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   

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   

The Free Library’s Cultureshare is nearly here! Don’t miss your chance to subscribe to this exciting new venture that pairs art, music, and writing from locals with pieces from the… continue reading

By Autumn M.   September 13, 2017   

Welcoming Week is almost upon us—an annual national series supported by the city’s Office of Immigrant Affairs that aims to bring together immigrants, refugees, and native-born… continue reading

By Julie B.   September 12, 2017   

Read by 4th is Philadelphia's Grade-Level Reading campaign, aiming to get all kids reading on grade-level by the time they reach 4th grade. Reading happens everywhere—in our schools,… continue reading

By Peter SM   September 12, 2017   

We at the Free Library love celebrating monthly themes, especially when they tie in to our resources! September – in addition to being National Library Card Sign-Up Month – is… continue reading

By Kate C.   September 11, 2017   

In the autumn of 2016, we were tasked with a fascinating challenge: create a bold and welcoming exhibition that would discuss the history of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. On the surface, this… continue reading

By Laura S.   September 8, 2017   

Originally posted on the City of Philadelphia’s blog in recognition of Library Card Sign-Up Month.   If you had to guess, how many questions do you think librarians at the Free Library… continue reading

By Administrator   September 8, 2017    1

Happy International Literacy Day ! Literacy is, of course, very near and dear to our hearts here at the Free Library, and a core tenet of our mission to serve Philadelphians. And while everyone… continue reading

By Kate C.   September 8, 2017   

Summer absolutely flew by and it’s now time to get back into a new school year. If you’re wondering how you’ll cope with all of the assignments and homework coming your way, the… continue reading

By Kristina L.   September 7, 2017   

We didn’t think we could love poetry any more than we already do here at the Free Library … but we were wrong. The City of Philadelphia Poet Laureate program —which has… continue reading

By Julie B.   September 7, 2017    2

As a young girl, I loved fairy tales—especially those centered on princesses. But I was also drawn to strong female characters. So, I decided to re-read  Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson… continue reading

By Lo I.   September 7, 2017   

This year the Free Library of Philadelphia is participating in Welcoming Week: Connecting Neighbors, Serving Communities , taking place September 15 through 24, with a variety of cultural events… continue reading

By Mary Marques   September 6, 2017    1