Blog Articles
Church bells ring incessantly throughout deserted streets. Homes are abandoned and those that are not are barricaded against strangers and friends alike. Formerly bustling markets stand empty… continue reading A History Minute: The "Philadelphia Apocalypse" a.k.a. Yellow Fever
By written by Sally F. June 6, 2017 15
![An Acccount of the robberies committed by John Morrison and his accomplices in and near Philadelphia, 1750… Philadelphia, 1750-1. Collection of the Rosenbach [A 750a].](https://libwww.freelibrary.org/images/blog/FLPBlog/orig/morrison gang 1.jpg)
In 1750, Philadelphia was plagued by a series of domestic robberies over several weeks. The items targeted with primarily the luxury goods that were becoming increasingly available to residents… continue reading #MysteryMonday: To Catch a Thief in the Days Before Detectives
By written by Sara D. June 5, 2017
Summer is fast approaching, and the Free Library’s Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) will be winding down this month after another successful year of providing literacy… continue reading Citywide Out-of-School Time Survey
By written by Valerie S. June 5, 2017
Did you know that the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder program just started up again? And that it is for all ages? Yes, even newborns can participate – with the help of their grownups,… continue reading June 2017 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Sarah S. June 2, 2017 1
How about something fun or provocative to get a great start on your summer reading? These new titles are coming to a neighborhood library near you in June: Young Children (Up to 2nd Grade)… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in June!
By written by Paul A. June 2, 2017
The Parkway Central Library has been a mainstay on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for decades now, nestled in the cultural heart of the city of Philadelphia alongside neighbors like the Franklin… continue reading Parkway Central Library: 9 Things at 90
By written by Kate C. June 2, 2017 2
This June, your conservatory quality music library's offering a flurry of free events to suit everyone in Philadelphia's vast music community. From the enterprising artist seeking… continue reading Experience a Flurry of June Events with the Music Department!
By written by Perry G. June 1, 2017
On Sunday, May 21, the Free Library’s Sunday Literacy Program ended its pilot year with a Family Celebration program at the eleven libraries hosting Sunday Literacy. At the Family… continue reading Sunday Literacy Program Year In Review!
By written by Elizabeth K. May 31, 2017
We're free, we're proud, and we're fabulous here at the the Free Library! We're proud to celebrate Pride Month throughout June with a series of programming throughout our… continue reading Celebrate Pride Month with Free Library!
By written by Julie B. May 30, 2017 1
It’s starting to feel like summer here at the Free Library of Philadelphia. And with the start to the best season of the year, we’re excited for three months of activities, games,… continue reading Welcome to the Summer of Wonder!
By written by Becky F. May 26, 2017 1
The Free Library has recently mounted an exhibit of treasures from our collections that illustrate the history and artistry of the comic book medium. This display can still be seen on the 2 nd-… continue reading The Art of Comics: An Exhibition
By written by Alina J. May 26, 2017
As the weather turns warmer, schools begin to let out, and people head out of town on vacation, another summer slate of movies is being rolled out in theaters across the country. The "summer… continue reading Summer Movies 2017: Sequels and Retreads and Adaptations, Oh My!
By written by Peter SM May 25, 2017 1
Social dancing is back in a big way! The popularity of line dancing in recent years has renewed interest in choreographed dance and ushered in a renaissance of partner dancing. Did you know that… continue reading Can You Bop? Join Us for New Dance Classes!
By written by Jennifer W. May 24, 2017 22
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Here at the Patent and Trademark Resource Center in the Business Resource & Innovation Center at the Parkway Central Library , we are lucky to work with some amazing organizations who… continue reading Partner Spotlight: Marie Kraft and American Society of Inventors
By written by Sharyl O. May 23, 2017 5
As a librarian, who coordinates research visits to the Parkway Central Library for schools in Philadelphia and beyond, I often tell students that my colleagues constitute a corps of what one might… continue reading #MysteryMonday: We, The Librarians, are Detectives
By written by Adam F. May 22, 2017
The Free Library’s map collection comprises thousands of maps focused on the development and history of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. One particular map, the Plan of the City of… continue reading A Rare Glimpse of Philadelphia in the Early 1800s
By written by Megan M. May 19, 2017 3
The month of May is that glorious transitional time of the year that phases out spring and ushers in summer. It reminds us to stop and smell the roses. It is the time for celebrating mothers and… continue reading Age Out Loud at The Free Library!
By written by Lisa-Jane E. May 17, 2017
Nine Free Library of Philadelphia locations are testing out a fun new take on an old classic! These new audio-enabled books from Vox Books are picture books combined with an audio recording of… continue reading Explore New Audio-Enabled Books at the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. May 16, 2017
On Monday, May 22, catch the final concert in Mysterious Travelers 3: Internal Investigations , the series which saw musicians meeting minds with librarians to make concerts organized around the… continue reading Mysterious Travelers 3 Closing Curtain: Ross Bellinoit Headlines | Recapping the Season
By written by Perry G. May 15, 2017
Everyone knows that if you want a crime solved right, bring in the kids. The Hardy Boys , Nancy Drew , Cam Jansen , Encyclopedia Brown , Scooby-Doo ’s Mystery Incorporated friends—all… continue reading #MysteryMonday: We the Detectives Family Fun
By written by Julie B. May 15, 2017 1