Today we were extremely disheartened to learn how dire the city’s financial situation is because the State has not yet passed a State budget. Along with many other very severe cuts, Mayor Nutter today announced the possible closing of many of our public libraries if the State does not end the budget impasse very soon. Philadelphia has… continue reading We Need Action Now!
By written by Shannon G July 30, 2009
Free Library fans who take home stacks of books week after week may have met their match. Louise Brown, a 91-year-old resident of Stranraer, Scotland, is about to take home her 25,000th library book. Brown, who borrowed her first library book in 1946, checks out between six and 12 books each week. The icing on the cake? Brown has never had an… continue reading Bookwarm to Break Borrowing Record
By written by Shannon G July 29, 2009 4
Fans, family, and friends mourn the passing of author E. Lynn Harris, who died on Thursday, July 23, 2009 in Los Angeles at the age of 54. The author of 11 novels, including Invisible Life and A Love of My Own , and a memoir, What Becomes of the Brokenhearted , Harris placed 10 consecutive books on the New York Times Best Sellers list, and… continue reading In Memoriam: E. Lynn Harris
By written by Shannon G July 28, 2009
Did you know that German immigrants started towns in Pennsylvania as early as 1683? If you have German ancestry, you might be able to connect with your Pennsylvania German heritage using the Free Library’s Fraktur Digital Collection ! Pennsylvania Germans made personal documents – called fraktur – to record important life… continue reading Explore Your Pennsylvania German Heritage
By written by Shari K. July 24, 2009 11
“Find what you love, and do it.” Author Frank McCourt relayed this advice while speaking to thousands of graduating students at my college commencement ceremony. McCourt, who passed away due to metastatic melanoma on Sunday at the age of 78, encouraged us to uncover our passions and follow them—to fans of McCourt’s… continue reading Author Frank McCourt, 78, Passes Away
By written by Shannon G July 20, 2009 7
New this summer, an exhibit in the Parkway Central Library explores the history and meaning behind the hairstyles of African women. African Hair Styles: Culture and Consciousness features a range of artistic and historical objects, such as masks, photographs, and intricately carved sculptures. The exhibition highlights how women were able to… continue reading African Hair Styles: Culture and Consciousness
By written by Shannon G July 1, 2009 8
