Browsing Date: June 2017 (37)

Blog Articles

Not intentionally, the theme for our recommended new books this month is: outsiders. You’ll find stories of refugees forced to leave their homes, historical villains as seen from their side… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in July!

By written by Paul A.    June 30, 2017   

Some great news right before the upcoming Welcome to America July 4th holiday festivities get under way in Philadelphia this weekend... Shakespeare Park has finally reopened! If you've tried… continue reading Shakespeare Park Has Reopened!

By written by Peter SM    June 30, 2017   

"Sign her up? But she can’t even read yet!" This was the reply by a caregiver at a recent Baby and Toddler Storytime , when I encouraged a mother to sign up her 18-month-old child… continue reading Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Can Also Join the Summer of Wonder!

By written by Sarah S.    June 30, 2017   

It's official—summer has arrived and the Free Library is here to keep you cool, connected, and book-bound! Our summer hours went into effect on June 19, so take note that most of our… continue reading The Heat Is On: Stay Cool During Free Library's Summer Hours

By written by Jenn D.    June 29, 2017   

Saturday, July 1, 2017, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Charles Ives (1874–1954). Variations on "America" (1891), arr. William Schuman Ives . Symphony No. 2 (1901) Discoveries from the… continue reading Discoveries from the Fleisher Collection: Charles Ives and Independence

By written by Fleisher Collection    June 29, 2017   

Was I ever not-weird? I really can’t say. From the time I can remember, I was a weird child who grew into a weird teen who went on to become a weird adult. Part of my oddity has been a… continue reading #ThrowbackThursday: Revisiting Lois Duncan

By written by Kalela W.    June 29, 2017   

Summer is upon us, and you know what that means: road trips, vacations, relaxing afternoons on the beach, and maybe even a much-needed staycation on your couch. If you’ll be out of town and… continue reading Take The Free Library Anywhere This Summer!

By written by Kate C.    June 28, 2017   

On June 7, 1979, President Jimmy Carter designated the month of June to honor the musical contributions of African Americans, known as Black Music Month. In 2016, President Barack Obama gave a… continue reading African-American Music Appreciation Month: 3 New Albums to Check Out

By written by Camille T.    June 27, 2017   

I was in graduate school when Oprah Winfrey confronted author James Frey about fabricating portions of his memoir,  A Million Little Pieces . Oprah, who had previously defended Frey’s… continue reading #MysteryMonday: How True Do We Want True Crime To Be?

By written by Sara D.    June 26, 2017   

As summer heats up, stay cool with this fruit soda recipe from Get HYPE! Philly ! Under the guidance of Chef Shawn Murray, teens at our Kensington Library used a blender to learn how to puree… continue reading Fruit Sparkling Water Recipe in 4 Easy Steps

By written by Brittany B.    June 26, 2017    2

It may feel like summer has only just began, but at the Free Library we are already prepping for back-to-school and the arrival of our Jumpstart Camp program. Jumpstart is a three-week camp that… continue reading Jumpstart Camp: Free Back to School Prep

By written by Becky F.    June 23, 2017    1

Before the Re-Read... To be honest, I can’t even remember what grade I was in when I first read this book. It was either third or fourth, a time at which I still was a non-reader. I read the… continue reading #ThrowbackThursday: Revisiting Where the Red Fern Grows

By written by Mary W.    June 22, 2017    2

Mid-19th century Philadelphia was booming. Its factories produced iron and steel, locomotives and textiles, and finished goods of all kinds. Immigrants and citizens alike flowed into the city to… continue reading A History Minute: The Fortunes of Philadelphia - The Trolley Kings

By written by Sally F.    June 21, 2017    1

You may know him as the recipient of multiple Theodor Seuss Geisel Awards . You may know him as the author of such great books as The Watermelon Seed , Good Night Owl , and Number One Sam . Now… continue reading Meet Greg Pizzoli, Our Summer of Wonder Artist

By written by Becky F.    June 20, 2017   

Looking for a book that will help get kids moving? We have a good one for you! Our new selection for Picture Books Highlights – a series of posts where we put the spotlight on a brand-new… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Spunky Little Monkey

By written by Monica C.    June 20, 2017   

While some schools in the area have already let out for the summer, the last official day for Philadelphia School District students is Tuesday, June 20. Woo Hoo! While pools and spraygrounds… continue reading When School's Out, Stay Cool with Awesome Activities at the Free Library!

By written by Administrator    June 19, 2017   

Today’s #MysteryMonday is also some nostaligia-on-the-19th—we’re catching up with one of our favorite crime capers, the big-hatted, red-coated Carmen Sandiego . She made her… continue reading #Mystery Monday: The Infamous Carmen Sandiego

By written by Julie B.    June 19, 2017   

Superheroes aren't supposed to die—they're larger than life, courageous, fight for what's right, and are here to help and protect us. They are immortal. Adam West, whose double… continue reading The Bright Knight Shines Immortal: Remembering Adam West

By written by Peter SM    June 16, 2017   

Father's Day is a chance to wish dear old dad or those special men in our lives that helped raise and guide us, a big thank you for your service. While you honor the father figure in your… continue reading 5 Notable Literary Fathers

By written by Camille T.    June 16, 2017   

This month we’re speaking with Robert Goza, Lead Economic Development Specialist/Public Information Officer at the U.S. Small Business Administration Eastern Pennsylvania District Office .… continue reading Partner Spotlight: Small Business Administration Eastern Pennsylvania District Office

By written by CaitlinT    June 15, 2017