Blog Articles
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 Following Octavius V. Catto’s Footsteps
By written by Kalela W. September 25, 2017 13
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 Celebrating—That's Right, Celebrating!—Banned Books Week
By written 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 A History Minute: Octavius V. Catto - Philadelphia's Forgotten Freedom Fighter
By written 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 Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden Visits the Free Library of Philadelphia!
By written 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 "Public Libraries for the People": A Gift of Four Original Prints by Amos P. Kennedy, Jr.
By written 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 Full of Fall
By written 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 An Interview with Marta Rusek
By written 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 Rosh Hashanah Is a SWEET Time to Visit the Free Library
By written 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 I Visited Every Free Library Location and Here’s What I Learned...
By written 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 Help Adult English Language Learners in Your Community by Volunteering to Tutor!
By written 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 Mysterious Travelers Tunes Up for Its Fourth Season of Free Jazz Shows with the Philadelphia Jazz Project!
By written 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 Why Not Join Cultureshare?
By written by Autumn M. September 13, 2017 1
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 Independence Library Welcomes Interactive Children's Theater Performances for Welcoming Week
By written 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 Help Children Struggling with Reading by Becoming a Reading Captain Today!
By written 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 How the Free Library Can Help During Self-Improvement Month
By written 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 Corridor of Culture: 100 Years of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
By written 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 Every Year Our Librarians Answer Millions of Questions—Literally
By written by Administrator September 8, 2017 3
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 Celebrate International Literacy Day with the Free Library!
By written 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 Back to School Resources for Teens at Parkway Central and Beyond!
By written by Kris 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 The Free Library Welcomes the Philadelphia Poet Laureate Program
By written by Julie B. September 7, 2017 2