Jane Eyre was my first favorite book. And that makes Charlotte Brontë —whose 202nd birthday we celebrate tomorrow—my first favorite author. I met Charlotte and Jane when I was in… continue reading
By Alix G. April 20, 2018
Two of our most popular digital resources are getting a new home on your mobile device. RBDigital Audiobooks and RBDigital Magazines ( formerly Zinio ) are now both available… continue reading
By Jamie W. April 20, 2018
In Philadelphia, April means the Philadelphia Science Festival ! The week-long festival, hosted by the Franklin Institute, includes hundreds of free and low-cost programs across the city for… continue reading
By Valerie S. April 20, 2018
The GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards took place on April 12 in Los Angeles and were broadcast on the LOGOtv network last night. The awards, now in their 29th… continue reading
By Peter SM April 19, 2018
Comics are for everyone, even the youngest readers! Graphic novels account for some of the most popular children’s books today, are an excellent way to engage even the most reluctant reader,… continue reading
By Meredith M. April 17, 2018
We’re a hall of learning, a cove of curiosity, an ambassador of opportunities, and a fount of resources. The Free Library of Philadelphia is one of the most widely used educational and… continue reading
By Julie B. April 17, 2018
This year has been full of meaningful milestones not only for the Free Library, but for the entire city of Philadelphia. Notably, our boulevard magnifique, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,… continue reading
By Alexa L. April 16, 2018
Today, April 13, is the first of two Friday the 13ths occurring in 2018. The next one arrives exactly 13 weeks later on July 13! The only logical thing to do on such a superstitious occassion is… continue reading
By Peter SM April 13, 2018
by Ray Banas and Perry Genovesi On March 22, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline became the latest high-profile musician to dig into some Free Library resources. Librarians in the Music Department and… continue reading
By Music Department April 12, 2018
We know the Free Library is one of the most heavily used cultural and educational institutions in our city. We’ve got the numbers: In fiscal year 2017, 640,000 people in Philadelphia held a… continue reading
By Julie B. April 12, 2018
You love Black Panther, I love Black Panther—we all love Black Panther! Have you already read through all of our Black Panther comics and graphic novels available in our catalog? Feeling… continue reading
By Rachel F. April 11, 2018
Happy National Bookmobile Day ! Today we celebrate bookmobiles and those who ride/drive them and provide mobile library services to their communities. The Free Library has two different mobile… continue reading
By Link R. April 11, 2018
We are very pleased to announce complimentary online access to the New York Times is now available with your library card ! Free Library card holders will now have free access to NYTimes.com and… continue reading
By Jamie W. April 10, 2018 1
National Library Week , held annually during the 2nd week of April, recognizes the values of libraries in our communities. This national observance, which is sponsored by the American Library… continue reading
By Christina P. April 10, 2018 2
The Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center is coming up on four years of having our kitchen doors open! One of the most frequent questions we get is, What's your favorite… continue reading
By Liz A. April 9, 2018
In honor of National Library Week , we’re celebrating not just our beloved Free Library and its amazing librarians and staff, but the role of libraries in the 21st century. Chief among these… continue reading
By Julie B. April 9, 2018
This year's additions to the National Recording Registry were announced last month , which include 25 songs, albums, or audio recordings from the early 20th century up to the present. This… continue reading
By Peter SM April 6, 2018
Spoiler alert: it's an irrefutable fact that we will all die one day. Whether it's a family member, a beloved pet, or someone we look up to and admire—all will eventually pass away… continue reading
By Ai Leng N. April 5, 2018
We all have our favorites when it comes to picture books, and for me, one of my top ten picture books of all time is Leaves by David Ezra Stein . It is such perfect book – one very young… continue reading
By Monica C. April 5, 2018
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Stephen Foster (1826–1864). Old Folks at Home (1851), arr. 1897 by Carl Busch (1862–1943) George Chadwick (1854–1931). Suite… continue reading
By Fleisher Collection April 4, 2018