Posts by Sarah S. (97)

Blog Articles

Ah, summer... The sun is out, the fountains are on, school is out, energy is high, and let's face it—for parents, this can be a challenging time. Here’s a list of things that are… continue reading Five Things To Do With Your Little Kids This Summer in Philadelphia

By written by Sarah S.    June 21, 2018    1

Thanks to a generous grant from the William Penn Foundation, the Free Library is embarking on a series of fun programs for babies , toddlers and their families called Read, Baby, Read , using new… continue reading Read, Baby, Read Helps Develop Language and Literacy at the Library

By written by Sarah S.    February 26, 2018    1

Happy February, everyone! Let’s celebrate Black History Month with our favorite African American authors and illustrators. The recently published books linked to in this month's… continue reading February 2018 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    February 12, 2018   

Here at the Free Library, we often have parents ask us, "How can I help my child learn to read?" Of course, we know that sharing books with children helps to develop a love of reading,… continue reading Ready4K and Vroom: Early Learning Tips for Young Children

By written by Sarah S.    February 2, 2018    2

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, whether you celebrate Hanukkah (December 12 – 20), the Winter Solstice (December 21), Christmas (December 25), Kwanzaa (December 26 –… continue reading December 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    December 1, 2017   

This month, we are celebrating Native American Heritage Month , and the unique contributions to children’s books made by Native/First Nations authors and illustrators. When you were little,… continue reading November 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    November 1, 2017   

A grandmother and child share a trip to the city to visit the museum and buy ingredients for pasteles , the traditional Puerto Rican Christmas delicacy. A young boy uses his speedy typing skills… continue reading Eric Velasquez, Celebrated Picture Book Author and Illustrator, to Visit Free Library!

By written by Sarah S.    October 18, 2017   

October is here and we are fall ing into lots of fun and free Fall activities and events here at the Free Library! Traditional and unique holidays throughout October include World Smile Day the… continue reading October 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    October 4, 2017   

Feel that cool fall air? That means it’s September, and time for a new Early Literacy Calendar! September is the time we head back to school (or start school for the first time) and begin to… continue reading September 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    September 1, 2017   

Have you been participating in the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder program? You still have time to sign up! The in-person program ends on August 4, but runs online through August 31. Sign up… continue reading August 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    August 1, 2017   

We all know that the 4th of July is Independence Day and that there will be celebrations involving food, but how about celebrating Chocolate Day on July 7 – yum! – or National Ice… continue reading July 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    July 3, 2017   

"Sign her up? But she can’t even read yet!" This was the reply by a caregiver at a recent Baby and Toddler Storytime , when I encouraged a mother to sign up her 18-month-old child… continue reading Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Can Also Join the Summer of Wonder!

By written by Sarah S.    June 30, 2017   

Did you know that the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder program just started up again? And that it is for all ages? Yes, even newborns can participate – with the help of their grownups,… continue reading June 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    June 2, 2017    1

Once you take a break from all of the great reading suggestions during this year's Children's Book Week , May is also a great month to get outside and play! We have lots to celebrate this… continue reading May 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    May 3, 2017   

Happy April, everyone, whether you are an April Fool or not! April brings some fun holidays and celebrations, like Easter on April 16, Earth Day on April 22 – hey, you can never be too young… continue reading April 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    April 5, 2017   

We’ve got a lot to celebrate throughout the month of March: Dr. Seuss ' birthday and National Read Across America Day are March 2. Check out our events calendar for a Dr. Seuss event… continue reading March 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    March 1, 2017   

February may be short on days but it is long on holidays and events to celebrate throughout Philadelphia , including Chinese New Year , Presidents' Day , Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), and the most… continue reading February 2017 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    February 6, 2017   

Many of us have great, nostalgic memories of enjoying The Nutcracker as a child. Why not revisit the timeless classic this year? This holiday classic ballet based on   E.T.A.… continue reading Family Holiday Traditions: The Nutcracker!

By written by Sarah S.    December 2, 2016   

December is a time for family and feasts! It’s a great time to celebrate what makes a family and what we love to share with each other. And even though it hasn’t snowed quite yet, it… continue reading December 2016 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    December 1, 2016   

November is Native American Heritage Month , a great time to read books by and about Native Americans! This month’s book recommendations are by Native authors like Sherman Alexie , Cynthia… continue reading November 2016 Early Literacy Calendar

By written by Sarah S.    November 3, 2016