With the woeful winter weather we've been having so far this year in Philadelphia, you and the children in your life may have come down with major cases of cabin fever. What better way to chase away the winter blahs than with some fun activities, books, and music reccomendations to stimulate early literacy? Well, the February 2014 Early… continue reading February 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. January 31, 2014
Last night, the Free Library of Philadelphia celebrated the grand opening of the new William B. Dietrich Gallery in the Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library . Made possible by a generous gift from the William B. Dietrich Foundation, this 1,000-square-foot gallery space includes a new exhibition area and is equipped with a video… continue reading Free Library Opens the New William B. Dietrich Gallery at Parkway Central Library
By written by Michelle S. January 30, 2014
Last week, we hosted a Shakesbeer pun off—inspired by our special crafted Shakesbeer from Yards Brewery—on our Twitter feed ( @FreeLibrary ). Thanks to everyone who participated. Find some of our favorites below and let us know, what would you add to the list? King Cobra Lear The Merchant of Guinness Twelfth Pint Love's… continue reading To Beer or Not to Beer
By written by Eileen O. January 29, 2014 2
You'll find some new features at www.freelibrary.org today! We're pleased to introduce our new Digital Learning Portal . We've also redesigned our Download Media page to make it easier to find the ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming music you love. The Digital Learning Portal is the first stop for those… continue reading Introducing Our New Digital Learning Portal and Redesigned Digital Media Page
By written by Jamie W. January 28, 2014
This week, one of the most exciting and prestigious events in children’s literature took place right here in Philadelphia. The American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards are a highly anticipated event in which the Caldecott, the Newbery, the Coretta Scott King and the Printz Awards, among others, are announced. And if you… continue reading Youth Media Awards have been announced!
By written by Sarah S. January 28, 2014
Do you ever think of the environment in a display case? Probably not. It’s one of the geeky concerns of the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) Collection Care Department. Most recently, while working with the Rare Book Department (RBD) in preparation for the upcoming exhibition, “The Year of the Bard: Shakespeare at… continue reading The Odd Little Oddy Test: Keeping the Free Library of Philadelphia Special Collections Safe When on Display
By written by Collection Care January 17, 2014
In case you didn't know, the Free Library has an ever-expanding collection of interactive online exhibitions featured on our website, with topics ranging from science fiction and brewing beer to global culture and Medieval music manuscripts . The newest feature that we have just implemented to compliment current and future online… continue reading Take a Trip Back in Time with Ben Franklin and Our New Timeline Feature
By written by Peter SM January 17, 2014
View and listen to the Top 10 Author Event Podcasts Downloaded in December 2013 . Don't forget to view our schedule for upcoming Winter and Spring 2014 author events! Blaine Harden | Escape from Camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West Recorded 4/2/2013 Listen to MP3 audio An author and journalist… continue reading Top 10 Author Event Podcasts Downloaded in December 2013
By written by Peter SM January 14, 2014
The latest version of one of our most popular and useful online resources is here. LearningExpress Library 3.0 supports academic and career development as well as lifelong learning through tutorials, test-preparation, and skill building resources in English and Spanish . The new LearningExpress format will continue to offer skill building in… continue reading Introducing LearningExpress Library 3.0
By written by Jamie W. January 14, 2014 6
Here are the Top 10 ebooks downloaded from the Free Library's OverDrive Digital Library in December to close out 2013. There were more than 48,000 ebooks checked out and downloaded for the month! Stephen King's sequel to The Shining , Doctor Sleep , took the #1 spot for the month. As it has in past months, romance ebooks accounted for 5… continue reading Top 10 ebooks OverDrive Digital Library December 2013
By written by Peter SM January 10, 2014 1
Looking for some great books for your children? Our children’s librarians are excited to share their expert reviews with you. First in our series of monthly children's book reviews, Jamie Bowers from the Paschalville Branch in Southwest Philly brings us the story of a girl and a squirrel by Philadelphia's own Kate DiCamillo,… continue reading Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo: The Story of a Girl and a Squirrel
By written by Sarah S. January 8, 2014 2
Today, in the lobby of the Parkway Central Library , the Free Library of Philadelphia, in partnership with The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre and numerous other cultural organizations from around the region, kicked off the Year of the Bard: Shakespeare at 450 --a year packed full of engaging, enlightening, and entertaining programs and events… continue reading Celebrate William Shakespeare During the Year of the Bard
By written by Michelle S. January 8, 2014
Need health insurance? Not sure how to sign up? The Free Library is a Certified Application Counselor (CAC) Designated Organization, meaning we are here to help! With more than 30 trained staff, Library CACs are available to work one-on-one with customers to offer assistance signing up for a health insurance plan online, via phone, or with a… continue reading Health Insurance Help at the Free Library
By written by Autumn M. January 6, 2014 5
Happy New Year! We're back after the holidays and ready to kick off a brand new year of great Early Literacy programs and events that emphasis Reading, Writing, Talking, Singing, and Playing. The January Early Literacy Calendar from the Free Library of Philadelphia's children's librarians is full of fun suggestions for early… continue reading January 2014 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Jennifer W. January 2, 2014
