Blog Articles
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery, on June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced by Union soldiers and the last remaining slaves were freed in Galveston Texas. To… continue reading Juneteenth is in the Air on 52nd Street and in the House at Blackwell Regional Library!
By written by Barbara B. June 6, 2019
Welcome to another Pride Month, friends! After this season of RuPaul’s Drag Race , I’m sure we're all ready to keep the amazing times rolling with more exploration of performative… continue reading Don’t Be a Drag, Just Be a Queen: Exploring and Celebrating Gender Roleplay in Young Adult Books!
By written by Rachel F. June 6, 2019 9
This month is African-American Music Appreciation Month , a commemoration first started by former President Jimmy Carter, on June 7, 1979. The national recognition began as Black Music Month, but… continue reading Celebrate African-American Music Appreciation Month!
By written by Administrator June 5, 2019 2
Summer is in full swing: temperatures are high, days are long, school is out for break, and the Ravens are on the rooftop! Join the Raven Society, the Free Library’s community of young… continue reading Ravens on the Rooftop: A Summer Celebration Atop the Parkway Central Library!
By written by Alexa L. June 5, 2019
Today marks the last day of classes for School District of Philadelphia teachers and students and the beginning of summer break! Most thoughts and activities will turn to the outdoors, and when… continue reading School's Out for Summer! Keep Cool at a City Pool, Sprayground, and Your Neighborhood Library!
By written by Peter SM June 4, 2019 3
Summer is finally here – and that means it’s time for another Summer of Wonder with the library! Visit your local neighborhood library or visit us online to earn prizes for reading and… continue reading Attend Free Summer Camps and Workshops in August at Your Neighborhood Library!
By written by Shari K. June 4, 2019 13
If you’ve ever lived in a city like Philadelphia, you’re familiar with falafel. The vendors on practically every corner have mastered the art of turning chickpeas into a delicious… continue reading Eid al-Fitr | Falafel (Chickpea Patties) Recipe
By written by Suzanna U. June 3, 2019
Are you passionate about serving diverse populations in an urban public library setting? Are you ready for all that Philadelphia has to offer? If so, than please consider this community-focused… continue reading Are You a Librarian? We are HIRING!
By written by Jenn D. June 3, 2019 8
National Gardening Week starts on June 2 and I, for one, will celebrate by staring obsessively at the Grandpa Ott morning glories that I planted a few weeks ago. Grandpa Ott is a gorgeous… continue reading Celebrate National Gardening Week with These Books and Gardening Tips!
By written by Kamilah C. May 31, 2019
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month with lots of Free Library of Pride events scheduled! We recommend these new children’s, teen, and adult fiction titles, coming to a neighborhood library near you,… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in June!
By written by Paul A. May 31, 2019
Take a free tour of Our 5 Senses , a fully-interactive exhibition that connects the science of the senses with the mind and the literary experience. Tours begin at 3:00 p.m.and finish at… continue reading Take a Free Family Tour of Our Five Senses, a Fully-Interactive Exhibition
By written by Joe S. May 30, 2019 3
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month , and the Free Library is celebrating with events, speakers, drag queen storytimes, exhibitions, movie screenings, and more, all across Philadelphia! You can find… continue reading LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2019 Programs and Events
By written by Joel N. May 30, 2019 3
Parkway Central Library Senior Services will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Awards for excellence in African American children’s literature with a five-part… continue reading Conversations in Color: The Coretta Scott King Awards Celebrate 50 Years of Excellence
By written by Lisa-Jane E. May 29, 2019 2
In a recent CNN article titled, "Why touching art is so tempting — and exciting," Fiona Candlin, a professor of museology at Birkbeck College in London and author… continue reading Learning Through Touch: Connecting with Objects in Our Special Collections
By written by Joe S. May 28, 2019
The unofficial start of the summer season begins again this Memorial Day weekend and there will certainly be plenty of activities available for your attention, including all the new blockbusters… continue reading Summer Movies 2019: Cool Celluloid for a Sweltering Summer
By written by Peter SM May 24, 2019
When I noticed that May 23 is the birthdate of one of our great children’s authors – Margaret Wise Brown , of The Runaway Bunny and Goodnight Moon fame – I immediately thought of… continue reading Happy Birthday to Children's Author Margaret Wise Brown!
By written by Kate C. May 23, 2019
I celebrate myself — When lilacs last — I contain multitudes — O Captain! my Captain! What other U.S. poet’s work can be recognized by so few words—and by so many… continue reading We Celebrate Him: Walt Whitman at 200
By written by Clare F. May 22, 2019
The Free Library of Philadelphia's Summer of Wonder program is almost here! Read and explore all summer long with our free activities and programs that support reading, learning, exploration,… continue reading Read and Explore with the Free Library this Summer!
By written by Elizabeth K. May 21, 2019 1
A zine (pronounced zeen) is a small-circulation, self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images. Usually hand-made using found materials and simple supplies, zines can be about… continue reading Get Creative Through the DIY Method of Zine Making!
By written by Michelle Z. May 20, 2019 2
Happy Bike to Work Day , Philadelphia! One of the simplest joys of my adult life has been rediscovering the exhilarating bliss of riding a bike. When I was 10 years old, I was in an accident that… continue reading Today Is Bike to Work Day!
By written by Clare F. May 17, 2019