This July we are cooling off, enjoying treats, and embarking on adventures! There's a little something for everyone in the following recommendations of new titles! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins Today is a pool day in the city! The sun is shining, so what are you waiting for? Friends and family, kids and… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in July!
By written by Rachel F. June 30, 2023
July is Disability Pride Month! After years of fighting, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, and Disability rights activists declared the day to be Disability Pride Day . It wasn't until 25 years later that the community's day of joy received any legal recognition when activists in New York City… continue reading Celebrate Disability Pride Month!
By written by Shelley R. June 30, 2023 2
The Free Library of Philadelphia is thrilled to announce Saturday hours at 10 of our neighborhood library branches for the summer. Beginning Saturday, July 8 to August 26, 2023 , the following branches will be open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m : Cecil B. Moore Library 2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19121-2927 215-685-2766… continue reading 10 Neighborhood Free Library Branches Will Be Open on Saturdays
By written by Administrator June 29, 2023 37
One thing I’ve enjoyed lately in my reading is getting to savor the explosion of LGBTQ+ characters who get to be out and themselves on the published page. It gives me great joy to offer these books featuring trans and nonbinary children with supportive adults in their lives! This is far from a complete listing, I limited myself to only my… continue reading Children's Books Featuring Trans and Non-Binary Characters
By written by Naomi S. June 26, 2023 3
In recent years, Dungeons & Dragons (or D&D ) has transformed from a nerdy niche into a pop culture staple, recognizable in popular shows like the Netflix original series Stranger Things , or the Amazon animated series Vox Machina (based on and starring voice actors from the actual-play D&D podcast, Critical Role ). D&D even… continue reading Dungeons & Dragons and The Free Library
By written by Yona Y. June 26, 2023 2
A perfect ten of terrific titles to accompany your celebrations during this Pride Month, this set of middle-grade tales tells us stories of discovery, decisions, determination, coping, and caring. Wednesday Wilson Gets Down to Business by Bree Galbraith There are many things Wednesday Wilson would like you to know about herself; most… continue reading 10 Middle-Grade Titles for Pride Month
By written by Jeff B. June 22, 2023
Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong — like something about you wasn’t right, or didn’t meet the expectations of others — and can you remember how that felt? What about when you were welcomed — when someone told you, "Hey, the way you are is A-ok" — and you got to take a break from… continue reading Why Libraries Are So Important This Pride Month
By written by Emily S. June 20, 2023
June is Immigrant Heritage Month , and you can celebrate the extraordinary, far-reaching, and diverse contributions immigrants have woven into the American tapestry through this curated video playlist on our author events YouTube channel . This 30-event list features novelists, politicians, journalists, poets,… continue reading Check Out Our Immigrant Heritage Month Author Events YouTube Playlist
By written by Jason F. June 20, 2023
Get ready to party! We are celebrating 50 years since hip hop entered the music scene and changed everything. Learn how it all began and see for yourself how the music, the beat and the rhythm can make storytelling even more fun! What is Hip-Hop? by Eric Morse ; illustrated by Anny Yi This is a playful guided tour of one of the most… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop
By written by Monica C. June 20, 2023
Thursday, June 22 marks the finale of One Book, One Philadelphia and we over here in the One Book office are working up the nerve to say goodbye to this incredible season of events. After nine weeks of community workshops, neighborhood tours, a panel discussion, read-alouds, and instant ramen cooking classes, it seems only fair to finish… continue reading The Big Send Off of One Book, One Philadelphia
By written by Nell M. June 15, 2023 1
One way of classifying manga is by demographic categories like shonen and shojo (for more information, check out the previous Manga 101 blog post ). However, manga can also be divided into genres of similar subject matter. While some popular manga genres are familiar, like romance or horror, others might require a bit more explanation. One… continue reading Manga 101: Isekai
By written by Meg B. June 15, 2023
The Art Department is thrilled to host the launch of Don’t Look Into The Abyss , a new graphic novel illustrated and published by Bryn Ziegler . Ziegler is a book and comic artist specializing in intimate, interactive books exploring themes of queerness. Don’t Look Into The Abyss is a single-player… continue reading Bryn Ziegler's Don’t Look Into The Abyss and Other Philadelphia Comics
By written by Alina J. June 14, 2023
All holidays have a story, a history, and a message. Juneteenth is no different. The name comes from combining "June" and "nineteenth" and is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas after the end… continue reading 9 Middle-Grade Titles for Juneteenth
By written by Jeff B. June 14, 2023
Pride month is a celebration of queer culture, joy, resilience, and strength. It's a reminder of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come and how far we still have to go. Workplace environments can be an especially fraught place for queer folks unless employers make conscious efforts to create welcoming, safe, and equitable spaces. These books… continue reading Create an Inclusive Workplace With These LGBTQ+ Friendly Business Titles
By written by Birch M. June 14, 2023
Celebrate the Summer Solstice (Wednesday, June 21) with a full day of free musical programming at the Free Library! A variety of programs for all ages will be happening throughout the day at our Parkway Central Branch . Kick off the morning with Music and Movement with Ms. Naomi! This is a regular weekly event hosted outside in Shakespeare… continue reading Enjoy a Full Day of Music at Parkway Central Library on June 21
By written by Jane L. June 12, 2023
We have some new books about Juneteenth to recommend! Last year our similar blog post suggested new titles that had been published and added to our collection. Here are some more to add to your reading list! A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor This book depicts a close-knit community of enslaved African Americans on a plantation… continue reading 6 New Children's Books Celebrating Juneteenth!
By written by Monica C. June 12, 2023
Honor Juneteenth with the Free Library of Philadelphia! This year, we celebrate Juneteenth for the third time as a federal holiday, but it has been an important celebration for nearly 200 years! Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of enslavement in U.S. history. Along with commemorating liberation and freedom, Juneteenth is a… continue reading Honoring Juneteenth at the Free Library
By written by Inaara S. June 9, 2023
Due to unsafe air quality levels we have canceled tonight's event. Following the recommendation of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to limit outdoor activities, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this evening's Community Impact Awards, which were planned to be held on the terrace at Parkway Central Library. The… continue reading The Community Impact Awards Are Canceled Due to Unsafe Air Quality Levels
By written by Administrator June 8, 2023
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and the Free Library’s Author Events program has an extensive archive of podcasts and videos to help you celebrate a diverse range of writers working across a wide array of topics and fields. Before we look back at some of our previous authors, check out a few upcoming events that will feature LGBTQ+ speakers.… continue reading LGBTQ+ Authors on the Free Library Podcast
By written by Jason F. June 8, 2023
June is Pride month , which makes it the perfect time to learn about and support local, LGBTQ-owned businesses. Philly queer-owned businesses have something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a yoga class, a tasty treat, or your next pet. Read on to learn about five Philly establishments that do business with pride! Illexotics… continue reading 5 Philly LGBTQ+ Owned Small Businesses To Support This Pride Month
By written by Birch M. June 7, 2023
