Have you seen them around town? On subway concourses, sides of buses and within SEPTA bus shelters, KEYSPOTS ads have premiered. KEYSPOTS is a citywide initiative bringing internet access, training and technology to Philadelphia communities. KEYSPOTS is powered by Freedom Rings Partnership —a consortium of government, higher… continue reading KEYSPOTS and Hot Spots
By written by Jenn D. January 26, 2012
Throughout February, the Free Library is celebrating Black History Month with a wide range of events across the branches. Beginning with film and discussion series, Black History Month at the Free Library offers a multitude of ways to learn about and honor the significant people, places, and experiences in black history. Events include: •… continue reading Commemorate Black History Month with the Free Library of Philadelphia!
By written by Eileen O. January 26, 2012
The Free Library is acquiring a Techmobile, a 25’ vehicle outfitted for digital literacy training and outreach. Right now, construction is in progress and we expect you’ll see the Techmobile hitting the streets in April. Trainings will range from computer and email basics, r ésum é writing and job searching to… continue reading The Techmobile is Coming!
By written by Joel N. January 25, 2012
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Year of Dickens 2012 carries on throughout February—Charles Dickens’s birthday month! Mr. Dickens officially turns 200 on February 7, but we're celebrating all month long! With more literary salons, a birthday celebration, and readings over breakfast at The Dandelion, February’s… continue reading Everyone's Getting in the Dickens Spirit!
By written by Eileen O. January 24, 2012 2
We at the Free Library were saddened to hear of the passing of WURD radio host Fatimah Ali . This past summer a number of our librarians and staff had the wonderful opportunity to work with Ms. Ali as she broadcast her renowned program from many of our neighborhood branches. Ms. Ali’s commitment to the Philadelphia community was… continue reading In Memoriam: Fatimah Ali
By written by Alix G. January 24, 2012 1
Today at the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting in Dallas, TX, the Caldecott and Newbery Award winners and honor books were announced. The Caldecott Medal awards the artist of the most distinguished American picture book , and the Newbery Medal honors the most distinguished contribution to Children’s literature . This… continue reading Caldecott and Newbery Medals Awarded
By written by Joel N. January 23, 2012
Over the past several weeks, I have focused mainly on the themes, ideas, and questions brought up by Edwidge Danticat’s Create Dangerously . However, I couldn’t conclude this blog series without discussing her writing style and the art with which she crafts sentences, paragraphs, and essays. One of the things that immediately struck… continue reading Chatting One Book: The Art of Danticat’s Writing
By written by Michelle S. January 19, 2012 2
Looking for love this Valentine’s Day? Find it at the Free Library of L’amour! Throughout the beginning of February, we’re holding various free speed dating events in many of our branches, just in time for you to find a special someone to be your Valentine. Participants are encouraged to bring a book they loved, hated,… continue reading The Free Library of L'Amour
By written by Eileen O. January 17, 2012 15
Do you remember the old-fashioned library card catalogs – huge wooden cabinets lined with long drawers full of index cards, listing all the books in the library by title, author, and subject? Back then, if we needed to move the card catalog to a different spot, we would need some strong arms and elbow grease to lift it up and put it… continue reading And now, a word from the Information Technology Department
By written by Carolyn P. January 13, 2012 3
The holidays have come and gone and it seems there are suddenly a lot of new Kindle owners out there. I thought this would be a good time to post this short, introductory video on how to checkout and download a library book to your Kindle. Enjoy: continue reading Merry Kindle!
By written by Jamie W. January 12, 2012 1
In “Our Guernica,” the final essay in Create Dangerously , Edwidge Danticat focuses on the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010 and destroyed her former neighborhood in Port-au-Prince. Like so many of her essays, Danticat beautifully weaves together the personal with the universal, extrapolating her own… continue reading Chatting One Book: Create Dangerously, Chapter Twelve - “Our Guernica”
By written by Michelle S. January 12, 2012 1
Next month marks the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens. With brightly colored banners hanging outside Parkway Central, Rare Book Department exhibitions, special storytime readings, and our very own Dickens impersonator, the Free Library is ready for the celebration! We’re not the only ones venerating the inimitable author’s… continue reading Dickens of the 21st Century
By written by Eileen O. January 10, 2012
We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic Life Story by Virginia Lee Burton. First published in 1962, this wonderful book tells the tale of life on Earth from the beginning to the present with intense color and detail. In 1968, Burton gave the drawings for this book to the Children's Literature Research Collection at the Free… continue reading "Ever Wondrous to Behold": The 50th Anniversary of Virginia Lee Burton's Life Story
By written by Adrienne P. January 10, 2012
Enjoy a brief selection of books about the winter, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Chinese New Year! Winter Babies Wear Layers , by Michelle Sinclair Colman, illustrations by Nathalie Dion Everyone will enjoy Michelle Sinclair Colman’s whimsical book about the many layers of clothing babies wear in order to enjoy the winter… continue reading Welcome the winter season with another year of amazing books!
By written by Michelle S. January 9, 2012
The Mayor's Commission on Literacy has an exciting community development bidding opportunity for Philadelphia's adult literacy providers and nonprofit organizations to receive $30,000 for work to create adult learning communities. The Commission will fund up to five neighborhood-based partnerships. Each successful applicant will receive funds… continue reading Funding Opportunity from The Mayor's Commission on Literacy
By written by Eileen O. January 9, 2012 2
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy, the Free Library has a host of events and activities across the branches to commemorate the inspiring work of the Civil Rights leader. Events throughout the first two weeks of January include: • Stories and Craft, Monday, January 9, 4:00 p.m. | David Cohen Ogontz Branch… continue reading Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Free Library!
By written by Eileen O. January 6, 2012 1
One of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s best and brightest Children’s Librarians can be found at the Independence Branch at 18 South 7 th Street, a neighborhood rich in culture and variety. Margaret Bernardi is known for her great story times for preschoolers and other children, her creative flannel boards, and her expertise in… continue reading Preschool Spotlight on... Margaret Bernardi
By written by Sarah S. January 5, 2012 4
“Flying Home” is probably my favorite essay in Create Dangerously. I’ve had a fascination with flying ever since I was a small child. I was immediately drawn in by and identified with Danticat’s descriptions of how she chooses a theme for her in-flight reading; how airplanes can so frequently become microcosms of… continue reading Chatting One Book: Create Dangerously, Chapter Twelve - “Flying Home”
By written by Michelle S. January 5, 2012
I used to read novels and short stories almost exclusive to other types of writing. In an effort to broaden my literary horizons a little while ago, I started reading and enjoying a wider selection of genres, like social science, poetry, and memoir. But (and I think you can see where this is going), I did so at the expense of my favorite genre… continue reading New Year's Resolution: Read More Novels (Again)!
By written by Michelle S. January 4, 2012 4
