There’s something about trucks ... They’re big, they’re loud, they’re strong! There’s a truck for every job and children love to learn about them. Here are some fun books about trucks to entertain your future little drivers: Mighty Truck by Chris Barton; illustrated by Troy Cummings When a… continue reading Keep on Trucking!
By written by Monica C. July 28, 2016
The Free Library of Philadelphia Summer Reading team has eleven Outreach Specialists this year assigned to different neighborhoods across the city. With the goal of promoting literacy while school is out of session, the Outreach Specialists travel around Philly visiting day care centers, camps, and other summer programs so they can play games… continue reading Summer Reading Outreach: Who’s Who on Our Team
By written by Becky F. July 27, 2016 1
The Atlantic Coast Opera Festival and the Free Library of Philadelphia are excited to invite you to a special matinée performance of Verdi’s beloved opera, Otello , on Sunday, August 21 at 2:00 p.m. The Atlantic Coast Opera Festival, "the voice of tomorrow’s opera stars," features top caliber artists… continue reading Free Sunday Matinée: Otello
By written by Leanne F. July 26, 2016
An excessive heat warning has been issued for the Philadelphia area through the weekend. Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library will serve as a cooling center on Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sunday, July 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents can get out of the heat and into an… continue reading Stay Cool at the Library! Extended Hours for Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24
By written by Julie B. July 22, 2016 2
With the Democratic National Convention descending on the city next week, political partying and election events are taking over the town. Joining in on this moment for the city, the Free Library and the Rosenbach also have some patriotic flare on tap for locals and visitors alike. The Rare Book Department’s Presidential Letters… continue reading Visit the Free Library While the DNC Is In Town!
By written by Julie B. July 22, 2016 1
It's hard to believe that it's been fifty years since the Starship Enterprise boldly went where no one had gone before... both in pop culture and the real world. Given today's current political and social climates in America and througout the world, the ideals and topics portrayed in the future of Star Trek—racism and… continue reading Star Trek 50th Anniversary
By written by Peter SM July 22, 2016
How can literacy be used for social change? At the recent International Literacy Association conference in Boston, this question was addressed at an impromptu session for literacy specialists and coaches. Recent tragedies, such as the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, as well as the Dallas police shooting, and the subsequent… continue reading Tackling Tough Topics in Classroom Conversation
By written by Carrie K. July 21, 2016 2
We’re halfway through our Summer of Wonder here at the Free Library of Philadelphia, and we’re hearing lots of success stories from our neighborhood libraries across the city. Here are a few highlights and photos! Mayor Jim Kenney visited the Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library in early July and read The Wild Robot by… continue reading Our Summer of Wonder is Halfway Over...
By written by Becky F. July 20, 2016
Jerry Pinkney is a rock star. His fans tend to be of the toddler-variety, but he has legions of older die-hard devotees of his work as well—mostly parents, nannies, and a lot of librarians. This week, a new fan is joining the ranks of the Pinkney-heads. (Hmmmm, we may need to work on that name. The… continue reading Jerry Pinkney Day
By written by Chris B. July 19, 2016
by Peggy Paul Casella of Fair Food Garlic: The Plant That Keeps on Giving When you think of garlic, you probably imagine compact bulbs wrapped in papery white husks. These are the fully matured vegetables of the garlic plant, harvested in summer or early fall after the greens begin to yellow and topple over. Once dug out of the ground, the… continue reading Cook This Now: Garlic—The Plant That Keeps On Giving
By written by Michele T. July 18, 2016
Looking for new ways to participate in Summer Reading with the Free Library of Philadelphia? We’ve got brand new activity ideas for all age groups: ReadyRosie An online parent engagement tool, ReadyRosie develops English and Spanish videos to promote early childhood learning inside the home, at the supermarket, or even on the go.… continue reading New Summer Reading Resources & Activities for All Age Groups!
By written by Becky F. July 18, 2016
An excessive heat warning has been issued for the Philadelphia area for today and tomorrow. Numerous Free Library locations will serve as cooling centers, where residents can get out of the heat and into an air-conditioned space with access to books, computers, wireless internet, and other library amenities. The Free Library… continue reading Stay Cool at the Library! Extended Hours for Thursday, July 14 and Friday, July 15
By written by Julie B. July 14, 2016
It may be hot outside but it's cool here at the Free Library! Beat the heat and stop by a library location in your neighborhood for free storytimes , movies , games , and cool Summer Reading activities throughout the entire summer! This month's Early Literacy calendar and links, compiled by Free Library of Philadelphia's… continue reading July 2016 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Peter SM July 8, 2016
By Becky Friedman and Kadafi El-Kardah Science in the Summer has begun! On June 28th and 29th, kids at the Oak Lane Library enjoyed two full days of free programming focused on science and hands-on learning. Since this year’s theme is Bioscience—the study of living things—students learned all about bacteria, plant cells, and… continue reading Science in the Summer Arrives at Oak Lane!
By written by Becky F. July 6, 2016
An excessive heat warning has been issued for the Philadelphia area for the next few days. Numerous Free Library locations will serve as cooling centers,where residents can get out of the heat and into an air-conditioned space with access to books, computers, wireless internet, and other library amenities. The Free Library locations listed… continue reading Stay Cool at the Library! Extended Hours for Wednesday, July 6 through Friday, July 8
By written by Julie B. July 6, 2016
On June 25, Free Library staff from the PNC Words at Play Vocabulary Initiative presented a session outlining the program at the American Library Association ’s (ALA) Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. Attendees learned how each program partner—the Free Library, The Franklin Institute , the Kimmel Center , the Philadelphia… continue reading Words at Play Takes Orlando!
By written by Carrie K. July 1, 2016
