Blog Articles
It may not have seemed remarkable. In 1895, at a college in Ohio, during a memorial service, students and faculty paid tribute to a man they held in high esteem. They recited the Lord’s… continue reading Wisdom, Bravery, Trueness: Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois
By written by Kalela W. February 23, 2018 2
As Head Designer of Horace Trumbauer’s architecture firm, Julian Abele designed the Free Library and the Philadelphia Art Museum and set the tone for the entire parkway. He designed… continue reading A History Minute: 11 Things You Didn't Know About Julian Abele, Architect of the Parkway
By written by Administrator February 7, 2018 10
Here at the Free Library, we often have parents ask us, "How can I help my child learn to read?" Of course, we know that sharing books with children helps to develop a love of reading,… continue reading Ready4K and Vroom: Early Learning Tips for Young Children
By written by Sarah S. February 2, 2018 2
Saturday, February 3, 2018, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990). Overture to Candide (1957) Gustav Mahler (1860–1911). “Ich atmet einen Lindenduft,”… continue reading Discoveries from the Fleisher Collection: Bernstein’s 100th
By written by Fleisher Collection January 31, 2018 1
Black History Month begins this week, and we have a packed February full of programming for all ages here at the Free Library. Neighborhood libraries across the city are hosting everything… continue reading Black History Month at the Free Library
By written by Julie B. January 30, 2018 1
Excited for the release of the movie adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time this spring? I know I am! Can’t wait for Black Panther ? Yes! Obviously you should read the books first, but did you know… continue reading Coming Soon from the Pages of a Book to a Screen Near You: YA Movies and Television Shows
By written by Rachel F. January 26, 2018
The Free Library Passport Acceptance Facility, normally located at Northeast Regional Library, is popping up at Tacony Library . The Northeast Regional Library will be closed through January 28,… continue reading Free Library Passport Acceptance Facility at Tacony Library!
By written by Victoria G. January 19, 2018 1
The Free Library's Rare Book Department prides itself on making historical and beatiful artifacts available to the general public. An award of $500,000 from the Council on Library and… continue reading Rare Book Department Awarded Digitization Grant for Muslim-World Artifacts
By written by Julie B. January 11, 2018 4
The Free Library's Center for Public Life is thrilled to announce the 2018–2019 Philadelphia Poet Laureate— Raquel Salas Rivera , a Puerto Rican poet and translator who writes… continue reading The Free Library Announces Philadelphia's Next Poet Laureate
By written by Julie B. January 8, 2018 1
Beginning December 15, 2017, the Free Library will host an all ages online Winter Reading Challenge. The program encourages participants to continue reading all winter long, and also provides… continue reading Announcing the Free Library’s All Ages Online Winter Reading Challenge!
By written by Barbara T. December 14, 2017 6
So it’s almost time for another installment of the Star Wars franchise, an event which many of us are treating as a holiday. It’s been a roller coaster ride for fans these last two… continue reading Pro-Porg and Proud: A Discussion on Star Wars Creatures Cute and Small
By written by Rachel F. December 14, 2017
Did you know that December is Read A New Book Month ? It’s perfect timing, really, as the temperature drops and we reaaaaaaaaally don’t want to think about leaving the couch if we… continue reading Celebrate Read A New Book Month with The Free Library!
By written by Kate C. December 13, 2017
Author Erin Entrada Kelly recently sat down with us in the Children's Literature Research Collection and spoke about illustration, cultural struggles, and how her childhood… continue reading Q&A with Children's Author Erin Entrada Kelly
By written by Chris B. December 7, 2017 1
Like the enormous condo building that is being erected on your block right now, the word "gentrification" has loomed large recently. Its definition is tough to pin down and experts have… continue reading #OneBookWednesday: Gentrification in Philadelphia
By written by Kalela W. December 6, 2017 1
Gladys Jamison couldn’t know this, but she was a girl coming of age in an exodus. Thirteen years old when her father moved her and her siblings to Brooklyn, she’d lost her mother five… continue reading #OneBookWednesday: Brooklyn, Black Girlhood, and the Great Migration
By written by Administrator November 22, 2017 3
The Free Library is very pleased to announce the launch of a brand-new service to our cardholders. The popular on-demand video streaming service Kanopy is now available at no cost with your… continue reading Watch Streaming Movies with our Newest Digital Media Resource: Kanopy!
By written by Jamie W. November 1, 2017 55
The past few years have seen tremendous growth in the popularity of digital audiobooks . And why not? Audiobooks allow you to couple the imaginative, meditative aspects of… continue reading New Directions in Digital Audiobooks
By written by Jamie W. October 27, 2017 14
Come one, come all: After a year and a half of undergoing extensive renovation and expansion, Logan Library will reopen its doors on Saturday, November 4! This neighborhood hub, located at 1333… continue reading Logan Library Grand Reopening Celebration!
By written by Shahadah A. October 24, 2017 1
When reading up on music history, it's often interesting to see how composers and performers of the day coexisted, often relating to each other and even working together. For example, pianist… continue reading Cowell, Cage, and Crumb: The Interconnectedness of American Arts
By written by Fleisher Collection October 23, 2017
The 2018 One Book, One Philadelphia selection was announced this morning! We are very excited to share that for its 16th season, One Book will become immersed in Jacqueline Woodson’s… continue reading Announcing the 2018 One Book, One Philadelphia Selection
By written by Julie B. October 19, 2017