Some great news right before the upcoming Welcome to America July 4th holiday festivities get under way in Philadelphia this weekend... Shakespeare Park has finally reopened! If you've tried… continue reading

By Peter SM   June 30, 2017   

Superheroes aren't supposed to die—they're larger than life, courageous, fight for what's right, and are here to help and protect us. They are immortal. Adam West, whose double… continue reading

By Peter SM   June 16, 2017   

As the weather turns warmer, schools begin to let out, and people head out of town on vacation, another summer slate of movies is being rolled out in theaters across the country. The "summer… continue reading

By Peter SM   May 25, 2017    1

One of my favorite days of the year is coming up this Saturday: Free Comic Book Day ! Way better than Christmas, definitely better than another candle on a birthday cake, but maybe not as good as… continue reading

By Peter SM   May 5, 2017   

Pioneer. Innovator. Original. From the first time he slung on a guitar to the first time he belted out a tune, Chuck Berry was all of these things, and much, much more. The music icon passed away… continue reading

By Peter SM   March 20, 2017   

The Eighth Wonder of the World roars, stomps, and swings his way into a new film this weekend with Kong: Skull Island , a modern-day retelling of the King Kong mythos and the second installment in… continue reading

By Peter SM   March 10, 2017   

You'll have to excuse me today, I'm a little tired after watching this weekend's wild awards ceremonies. And no, I don't mean The Oscars (although, #envelopegate would get my… continue reading

By Peter SM   February 27, 2017   

Looking for something heartfelt and inspiring to read while supporting a worthy cause this Valentine's Day? Check out Love is Love , a 162-page graphic novel from IDW Publishing and DC Comics… continue reading

By Peter SM   February 14, 2017   

Well, that cute little rodent and fellow Pennsylvanian—Punxsutawney Phil— saw his shadow this morning , which means we have to endure another six weeks of winter. I don't think… continue reading

By Peter SM   February 2, 2017   

While most media attention surrounding films in December is about which ones are vying for Oscar consideration , I always await the announcement of the latest additions to the National Film… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 13, 2017    1

It's been almost a year since pop pioneer and provocateur David Bowie passed away at the age of 69, presumably rocketing off past outer space and transmogrifying into some other otherworldly… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 6, 2017    1

So, I have a confession to make: up until the beginning of this year, I had no idea who Simone Biles was. I'm not big on sports and had no interest in watching the Olympics this past year.… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 4, 2017   

The Grim Reaper sure was clocking in a lot of overtime throughout 2016. It's definitely not an ordinary year when you wake up one day and the likes of David Bowie, Prince, Muhammad Ali, Gene… continue reading

By Peter SM   December 30, 2016   

2016 was another great year for readers and fans of comic books, specifically graphic novels. While not necessarily a "Top 10" (especially since I selected sixteen!) and definitely not… continue reading

By Peter SM   December 29, 2016   

It's a few days before Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa , and all through my house, not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. Why? Because it's freezing outside! So, what better time… continue reading

By Peter SM   December 23, 2016   

2016 will be remembered for many things in the history books and one of those top historical moments will be the 2016 Presidential Election. No matter which candidate you voted for or what… continue reading

By Peter SM   November 23, 2016    4

Movie goers will be whisked back into the wizarding world of the Harry Potter -verse this weekend when J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them magically appears across theater… continue reading

By Peter SM   November 18, 2016   

We're a week away from the scariest, spookiest, most superstitious night of the year— Halloween ! If you are looking for something to watch to get you in the holiday spirit, look no… continue reading

By Peter SM   October 25, 2016    1

The Free Library of Philadelphia IT Digital Development team has updated the “Find a Location” section of our website today with a new responsive design layout and many new features.… continue reading

By Peter SM   October 17, 2016   

The Anti-Hero figure in pop culture isn't necessarily a new concept but has seemed to become the prevalent form of a "hero" that we see in our media nowadays. The idea of the perfect… continue reading

By Peter SM   October 12, 2016    1