening of the eagerly anticipated Rare Book Department exhibition on the life and work of Charles Dickens. "From the Desk of Charles Dickens: Celebrating the Great Writer at… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   November 28, 2011   

We found our Dickens!  Lisa Litman of Bala Cynwyd, Pa. won today's ‘Dickens Idol Contest," our quest to find someone to bring Dickens to life for the Free… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   November 14, 2011