Blog Articles
For centuries Black free labor was simply a guarantee. However, there was always an awareness that we were entitled to equity in the profits from the country we worked hard to create. 1850 ushered… continue reading Nothing Less Than What We’ve Earned: Black Voices in the Labor Movement
By written by Maya R. January 30, 2025
As the Philadelphia Eagles advance in the playoffs (GO BIRDS!), football fans everywhere are looking for a copy of A.J. Brown's viral sideline read , Inner Excellence . While the Free… continue reading Inner Excellence: Read-Alikes for Championship-Level Inspiration
By written by Bridget G. January 22, 2025
For over 130 years, the Free Library has been serving the communities of Philadelphia. Because we believe that history is important and should be shared, we are working to make the Free Library of… continue reading History in the Free Library Archives
By written by Bill R. January 21, 2025
On Tuesday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m. the Social Science and History Department will screen Abortion and Women's Rights 1970 , the first documentary made in the U.S. about the struggle… continue reading Abortion and Women's Rights 1970: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
By written by Ben R. January 16, 2025
On a recent winter day, Sheryl Oring found her childhood library cards and the memories came flooding back. For Oring, the local library was a refuge: a place for kids to feel safer and dream… continue reading Secretary to the People: Activating Democracy With Art
By written by Suzanna U. January 15, 2025 2
With the internet at our fingertips, learning about the people who make our media has become much easier. Sometimes, we learn things we wish we could un-learn. The betrayal feels so personal. How… continue reading When Your Favorite Creator Does Something Terrible
By written by Yona Y. January 14, 2025 1
January 19 marks the 215th birthday of poet and author Edgar Allan Poe . Poe lived in Philadelphia from 1838 to 1844, when he published his most famous poem, "The Raven." To… continue reading Mark Edgar Allan Poe's 215th Birthday with Live Theater at the Library
By written by Des J. January 7, 2025
It's the 13th annual list of my favorite books — the 2024 edition! This year I leaned quite heavily into my three favorite genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance. I also seemed to… continue reading Dena's Favorite Books of 2024
By written by Dena December 31, 2024 1
Check out some new titles for the New Year! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) We Are Lion Dancers by Benson Shum Celebrate Lunar New Year with the lion dance, bringing good luck and fortune to all.… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in January
By written by Rachel F. December 30, 2024
As we come to terms with the results of our Spotify Wrapped lists, the Free Library is again wrapping up our year with the most circulated items of 2024! While it may feel… continue reading The Top Titles Checked Out from the Free Library in 2024
By written by Bridget G. December 30, 2024 1
What did we read in 2024? From "Most 2024" to "Terrible Schools and Awesome Adventures," Parkway Central Children’s Department has all the extremely specific book… continue reading The Central Children's Department's Book Awards of 2024
By written by Administrator December 19, 2024
We are pleased to reintroduce NoveList Plus , a longtime favorite electronic resource among book lovers. NoveList Plus is a database designed to help readers (or listeners) find their next books… continue reading Find Your Next Great Book with NoveList Plus!
By written by Tyler S. December 18, 2024 3
A Kwanzaa Keepsake by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, author of High on the Hog , is an invitation to honor, connect, create, and cook. Besides the cooking, it may move you to gather family recipes to… continue reading A Kwanzaa Keepsake: Celebrating with New Traditions and Feasts
By written by Aurora S. December 17, 2024
December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month! To celebrate, Languages and Learning , the adult learning department of the Free Library, is highlighting some of the resources available with… continue reading Learn a Foreign Language With Our Electronic Resources
By written by Meredith M. December 11, 2024
There are over 50 Free Library locations in neighborhoods across Philly, and everyone has a favorite, along with fond memories of Author Events ; One Book, One Philadelphia ; special… continue reading Giving Back With the Free Library Foundation
By written by Free Library Foundation December 9, 2024 1
The Free Library Board of Trustees will be holding its second meeting of FY25 on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in person in Rooms… continue reading Free Library Board of Trustees Public Meeting on Friday, December 13 at 8:00 a.m.
By written by Administrator December 6, 2024
Greetings from the Trans by Trans Book Club folks! Are you looking for recommendations based on our recent reads? Check out these book club read-a-likes. *Note - Not all titles are written by… continue reading Discover Queer-Friendly Reads Recommended by the Trans by Trans Book Club
By written by Flan P. December 6, 2024
December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month! Maybe you’re looking for something to do over your winter break or already thinking about your 2025 goals. There’s never a bad time… continue reading Celebrate National Learn a Foreign Language Month With Languages and Learning
By written by Meredith M. December 3, 2024
The Rare Book Department , located on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library , is closed as of November 4th, 2024 for the installation of a new HVAC system. Climate control is of the… continue reading Temporary Closure of the Rare Book Department
By written by Allison F. December 2, 2024
It’s almost time to bundle up warm and join the Free Library for festive storytimes at the Christmas Village in LOVE Park! Every year, LOVE Park is transformed into an authentic German-style… continue reading Holiday Cheer for Children and Families
By written by Kayla H. December 2, 2024 1