Posts by Peter SM (307)
Blog Articles
Words mean things. We communicate with them, express ourselves with them, define and describe our surroundings and world with them. In the 21st Century, in the absence of physical reference books,… continue reading 2021's Words of the Year
By written by Peter SM January 7, 2022
Turn the lights down, grab some snacks, and tune into your screen of choice—the National Film Registry 's 2021 recommendations and selections have been announced! 25 films have been… continue reading Newest Additions to the National Film Registry
By written by Peter SM January 6, 2022
Howllo Boils and Ghouls... welcome back to the Free Library of Phrightadelphia's boo-log, as we draw near to the most haunted of holidays— Halloween ! This year is a monstrously… continue reading Famous Monsters of the Silver Scream: Dracula and Frankenstein
By written by Peter SM October 29, 2021
40 years ago on this day, October 15, 1981, a film debuted that not only scared audiences but would send shivers through Hollywood for years to come, serving as not only an artistic influence on… continue reading Reopening the Book of the Dead: The Evil Dead 40th Anniversary
By written by Peter SM October 15, 2021
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Free Comic Book Day ! The all-ages event was founded in 2001 to encourage both curious, first-time comic book readers and seasoned comic book fans alike,… continue reading The Return of Free Comic Book Day!
By written by Peter SM August 13, 2021
What do you get when a secret government agency assembles an equally secret team of supervillains and anti-heroes to fight against a worldwide threat? Sounds like a mission for The Suicide Squad !… continue reading The Suicide Squad are Dying to Save the World
By written by Peter SM August 5, 2021
After the postponement of the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the torch will be lit once again this year as the rescheduled Summer Games will take place in Tokyo, Japan starting today,… continue reading Local Athletes Competing in the Summer Olympics
By written by Peter SM July 23, 2021
Up from the depths and onto your screen, it's... Shark Week ! The Discovery Channel's annual feeding frenzy of shark-related media kicks off its 33rd year with shows featuring comedian… continue reading Are You Ready for Shark Week?
By written by Peter SM July 9, 2021 1
The Rare Book Department has some true treasures within its collections, but perhaps one of its most special collections is the First Folio of William Shakespeare . What is the “First… continue reading Who Said It: Shakespeare, Milton, or Shake Milton?
By written by Peter SM April 28, 2021
Dracula vs. Frankenstein Alien vs. Predator T-800 vs. T-1000 These are just a few of the most over-the-top sci-fi b-movie fight scenes ever filmed, but the main event will finally take place when… continue reading March Monster Madness: Godzilla vs. Kong
By written by Peter SM March 31, 2021 2
Ursula K. Le Guin 's award-winning writing often depicted futuristic alternative worlds steeped in the themes of politics, the natural environment, gender, religion, sexuality, and… continue reading Women's History Month | Ursula K. Le Guin Honored with Commemorative Stamp
By written by Peter SM March 29, 2021
Today, on March 10—or Mar10 , if you will—we celebrate everything about the red-and-blue-suspendered plumber with extraordinary jumping abilities and a knack for exciting… continue reading Digital Media Spotlight | MAR10 Day and the World of Video Games
By written by Peter SM March 10, 2021
2021 marks 45 years since The Muppet Show debuted on television and today Disney+ is bringing back all 120 episodes streaming on-demand! As Kermit the Frog would say—arms flailing—… continue reading Digital Media Spotlight | The Muppets
By written by Peter SM February 19, 2021 1
Celebrate Lunar New Year 2021 and the Year of the Ox ! In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and… continue reading Celebrate the Year of the Ox!
By written by Peter SM February 12, 2021
During Black History Month, the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement (OBME) is hosting a series on Black Generational Wealth , in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Commerce… continue reading Black History Month | Black Generational Wealth Series
By written by Peter SM February 8, 2021
Seen any good movies lately? If you've exhausted watching everything on your streaming media platforms of choice, take a look at the National Film Registry 's yearly recommendations and… continue reading Newest Additions to the National Film Registry
By written by Peter SM January 11, 2021 3
As we wind down 2020, I have a few choice words that I can think of to describe the year... but none that would be appropriate to print here. Luckily for us, Merriam-Webster added plenty of new… continue reading 2020's Newest Word Additions and Definitions to the Dictionary
By written by Peter SM December 29, 2020
If ever there was a time to lose oneself in the extraordinary stories and colorful illustrations of comic books—2020 was that year! While not necessarily a "Top 10" (especially… continue reading 20 Great Graphic Novels and Comics from 2020
By written by Peter SM December 28, 2020
Space western adventures! Out of this world creatures! And one cute green baby (Yoda)! We're talking about The Mandalorian , the latest installment in the ever-expanding Star Wars universe of… continue reading This Is The Way... to Mandalorian and Star Wars Reads
By written by Peter SM December 18, 2020
As part of our ongoing series of blog posts highlighting our awesome staff throughout the Free Library of Philadelphia, today we take some time to speak with Sunita Balija, who is a… continue reading Meet Your Library Staff: Sunita Balija, Children's Librarian and South Indian Classical Vocalist
By written by Peter SM December 4, 2020