We here at the Free Library love Amy Sedaris. Not just because she visited us here last month. Or that she's funny. Or related to David Sedaris. Which doesn't hurt. But because she's now an honorary member of the bookworm club . Yes, Amy Sedaris bakes cupcakes. She makes meatloaf. And she makes Halloween even more fun than we thought possible. continue reading Ghosts, Ghouls, and Amy Sedaris
By written by Emily October 31, 2006
Natalie Pompilio article . Damon C. Williams article. continue reading One Book, One Philadelphia Media Coverage
By written by Emily October 31, 2006
Today at 11:00 a.m., a press conference was held in the Central Library's Main Lobby to announce the featured title for 2007's One Book, One Philadelphia . Carlos Eire's 2003 National Book Award-winning memoir, Waiting for Snow in Havana- Confessions of a Cuban Boy, was chosen. Telling the story of Mr. Eire's childhood in Cuba and later, as one… continue reading 2007 One Book, One Philadelphia Selection Announced
By written by Emily October 30, 2006
Here are some photos from the Free Library's Barack Obama event. New Yorker interview. continue reading Obama Photos
By written by Emily October 27, 2006
Are you a young adult who loves the Free Library? Then join the Raven Society! For a $50 donation, you benefit from an array of members-only benefits, such as: invitations to social events and programs exclusively designed by and for Raven Society members invitations to author events and literary programs discounts to select events … continue reading The Raven Society
By written by Emily October 27, 2006
Tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the Falls of Schuylkill Branch , the gloves come off! First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell will pit her wordplay skills against those of First Lady of Philadelphia, Naomi Street, in a historic game of SCRABBLE®. Their participation is part of PHILLY PLAYS SCRABBLE®, a program launched by the Free Library in… continue reading First Ladies Scrabble Championship
By written by Emily October 26, 2006 2
Currently on display in the West Gallery of the Central Library through December is an exhibition entitled “Making Murals: The Connection Between Muralists, Students, and Community Organizations.” The show features the Mural Arts Program , which has over 40 community-based Art Education sites for youth ages 9-18, and spotlights some… continue reading Murals, Murals Everywhere
By written by Emily October 25, 2006
Michael Lewis, bestselling non-fiction author of such books as Liar's Poker , The New New Thing , and Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game , arrived at the Free Library today at noon to give a free talk on his latest book, The Blind Side . With the aid of questions from Larry Platt, Editor in Chief of Philadelphia Magazine , Lewis'… continue reading Michael Lewis
By written by Emily October 24, 2006 11
Ever wonder what the average lifespan of a ladybug is? Or the name of President Eisenhower’s Secretary of Defense? The Free Library of Philadelphia website now hosts Ask Here PA , a new online reference service that features the volunteered expertise of librarians from 92 libraries statewide. Funded by the Department of Education, Ask… continue reading Ask A Reference Librarian, 24/7
By written by Emily October 23, 2006 11
This morning, the Washington Post and other prominent newspapers reported that Barack Obama is now considering a bid for the 2008 presidential elections. Could the resounding reception he received at the Free Library on October 21st be the inspiration behind this stunning announcement? We'd like to think so.... Mr. Obama's lecture, discussing… continue reading Barack Obama's Triumphant Visit
By written by Emily October 23, 2006 1
On October 22 at 2:00 p.m., the Rare Book Department will host a special program coinciding with the current exhibition, "Unimaginable Coasts: European Exploration and the Conquest of the Americas." Martin Brückner, Associate Professor of English at the University of Delaware, will present a special lecture entitled "The Geographic Revolution in… continue reading The Geographic Revolution in Early America, a lecture by Martin Brückner
By written by Emily October 20, 2006
Normally, science and religion are assumed to be at odds. But tonight's Lecture Series lineup presents a much more optimistic picture, with Pulitzer Prize-winning scientist and writer, Edward O. Wilson, speaking alongside Hollis Professor of Divinity at Harvard University, Harvey Cox. Wilson's new work, The Creation , encourages discourse… continue reading Pulitzer Prize-winner, E.O. Wilson, Speaks Tonight
By written by Emily October 19, 2006
First, Smokin' Joe Frazier made an appearance at the Free Library's citywide anti-violence forum . Today, he showed up in the New York Times . continue reading Hometown Hero All Over the Place
By written by Emily October 18, 2006
Yesterday afternoon, radio and talk show host Tavis Smiley spoke with teens as part of the Free Library's Field Family Teen Author Series. It was a rousing lecture -- in addition to discussing his newest book, What I Know For Sure , Smiley talked about his personal history and philosophies on how to overcome challenges and hardship. He tried to… continue reading Tavis Smiley a Huge Success
By written by Emily October 18, 2006
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." Groucho Marx continue reading Quote of the Day
By written by Emily October 16, 2006
The Free Library is pleased to announce that Library card holders can now access the online subscription to the PDR Electronic Library from home. You can search both the Physician’s Desk Reference and Stedman’s Medical Dictionary from home by logging in from home with your library card number and PIN. To access it, go to "Advanced… continue reading Physician's Desk Reference Now Available from Home
By written by Emily October 13, 2006 10
Orhan Pamuk , a novelist hailing from Turkey, won this year's Nobel Prize in Literature. He is an author,"who in the quest for the melancholic soul of his native city has discovered new symbols for the clash and interlacing of cultures." Pamuk's work, dealing with the resulting culture clashes of a globalized society, has put him at odds with… continue reading Congratulations, Orhan Pamuk!
By written by Emily October 12, 2006
Kile Smith, Curator of the Free Library’s Edwin A. Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music and host of WRTI’s Discoveries from the Fleisher Collection monthly program, takes a moment to speak to the Free Library Blog about his lifetime love of music. How long have you worked at the Fleisher Collection? “I started in, gulp,… continue reading Interview with Fleisher Curator, Kile Smith
By written by Emily October 11, 2006
On October 4, CSPAN2’s Book TV Bus arrived at the Free Library to interview Ian S. Lustick , Professor of Political Science and Bess W. Heyman Chair at the University of Pennsylvania, as he discussed his new work, Trapped in the War on Terror , with the Free Library audience. The bus is no joke--a 45-foot-long motor coach defining the… continue reading Book TV Visits the Free Library
By written by Emily October 10, 2006
The Frankford Branch , which opened at Frankford Avenue and Overington Street on October 2, 1906, was the second Carnegie Branch in the city. The roots of this library date back to 1823, when the Library & Reading Room Association was founded. In 1959, the library was remodeled, replacing the neo-classic building with a modern structure of… continue reading Two Branches Built with Funds from Andrew Carnegie Celebrate 100th Anniversaries in October
By written by Emily October 6, 2006 1
