18th century Philadelphia was primarily a port city, its wealth based on imports and exports from all over the world. At the time of the American Revolution, the city’s major trading… continue reading
By Sally F. July 18, 2017
For the members of our Military History Club, each monthly meeting leads to a passionate and well-informed discussion about the major personalities and battles of World War II. The group is led by… continue reading
By Richard L. July 17, 2017
Even though school is out, we at the Free Library are committed to keeping children and teens learning all summer long. That’s why we plan the Summer of Wonder , which includes everything… continue reading
By Becky F. July 14, 2017
The most popular television shows of 2016 include Game of Thrones , The Walking Dead , Pretty Little Liars , Westworld , and The Flash . There are a few series listed there I haven't seen yet… continue reading
By Camille T. July 14, 2017 1
At 15-years-old, Elba remembers first hearing about "healthy food" in elementary school. She says it was a no-questions-asked type of learning though; staff would simply hand out the… continue reading
By Brittany B. July 13, 2017
I have a confession to make about Little Women ... I first fell in love with the 1994 movie starring Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon , as opposed to the book. The movie propelled me to read the… continue reading
By Alicia T. July 13, 2017
The World Builders Writing Club is a diverse group of aspiring authors who meet once a month and showcase some of their work on the Free Library blog. Please enjoy this first… continue reading
By Tamoul Q. July 12, 2017 1
PhillyCAM , in collaboration with the Free Library, has kicked-off the new People's Media Collection at Northeast Regional and West Oak Lane libraries! Over the next six months, PhillyCAM will… continue reading
By Jenn D. July 12, 2017
This summer, we’re bound to have sunny, hot, and humid days. We may even experience extreme heat, when daytime temperatures reach the 90s or 100 degrees or above, along with high humidity… continue reading
By Katie D. July 11, 2017
This summer the Free Library will team up with the Knight Foundation and Niantic , maker of Pokémon , to bring Pokémon GO to five select Philadelphia libraries! PHL17 recently… continue reading
By Nate E. July 11, 2017
Winter is here and season 7 of Game of Thrones (GoT) starts July 16. Are you ready? I know I am, but if you are one of the few people who doesn’t watch (last season the show averaged 25.1… continue reading
By Camille T. July 10, 2017 4
By 1800, Philadelphia was not only the Cradle of Liberty but the center of American manufacturing and innovation. It was the kind of place a young man of vision who was not afraid to get his hands… continue reading
By Sally F. July 10, 2017 3
A 10th grader at Charter High School for Architecture and Design (CHAD), committed teen leadership assistant (TLA) at the Free Library of Philadelphia, and basketball player for his school team,… continue reading
By Brittany B. July 7, 2017
Now that the school year has ended, it’s time to get ready and excited for summer camp! Many camps provide children with great opportunities to learn about new things or participate in… continue reading
By Becky F. July 7, 2017
The Free Library has always helped people explore new worlds—through fictional tales of far-off places and its international music collections, as well as through its robust foreign-language… continue reading
By Julie B. July 6, 2017
When you think about a library and the sorts of events you might find scheduled between its walls, you may think of storytimes, lectures, maybe even job fairs and computer classes. While the Free… continue reading
By Kate C. July 5, 2017 1
The Fourth of July is America's biggest holiday – there are parades, music, picnics, parties, AND fireworks! We are a nation of immigrants and on this day we all come together to… continue reading
By Monica C. July 3, 2017
We all know that the 4th of July is Independence Day and that there will be celebrations involving food, but how about celebrating Chocolate Day on July 7 – yum! – or National Ice… continue reading
By Sarah S. July 3, 2017
Did you miss the live performance of GUMSHOE ? We’re sorry! BUT, don’t fret. You can still experience the immersive adventure using your mobile phone, now through September 1 at the… continue reading
By Kate C. July 3, 2017
Not intentionally, the theme for our recommended new books this month is: outsiders. You’ll find stories of refugees forced to leave their homes, historical villains as seen from their side… continue reading
By Paul A. June 30, 2017