Blog Articles
Update: PHILLY, WE HEARD YOU! We've reconfigured this event as a Photo Op (with a pre-signed book) and it has been moved from Temple Performing Arts Center to our Parkway Central Library.… continue reading Life Lessons with Kevin Hart
By written by Author Events May 1, 2017 12
“My child loves mysteries and solving riddles. What’s a good series?” Oh how I love this question. Mystery readers can be a difficult group to please. The books recommended have… continue reading #MysteryMonday: Children's Mysteries
By written by Chris B. May 1, 2017
Gabourey Sidibe received a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her debut role in the 2009 film Precious , based on the novel Push by Sapphire , and won instant fame for her heartbreaking… continue reading Oscar-nominated Actress Gabourey Sidibe Delivers Her One-of-a-Kind Life Story
By written by Author Events April 28, 2017 4
We all know Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia's everyman. Poor Richard . Diplomat of the Revolution . Inventor of the Glass Harmonica . Postmaster General . Guy Who Flew A Kite in a… continue reading "Pay to Benjamin Franklin, for Printing"
By written by Caitlin G. April 28, 2017
In advance of our sold-out John Waters Author Event this Saturday, April 29, let’s get some background on the iconic director, writer, actor, art collector, professional hitchhiker,… continue reading Making Trouble with The Pope of Trash
By written by Author Events April 28, 2017
Looking for something new to read? Our book selectors suggest these new titles coming in May to a local neighborhood library location near you. We've selected a classic children’s tale,… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in May!
By written by Paul A. April 27, 2017
In the spring of 1776 , the British began a blockade of American ports, throwing coastal shipping into disarray and sending many captains back to the more secure European routes. But a young… continue reading The Richest Man in America
By written by Sally F. April 27, 2017
A baker browses through dozens of cake pans to plan confectionary creations of her wildest imagination. Meanwhile, a man chooses the perfect tie from more than 60 to wear to his graduation.… continue reading Focus On: Unique Lending
By written by Samantha M. April 26, 2017
I hear tell that April is National Letter and Card Writing month and I thought, well, you could always write to your congressperson , but in addition, you could also read some books about letter… continue reading Letters of Note in YA Lit
By written by Rachel F. April 26, 2017 1
A year ago we kicked off the Paschalville Partnership , a Free Library-led collaboration of 11 organizations working to transform services for job seekers in Southwest Philadelphia. This community… continue reading The Paschalville Partnership: Transforming Services for Job Seekers in Southwest Philadelphia
By written by Julie B. April 25, 2017
Detective. Private eye. PI. Shamus. Gumshoe. So many names for the ever-popular crime sleuth! As the Free Library delves into the art of mystery and detection with the We the Detectives… continue reading #MysteryMonday: What Is a ‘Gumshoe’, Anyway?
By written by Julie B. April 24, 2017 1
The NFL Draft is coming to Philadelphia! And it is happening on the front lawn of the Parkway Central Library —the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. But perhaps the American football craze… continue reading NFL Draft Not Your Thing? Check Out These Worldly Alternative Footballs!
By written by Julie B. April 24, 2017
Here at the Business Resource & Innovation Center , we are lucky to work with some amazing organizations who are dedicated to growing Philadelphia’s small business community. This month,… continue reading Partner Spotlight: Independence Business Alliance
By written by CaitlinT April 21, 2017
Happy birthday (and death day, crazily) to William Shakespeare on Sunday, April 23! This day is a literary holy day, honoring The Bard, most hallowed of English-language writers. (Let us leave… continue reading Confessions from a Shakespeare Lover
By written by Julie B. April 21, 2017
June 2, 2017, will mark the 90th birthday of our Parkway Central Library . On September 8, 2017, celebrations for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway’s 100th anniversary will begin and continue… continue reading Philadelphia, Fleisher, and the City Beautiful Movement
By written by Fleisher Collection April 21, 2017
The Philadelphia Science Festival is almost here! The city-wide celebration of science happens April 21-29. The Free Library is proud to partner with the festival to offer great programing… continue reading A City-wide Celebration of Science: The 2017 Philadelphia Science Festival!
By written by Ann P. April 20, 2017
In an informal conversation with Marianne Banbor, Branch Head of the Independence Library , and Sara Palmer, Children’s Librarian at the Ramonita G. de Rodríguez Library , I asked… continue reading Curious about the Free Library of Pride?
By written by Mary Marques April 20, 2017
Wow, what a success that was! 2017 marked our third annual Free Library of Comic Con and it was our biggest yet! To all of you who came—Thank You! You are the reason we’re able to do… continue reading Free Library of Comic Con 2017 Wrap-Up!
By written by J. Matthew C. April 19, 2017 1
Here at The Free Library of Philadelphia, we talk a lot about literacy. Literacy, as you may know, is all about learning to read and improving your reading skills. But there's another kind of… continue reading Hey, Kids! Want to Get Smart About Money?
By written by Teresa A. April 19, 2017
Farming in the city? Well, yes! And it is happening right here in Philadelphia: in community gardens, parks, backyards, and plots. There is Farm Philly , a program by Philadelphia’s Parks… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Anywhere Farm
By written by Monica C. April 18, 2017