Chef. Raconteur. Explorer. Enthusiast . Anthony Bourdain was all of these things and much more. He had a lust for life that was all encompassing, whether it was his dream of traveling to the Congo… continue reading

By Peter SM   June 8, 2018   

Another summer season is about to start and with it a swath of celluloid distractions from the impending heat and humidity outside, projecting eye-popping entertainment some 40 feet high amid… continue reading

By Peter SM   May 25, 2018   

The GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards took place on April 12 in Los Angeles and were broadcast on the LOGOtv network last night. The awards, now in their 29th… continue reading

By Peter SM   April 19, 2018   

Today, April 13, is the first of two Friday the 13ths occurring in 2018. The next one arrives exactly 13 weeks later on July 13! The only logical thing to do on such a superstitious occassion is… continue reading

By Peter SM   April 13, 2018   

This year's additions to the National Recording Registry were announced last month , which include 25 songs, albums, or audio recordings from the early 20th century up to the present. This… continue reading

By Peter SM   April 6, 2018   

Just in time for Easter, perhaps the largest collection of "Easter Eggs" to ever be assembled on film debuts in theaters today— Ready Player One . The film is adapted from Ernest… continue reading

By Peter SM   March 29, 2018    1

The YA graphic novel I Kill Giants smashes and crashes its way out of the confines of comics panels this weekend to loom large on the big screen... Firmly in the category of a gritty and somewhat… continue reading

By Peter SM   March 23, 2018   

It's the first day of spring ... well, at least according to the calendar. Look outside? Winter still has its grip on much of the U.S., especially here on the east coast . Nevertheless, spring… continue reading

By Peter SM   March 20, 2018   

If you are reading this on March 14 at 1:59 p.m., then it must be Pi Day (Pi at 5 decimal places = 3.14159, natch!) This annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (Pi), or in its… continue reading

By Peter SM   March 14, 2018   

2018 marks the 38th time little golden statues have been awarded to films of a certain competence... and no, I'm not talking about the Oscars—I'm referring to the Razzies ! The… continue reading

By Peter SM   March 9, 2018    1

Another year, another Academy Awards. This Sunday, March 4 marks the 90th(!) Oscars ceremony, sure to have plenty of pomp , pageantry , and now more than ever, politics . Some will tune in for the… continue reading

By Peter SM   March 2, 2018   

Earlier this month in Denver, CO, a room full of children's and teen librarians erupted in cheers, gasps, and wild applause for the newest batch of books chosen to receive Youth Media Awards .… continue reading

By Peter SM   February 27, 2018   

Today, February 16, we celebrate the Year of the Dog ! In the video below, Jenifer Chang, Chief of Central Public Services Division at Parkway Central Library , discusses the history and… continue reading

By Peter SM   February 16, 2018   

209 years ago today, one of the most peculiar poets and apparitional authors to ever hold a pen was born: Edgar Allan Poe . His macabre and gothic tales have fascinated and entertained readers for… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 19, 2018   

Book clubs seem to be more popular than ever—we've even got two right here at the Free Library: our annual One Book, One Philadelphia reading selection creates citywide conversations… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 9, 2018    5

Happy New Year! Let’s start this new year right, by singing, talking, playing, writing—and of course reading—with our little ones! Not only did we celebrate New Year’s Day… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 3, 2018   

As another year comes to a close, I'm looking back on one of my favorite hobbies: reading comic books! Whether they were new stand-alone stories, retro reissue collections, original… continue reading

By Peter SM   December 28, 2017   

As I've written about on this blog in the past, I'm constantly on the lookout for rare gems, overlooked oeuvres, or just new-to-me films. Whether they are award-winners , cinema classics ,… continue reading

By Peter SM   December 26, 2017    5

Welp, here we go again... This is what could happen if there are no Net Neutrality laws. Remember Net Neutrality ? If not, here's a refresher: In its simplest terms, Net Neutrality is the… continue reading

By Peter SM   December 8, 2017    1

Howllo Boils and Ghouls!, Welcome back to the Free Library of Frightadelphia's bloodcurdling blog during this most haunted of holiday seasons, Halloween! Did you hear that unsettling sound?… continue reading

By Peter SM   October 30, 2017    1