Social dancing is back in a big way! The popularity of line dancing in recent years has renewed interest in choreographed dance and ushered in a renaissance of partner dancing. Did you know that the African American community in Philadelphia created a style of dance that took the country by storm in the 1950s called the Philly Bop ? The Philly… continue reading Can You Bop? Join Us for New Dance Classes!
By written by Jennifer W. May 24, 2017 22
Our libraries have a full lineup of programs and activities this February to celebrate the rich intellectual and cultural contributions made by the African American community. We have everything from performances and special guests to dance workshops and cooking programs scheduled for this year's Black History Month celebration!… continue reading How Will You Celebrate Black History Month?
By written by Jennifer W. January 24, 2017 3
Season's Greetings! We're back after the Thanksgiving holiday (and still eating delicious leftovers : ) Hanukkah , Winter Solstice , Christmas , Kwanzaa , and New Years are all up on the horizon, with many chances to spend quality time with family and friends. What better way to engage with the children in your life with fun seasonal… continue reading December 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. December 1, 2014
If there are robust colors bursting from trees, the sun is setting earlier, and you are breaking out your sweaters, then it must be November! Some traditional and unique holidays this month that you can celebrate and educate children about include Election Day on November 4th, Veteran's Day on November 11th, World Peace Day on November… continue reading November 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. November 3, 2014
The air is filled with a crisp Autumn breeze as it flips the calendar page to October. Traditional and unique holidays this month include World Smile Day the first Friday of the month, the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur on October 3rd, World Teacher's Day on October 5th, and probably the most anticipated holiday in October for little ghouls… continue reading October 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. October 1, 2014
We hope everyone had a great summer! The weather has been amazing here in Philadelphia with lots of fun outdoor activities, but just because we've flipped the calendar page doesn't mean the fun has to end! There's still a few more weeks of (official) summer until the Autumnal Equinox on September 22nd. Some other fun and unique… continue reading September 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. September 2, 2014
The summer season is in full swing now and our newest Early Literacy calendar has plenty of fun activities to keep you and your young ones busy all summer long! We are so close to reaching our goal of reading 30-Million-Minutes in our Summer Reading program! You can join in the fun either online or at your local neighborhood library . When… continue reading August 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. July 31, 2014
The summer season is in full swing now and our newest Early Literacy calendar has plenty of fun activities to keep you and your young ones busy all summer long! If you haven't already, you can sign up the children in your life for our Summer Reading program, either online or in your local neighborhood library . Have fun reading, review… continue reading July 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. July 1, 2014
The calendar has flipped over to a new month so that means it's time for a new set of Early Literacy activities and links from the Free Library of Philadelphia's children's librarians! The month of June is full of fun in the sun, especially with the arrival of the annual Summer Solstice on June 21st! Try to make a plan to take your… continue reading June 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. June 2, 2014
It's the first of the month so that means it's time for a new Early Literacy calendar from the Free Library of Philadelphia's children's librarians! The month of May is full of fun little holidays that you can celebrate with the children in your life like reading a nursey rhyme together on Mother Goose Day or making… continue reading May 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. April 30, 2014
Spring has sprung! Hooray! And what better way to celebrate the end of winter and the refreshing shot of warm weather than with a new Early Literacy calendar, on International Children's Book Day no less! This month's calendar is full of fun suggestions that parents and caregivers can engage in with their children to help nurture and… continue reading April 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. April 2, 2014
Is it Spring yet?! Even if Old Man Winter won't leave Philadelphia, we can at least "Spring Forward" with warm-minded and sunshine-themed activities, arts and crafts, books, and music recommendations in this month's Early Literacy Calendar! Besides the always fun suggestions the Free Library of Philadelphia's… continue reading March 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. February 27, 2014
Do you know a child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2014? If you do, it is time to enroll for Kindergarten! The School District of Philadelphia is currently enrolling children and enrollment will be open until May 30, 2014. Visit The School District of Philadelphia’s website to learn more. Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure… continue reading Kindergarten, Here I Come!
By written by Jennifer W. February 6, 2014
With the woeful winter weather we've been having so far this year in Philadelphia, you and the children in your life may have come down with major cases of cabin fever. What better way to chase away the winter blahs than with some fun activities, books, and music reccomendations to stimulate early literacy? Well, the February 2014 Early… continue reading February 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. January 31, 2014
Happy New Year! We're back after the holidays and ready to kick off a brand new year of great Early Literacy programs and events that emphasis Reading, Writing, Talking, Singing, and Playing. The January Early Literacy Calendar from the Free Library of Philadelphia's children's librarians is full of fun suggestions for early… continue reading January 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. January 2, 2014
Autumn is in full swing, full of colorful leaves and brisk air, and with it the November Early Literacy Calendar from the Free Library of Philadelphia's children's librarians! This month's calendar is once again full of fun suggestions for early literacy activities that parents, family, and caregivers can engage in with their… continue reading November 2013 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. November 7, 2013
We invite you to Discover the World @ your library. Kids, teens, and adults can sign up for the summer reading game at your local Free Library branch. You earn prizes for reading and participating in library programs during the program, which runs from June 20 - August 12. Beginning June 1, you can also participate online at… continue reading Summer fun starts at The Free Library!
By written by Jennifer W. May 26, 2011 4
Books Aloud! is the Free Library’s early literacy program. The goal of the program is to encourage parents and child care providers to READ, SING, PLAY, TALK, and WRITE with children in the early years. We also encourage adults to borrow books from the Free Library so that there are always books available for the little ones. Attend a… continue reading Early Literacy Sparks Life Long Learning
By written by Jennifer W. February 1, 2011 4
This Sunday, January 30, Wonder Spark Puppets will visit the library to present the classic tale Little Red Riding Hood. The puppet show will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Montgomery Auditorium. This program will delight kids of all ages, so bring the little ones and the older ones, and don’t forget grandma and grandpa. Sundays on Stage is… continue reading Puppet Show!
By written by Jennifer W. January 25, 2011
The Sundays on Stage fall season got off to a stellar start on October 4, when the Philadelphia Capoeira Arts Center performed the unique Afro-Brazilian art form known as Capoeira. The artists appeared to defy gravity as they jumped, flipped, and cartwheeled through the air. Mestre Doutor, the founder and artistic director of the group,… continue reading Sundays on Stage
By written by Jennifer W. October 4, 2010 4
