Recently, one my favorite events of the year took place: the Scripps National Spelling Bee ! I love the tension, the excitement, the sheer elation on the winner's face when he or she spells… continue reading For Spelling Bee Fans

By written by Michelle S.    June 6, 2011   

Jennifer Egan is in some ways an unlikely candidate for a Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. She’s under 50, female, and writes what many call “experimental” fiction. But this… continue reading Finding Inspiration in 2011’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist

By written by Michelle S.    June 1, 2011    1

We’re excited to be moving forward with our re-envisioned plans for a new Parkway Central! From May 19 through December 2011, Philbrick Popular Library will be closed to the public as… continue reading Parkway Central's Philbrick Popular Library to Close for Renovations

By written by Michelle S.    May 17, 2011    6

Last evening, I picked up my first CSA share of the season. You would have thought it was my birthday, I was so excited! (I admit that I like vegetables probably more than the average person.)… continue reading Local Food and Reading about Eating

By written by Michelle S.    May 10, 2011   

As the days lengthen and the temperature warms, I find myself daydreaming of summer vacations and world travels. My ideas are always bigger than my budget, so I like to engage in a healthy dose of… continue reading Armchair Travels

By written by Michelle S.    May 4, 2011    2

The 2011 Pulitzer Prize winners for Letters have just been announced, and we see some familiar names on that list! In the past few months, the Free Library's award-winning Author Events Series… continue reading 2011 Pulitzer Prize Winners Announced

By written by Michelle S.    April 18, 2011   

Come on out to the Philadelphia Book Festival  tomorrow, April 16, on the busy and beautiful Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a day full of free events and exciting programming for… continue reading The Philadelphia Book Festival Street Fair is ON Tomorrow, Rain or Shine!

By written by Michelle S.    April 15, 2011   

Today marks the start of National Library Week and the start of our fifth annual Philadelphia Book Festival ! Tonight, we're welcoming musician Jay Ansill , acclaimed authors Dolen Perkins-Valdez… continue reading The Philadelphia Book Festival Kicks Off Today!

By written by Michelle S.    April 11, 2011    2

This is just a reminder that the Free Library of Philadelphia system--including all branches, regional libraries, Parkway Central, and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped--will be… continue reading Free Library of Philadelphia System Closed Today

By written by Michelle S.    April 7, 2011    1

The Free Library is excited to announce that we've added Freegal, a fantastic music database, to our growing digital collections! Freegal increases the size and diversity of the Library’s… continue reading Access Entire Sony Music Catalog with New Freegal Database

By written by Michelle S.    March 30, 2011    19

On Saturday, April 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Parkway Central Library, the Free Library of Philadelphia will host “Say YES to College!,” a half-day workshop featuring free… continue reading Say YES to College at Parkway Central!

By written by Michelle S.    March 28, 2011    7

In this essay in the New York Times, David Greenberg explores the notion of disappointing last chapters in otherwise good books. He focuses mainly on non-fiction social commentary, like Eric… continue reading Disappointing Endings

By written by Michelle S.    March 23, 2011    5

The Free Library of Philadelphia has been in the news quite a bit recently! Catch up on any stories you may have missed: 6abc's Nydia Han explains our popular ebook lending services and how to get… continue reading The Free Library in the News

By written by Michelle S.    March 18, 2011    1

Ten years ago, the Free Library embarked on an ambitious journey to expand in grand new ways the manner in which it enlightens the city. Since that time there has been nothing short of a… continue reading Parkway Central Renovations Underway!

By written by Michelle S.    March 16, 2011    9

Mark your calendars! In celebration of the memory of art aficionado and Free Library curator Robert F. Looney, the Parkway Central Library will host the 12th annual Robert F. Looney Lecture… continue reading The 12th Annual Robert F. Looney Memorial Event: Documentary PIX: Philadelphia, A Century of Change

By written by Michelle S.    March 14, 2011   

Effective Monday, March 14, 2011, the Free Library of Philadelphia will increase its out-of-area card fee to $35 annually. Those living, working, going to school, or paying taxes in Philadelphia… continue reading Free Library's Out-of-Area Card Fee to Increase

By written by Michelle S.    March 11, 2011    6

The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to host its newest exhibition, “The Struggle for Nature in the City,” in the lobby of the Parkway Central Library. The exhibition highlights… continue reading New Exhibition at Parkway Central Examines the Struggle for Nature in the City

By written by Michelle S.    March 9, 2011   

You may recall from my post last week that I've been feeling a bit of reader's remorse for not having read as many classic novels as I would like. I set myself the goal of reading at least… continue reading Keeping Up with the Classics: Howards End

By written by Michelle S.    March 8, 2011    2

The Free Library of Philadelphia, in conjunction with the National Education Association, will promote literacy awareness and the joy of reading during the month of March in conjuction… continue reading Celebrate Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ 107th Birthday

By written by Michelle S.    March 2, 2011   

March 1 is Saint David's Day--a national day in the United Kindom recognizing the patron saint of Wales. As a student in Swansea, Wales, I remember being taken by the proliferation of daffodils… continue reading Happy St. David's Day!

By written by Michelle S.    March 1, 2011