Blog Articles
"Our goal is to always promote literacy, encourage civic dialog, and amplify community storytelling." – Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia. This year’s One Book, One… continue reading 2022 One Book, One Philadelphia: Sharing Generational Stories
By written by Mary Marques March 3, 2022
Fresh, frozen, sun-dried, freeze-dried, jelly, jam, milk, ice cream, fruit leather, syrup... strawberries are sweet, a treat, and fun to eat! A great source of vitamin C, strawberries… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | Strawberries Are Our Jam!
By written by Shayna M. March 2, 2022 2
This March, celebrate Women’s History Month with the Free Library! Women’s History Month originally began as a celebration of Women’s History Week. Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28… continue reading March Is Women's History Month
By written by Inaara S. March 1, 2022
The John Newbery Award is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022! Commonly referred to as "The Newbery", the literary award is given each year by the American Library Association… continue reading Award-Winning Black Authors and The Newbery’s 100th Anniversary
By written by Jeff B. February 28, 2022
![Akin, James, <em>Philadelphia taste displayed. Or, bon-ton below stairs</em>. [circa 1830], lithograph, hand-colored; 29 x 41 cm.(19.5 x 14.5 in.), Library Company of Philadelphia](https://libwww.freelibrary.org/images/blog/FLPBlog/orig/bogle-bon-ton.jpg)
Philadelphia’s Food Service History is Black History From the Historical Marker Database , photographed by Carolyn Martienssen, June 2015 You might have noticed on South 8th Street a… continue reading Robert Bogle and Philadelphia’s Dynastic Black Caterers
By written by Lane February 25, 2022 1
The Nourishing Literacy team has been creating a short series of audio shares with a focus on children and youth, highlighting skills and qualities that we practice and encourage in the… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | Kitchen Life Skills
By written by Shayna M. February 25, 2022
Many of us may get our news from online sources these days—social media feeds provide a constant source of information about everything from policy proposals, the weather, celebrity news,… continue reading Newspapers: A Guide Into the Past
By written by Inaara S. February 24, 2022
Our podcast archive dates back more than 25 years and features scores of author talks to help you commemorate, celebrate, and reflect on Black History Month. But even in just this past year,… continue reading Black Authors and Voices: Podcasts from the Author Events Archive
By written by Author Events February 23, 2022
Read, Baby, Read is a Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy development among infants and young toddlers under two years old. We work with 12 participating libraries across… continue reading Read, Baby, Read Presents Early Literacy Ideas: Music!
By written by Sarah J. February 22, 2022
In the Path of Islam is a community-driven project amplifying the diverse voices of Philadelphia’s indigenous Muslim community, born and raised in the city, while engaging all Philadelphians… continue reading In the Path of Islam: An Exhibition and Experience
By written by Joe S. February 18, 2022 11
Did you know that there are important dates in February beyond Groundhog Day (Sorry, Punxsutawney Phil!), Presidents' Day, and Valentine’s Day, where specific foods are celebrated?… continue reading Celebrating February's Food Days
By written by Linda Y. February 17, 2022
History is found in the pages of a textbook—or so I thought! This February, celebrate Black History Month by learning more about the history of Black quilt makers! Do you know about the… continue reading The Quilts of Gee's Bend
By written by Inaara S. February 16, 2022 1
This February as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recommend some pictures books published in 2021 that were written and/or illustrated by Black creators. In the following list,… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Black History Month
By written by Monica C. February 15, 2022
It might be ridichio' lous but puns can be a way to use brain mussels . In the Culinary Literacy Center , food is our muse when we put pen' salt to pepper (pencil to paper!) . Do you… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | Fun Pun Kitchen: Cooking Up Creativity!
By written by Shayna M. February 14, 2022 1
Was there a saint of love? Despite myths surrounding the "real" Saint Valentine , this holiday likely owes its origins to Medieval English poet Chaucer . At a time of growing romance… continue reading Who Was the Saint of Valentine's Day?
By written by Emily S. February 14, 2022
by Nathalie Marquez, Language and Learning Center Intern The Languages and Learning Center has launched the Leamos! ( Let’s Read! ) literacy program, with both virtual and in-person classes… continue reading Leamos! (Let’s Read!) Literacy Program
By written by Administrator February 11, 2022 1
Are you a fan of comic book characters such as Marvel Comics' Black Panther or DC Comics' Black Lighting ? These Black superhero comics gained renewed popularity in recent years as a… continue reading Early Black Comic Book Writers, Illustrators, and Newspaper Cartoonists
By written by Sandy M. February 10, 2022 1
Can you guess what one of the world’s favorite foods is? It’s pizza! Whether you bake it your own, eat it in a restaurant by the slice (or the whole pie!), or buy it frozen from a… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | National Pizza Day
By written by Monica C. February 9, 2022
by Germaine Ingram On Sunday, February 13, at 6:00 p.m., live on YouTube , I’ll be in conversation with the tap/jazz aficionado and irrepressible raconteur Hank Smith on his every-so-often… continue reading Hangin’ with Hank: Imagining Louise
By written by Administrator February 8, 2022
Black History Month is a time to illuminate the past, to remember past trials and tribulations, and to celebrate the contributions of Black people in this country. The theme of this… continue reading Celebrate Health and Wellness this Black History Month Throughout Philadelphia
By written by Emily S. February 7, 2022