The Free Library’s most powerful grant-finding tool just got a lot easier to use. Before, to access the Library’s premier fundraising tool, Foundation Directory, you had to travel to the Parkway Central Library. Now you can easily build prospect lists and find connections with key decision-makers at any Free Library location !… continue reading Foundation Directory Has Expanded
By written by Jamie B. February 27, 2024
If you don't have a high school diploma, it's not too late to obtain your credentials! The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) is a "high school equivalency credential available to Pennsylvania residents who do not possess a high school diploma." According to the PA Department of Education, you can earn a CSSD by… continue reading Practice for Your GED With the Free Library
By written by Jamie B. May 16, 2023
Did you know that studying a world language can improve your concentration and memory ? That’s good news for Europe, where most countries have national-level requirements that students study languages in school . Unfortunately in comparison, Americans have a massive language learning gap. Over 231 million Americans "speak only… continue reading Learn a World Language With the Free Library
By written by Jamie B. March 21, 2023 3
In August, we announced big changes on the horizon now that OverDrive has acquired the RBdigital platform. If you remember, RBdigital audiobooks moved to our OverDrive platform. Now comes the second and final change: RBdigital magazines have moved to the OverDrive platform. On March 31, 2021, the RBdigital website and application will be… continue reading Introducing OverDrive Magazines!
By written by Jamie B. March 19, 2021 4
What do Guion Bluford , Angela Davis , Hank Aaron , Maya Angelou , Katherine G. Johnson , Eartha Kitt , Sonny Rollins , Gordon Parks , Ntozake Shange , and E. Lynn Harris all have in common? They are phenomenal Black people who have influenced the course of history and whose stories are preserved as part of The HistoryMakers . Free Library… continue reading Introducing the HistoryMakers Digital Archive!
By written by Jamie B. February 16, 2021
The longest year ever is coming to a close. (Amen.) That means that it’s time to peruse some Best of 2020 book lists! Across the web you can find tons of these kinds of lists. Two of my favorites are Book Riot’s Best Books of 2020 , where they break it down into 11 genres, including everything from children’s to horror. I also… continue reading What Philadelphia Read in 2020
By written by Jamie B. December 30, 2020
For many Philadelphians, library access to free ebooks and audiobooks has been a lifesaver during the pandemic. We may not be able to go anywhere we want, but we can travel vicariously through someone else’s adventures or at least get inspired to declutter the spaces in which we’re stuck . eBooks and audiobooks have been so popular… continue reading How to Recommend a Digital Book
By written by Jamie B. December 14, 2020 4
¡hurra! 万岁 hoan hô! Ура! hourra! hooray! الصيحة! Let’s celebrate! The Free Library now offers access to ebooks and audiobooks in seven world languages: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, French, Haitian Creole, and Arabic. Through our OverDrive platform, we have created two new specialized eReading Rooms of Spanish… continue reading Hurra! Hourra! Hoan Hô! | ebooks in 7 Languages
By written by Jamie B. August 31, 2020 1
Have you heard the news? OverDrive has acquired the RBdigital platform . For Free Library users, this means that on September 8, 2020, RBdigital content will move to OverDrive. The RBdigital website and application will eventually be retired. For now, this change will only affect RBdigital audiobook content. Digital magazines will still be… continue reading Big Changes are Coming to RBdigital
By written by Jamie B. August 26, 2020 24
The Free Library is pleased to announce a new digital resource that provides access to the most distinguished African American Newspapers in the United States. Cardholders now have access to 10 historic Black newspapers that help piece together a fuller story of American history, which features stories that were omitted from textbooks and… continue reading Black History. Black News. Black Voices.
By written by Jamie B. July 30, 2020 6
Right now, it seems like everyone is reading books about race. The New York Times bestsellers list is currently made up almost entirely of books about race and racism, with the "big three" taking the top spots: How to Be an Antiracist , So You Want to Talk About Race , and White Fragility . At the Free Library, we’re… continue reading There's More to #BlackLivesMatter Than Booklists
By written by Jamie B. June 30, 2020 5
In the age of social distancing, virtual meetings have become commonplace. Almost overnight we’ve had to learn new technologies in order to have a doctor’s appointment, a work meeting, a class, or even a birthday party. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by learning how to use the different virtual meeting platforms, you’re… continue reading Stay Connected: Virtual Meeting Basics
By written by Jamie B. May 21, 2020
Schools are closed through the end of this school year, and children and caregivers alike are looking for high-quality reading materials and activities. It's more important than ever to keep young minds engaged in constructive work and play . The Free Library has many digital resources that can help! One of our favorite digital… continue reading Reading Resources for School-Aged Children
By written by Jamie B. April 23, 2020
Audiobooks offer a great way to escape while you’re working, cooking, or cleaning. They have also been proven to help struggling readers access literature . But a battle still rages: audiobooks vs. reading . Which side are you on? Weigh in below in the comments section! If you are new to audiobooks, here’s a short guide to getting… continue reading Audiobooks 101
By written by Jamie B. March 24, 2020 3
New to ebooks? Here’s a short guide to getting started with ebooks at the Free Library. Finding ebooks Search our library catalog by title, author, subject, or another term. In your search results, ebooks will be labeled with a blue ebook tag and a blue downloadable book icon . Narrow your results to only ebooks by using the Narrow Search… continue reading ebooks 101
By written by Jamie B. March 20, 2020 3
If you're looking for free, personalized academic support while your school or university is closed, the Free Library can connect you to a qualified tutor through Homework Help Online , powered by Tutor.com. Homework Help Online supports K through 12, college, and adult learners through virtual, one-to-one, on-demand tutoring; drop-off… continue reading Homework Help Online: Live Chat with a Qualified Tutor
By written by Jamie B. March 18, 2020 12
If your school or college is affected by COVID-19, resources from the Free Library are available to help students continue their learning from home. You can find all of these digital tools at freelibrary.org/ehomework . You’ll need your Free Library card number and PIN to log on. Elementary School Kids InfoBits Access… continue reading Learning from Home? The Free Library Can Help!
By written by Jamie B. March 16, 2020 5
Super Tuesday is now behind us. The 11th debate of the Democratic presidential primary is on the horizon. Candidates are dropping out of the race left and right, but it’s still anybody’s game. As the field narrows, how can you keep on top of the developments and make sure you’re gaining multiple perspectives from trusted… continue reading Get Your Trusted 2020 Presidential Election News from the Free Library
By written by Jamie B. March 4, 2020 2
by Jamie Bowers and Dennis Mawson Starting today, Philadelphians ages 18 and above can use their Free Library card to check out FREE digital passes to cultural institutions and other attractions in the Philadelphia area. From science centers and botanical gardens to art museums and sporting events, the Experience Pass has something for… continue reading Announcing the Experience Pass—Your Key to Free Philadelphia Museums, Attractions, and More!
By written by Jamie B. December 2, 2019 24
Have you read the 1619 Project yet? It’s the award-winning special issue of the New York Times Magazine all about American Slavery that was published last month. The project’s creator, journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones , writes that its aim is to "reframe for our readers the way we understand our nation, the legacy of slavery, and… continue reading Find Out How Slavery Made Our World with These Free Library Resources
By written by Jamie B. September 17, 2019 1
