The Monday Poets Reading Series at the Free Library started as a reading group of local poets 22 years ago, sponsored by the Literature Department, and it is now a hallmark program of the… continue reading

By Larry D.   September 29, 2017   

We've spent the past week here on the blog celebrating Banned Books and the f READ om to read whatever you want—banned, challenged, or not. If there's one thing possibly more… continue reading

By Peter SM   September 29, 2017   

Welcome to "Ask the Job Readiness Lab," a series of posts in which we address the questions of job seekers and share our answers with a broader audience. Here, our partner the… continue reading

By Administrator   September 28, 2017    1

If you were to view the most frequently challenged or banned books each year, you may notice that 5 of the 10 most challenged books are usually children’s books. In 2016, This One Summer by… continue reading

By Mary W.   September 28, 2017   

Worm bins and books alike inspire curiosity! During the summer, Get HYPE Philly! set up compost bins at neighborhood libraries , filling them up with scraps of raw fruits and vegetables, soil… continue reading

By Khyra L.   September 27, 2017    3

We’ve been celebrating banned books this week, giving big readerly hugs to books that have been challenged, banned, or censored in some way. The Free Library—joined by our fellow… continue reading

By Julie B.   September 27, 2017   

Banned books—more like the best books , am I right? Some of the most frequently challenged books (at least according to the American Library Association’s list of  Frequently… continue reading

By Rachel F.   September 26, 2017   

This month, we're excited to speak with Cynthia Estremera, the Community Engagement Liaison for Best for PHL . Best for PHL, an initiative of Impact PHL , seeks to improve our region by… continue reading

By CaitlinT   September 26, 2017   

For our inaugural partner spotlight we spoke with April Robinson, Outreach & Admissions Specialist from Philadelphia Job Corps . Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training… continue reading

By Gillian R.   September 25, 2017   

It has been more than 150 years since Octavius Catto may have slipped on a sack overcoat that hung by his front door, pushed a well-worn felt pocket hat over his parted hair, stepped out into the… continue reading

By Kalela W.   September 25, 2017    12

Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read and brings national awareness to censorship of literature. This week puts a spotlight on books that have been challenged or whose access has been… continue reading

By Amy H.   September 25, 2017   

On Sept. 26, 2017, the fence will come down and a new statue will be unveiled: the first new City Hall statue since 1923 and the first of an African American on any city-owned public… continue reading

By Sally F.   September 22, 2017   

Earlier this week, Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden made a whirlwind visit to the Rosenbach and the Parkway Central Library , and we couldn't have been more thrilled to have her! On her… continue reading

By Sandy H.   September 22, 2017    1

The walls of the newly-remodeled 21st Century Libraries just got even prettier! We can't wait to invite you inside later this autumn to see the libraries for yourselves. A big THANK YOU is due… continue reading

By Jenn D.   September 21, 2017    1

Can you believe it? Summer is almost over! For some people (I'll admit it, me!) it can be hard to say goodbye to summer. But there is something that makes it easier: all the fall colors. I… continue reading

By Monica C.   September 21, 2017   

Each month the Regional Foundation Center 's Inforum newsletter features a local funder, nonprofit, or service provider who highlights their organization's services and how they support… continue reading

By Caitlin S.   September 21, 2017   

Rosh Hashanah —the celebration of the Jewish new year—begins at sundown on Wednesday night, September 20. Even those not celebrating the holiday may be preparing, as Philadelphia… continue reading

By Julie B.   September 18, 2017   

When I came aboard at the Free Library of Philadelphia in March of this year as Chief of Staff, I set a goal to make it to all 54 neighborhood library locations . It was important to me to do so… continue reading

By Leslie W.   September 15, 2017   

A version of this post was originally printed in the Southwest Globe Times on Friday, September 8, 2017.  In today’s employment landscape, English proficiency has become essential to… continue reading

By Administrator   September 14, 2017   

Over three previous concert seasons at the Parkway Central Library , veteran and up-and-coming Philly musicians have explored some questions. What has the Great Migration meant to music in… continue reading

By Perry G.   September 13, 2017