The New York Times recently revealed its line-up of 2009’s best fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in its annual 100 Notable Books list. Many of the authors that we hosted at the Parkway… continue reading New York Times Names 100 Most Notable Books of 2009!

By written by Shannon G    December 2, 2009    13

Ever wonder how a book is made, outside of the huge factory production of regular publishing? This video by Abigail Uhteg, a 2007 graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, shows how. She… continue reading How is an artists' book made?

By written by Shannon G    November 30, 2009    20

• Artists Books

Head over to Children’s Book World in Haverford on Sunday, November 22 for A Novel Idea , a benefit for the Free Library of Philadelphia. Nationally renowned young adult authors will be on… continue reading Meet Your Favorite Young Adult Authors!

By written by Shannon G    November 20, 2009    1

It’s that time of year again—not a day full of turkey and football, but the announcement of the 2009 National Book Award winners! In addition to the winners in fiction, nonfiction,… continue reading The Most Magical Time of the Year

By written by Shannon G    November 20, 2009    1

Two months ago, we announced the 2010 One Book, One Philadelphia featured reading selection, Marjane Satrapi’s The Complete Persepolis . The programming period officially kicks off in… continue reading One Book Blog: On Social Class and Forgiveness

By written by Shannon G    November 12, 2009    2

Give your dancing shoes a night off and join Library lovers across the city on Saturday, November 7th in a celebration of literacy and the vital role the Free Library of Philadelphia plays in our… continue reading You're invited to our first-ever Borrowers (un)Ball!

By written by Shannon G    October 22, 2009    2

Marjane Satrapi’s memoir, Persepolis , captured my full attention on the first page—the image of young girls playing with their veils instead of wearing them made me chuckle. I read… continue reading What do you think of Persepolis so far?

By written by Shannon G    October 9, 2009    4

Interested in the Free Library’s downloadable resources but not sure where to start? Stop by the Parkway Central Library on Friday, October 16 between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and hop aboard… continue reading Digital Bookmobile Makes a Stop at the Free Library

By written by Shannon G    October 8, 2009   

I know, I know. Tomorrow’s free lecture with Marjane Satrapi, author of this year’s One Book, One Philadelphia featured reading selection, has been on your calendar since we announced… continue reading 2010 One Book Author Visits Parkway Central Tomorrow!

By written by Shannon G    September 22, 2009    1

  Now for some positive news about the Free Library of Philadelphia (finally). The Library and the Mayor’s Office just named Marjane Satrapi’s The Complete… continue reading Get Ready for One Book, One Philadelphia!

By written by Shannon G    September 15, 2009    6

With the help of devoted Library customers, Free Library of Philadelphia President and Director Siobhan A. Reardon cut the ribbon on a specialized department for older adults in the Parkway… continue reading Parkway Central Cuts Ribbon on New Space for Seniors

By written by Shannon G    August 31, 2009    1

The Free Library of Philadelphia is full of stories—mysteries, autobiographies, romances, and Pulitzer Prize winners are just a few of the tales residing on our bookshelves. But the most… continue reading Share Your Stories!

By written by Shannon G    August 4, 2009    14

Today we were extremely disheartened to learn how dire the city’s financial situation is because the State has not yet passed a State budget. Along with many other very severe cuts, Mayor… continue reading We Need Action Now!

By written by Shannon G    July 30, 2009   

Free Library fans who take home stacks of books week after week may have met their match. Louise Brown, a 91-year-old resident of Stranraer, Scotland, is about to take home her 25,000th library… continue reading Bookwarm to Break Borrowing Record

By written by Shannon G    July 29, 2009    4

Fans, family, and friends mourn the passing of author E. Lynn Harris, who died on Thursday, July 23, 2009 in Los Angeles at the age of 54. The author of 11 novels, including Invisible Life and A… continue reading In Memoriam: E. Lynn Harris

By written by Shannon G    July 28, 2009   

“Find what you love, and do it.” Author Frank McCourt relayed this advice while speaking to thousands of graduating students at my college commencement ceremony. McCourt, who passed… continue reading Author Frank McCourt, 78, Passes Away

By written by Shannon G    July 20, 2009    7

New this summer, an exhibit in the Parkway Central Library explores the history and meaning behind the hairstyles of African women. African Hair Styles: Culture and Consciousness features a range… continue reading African Hair Styles: Culture and Consciousness

By written by Shannon G    July 1, 2009    8

This morning, NBC’s Today Show explored the current state of libraries across the country—much like the Free Library of Philadelphia, the libraries profiled in the segment are… continue reading Library Usage Highlighted on Today Show

By written by Shannon G    June 11, 2009    1

I may not be a bona fide history nut—I certainly don’t know who was the fourth King of England—but I can spend hours poring over photographs and historical accounts of places… continue reading Parkway Central: Then and Now

By written by Shannon G    May 1, 2009    4

With more visitors than ever, the Free Library Festival was a hit last weekend! Broadway and television actress Kristin Chenoweth drew a huge crowd, and she even gave fans a special treat when she… continue reading Free Library Festival Was a Huge Success!

By written by Shannon G    April 21, 2009    6