Blog Articles
When you think of spelling bees, you probably think back to those elementary school glory days (or, in my case, to an embarrassing misspelling of ‘macaroni’ that nearly ruined fourth… continue reading The Birds & The Bee: A Raven Society Spelling Bee!
By written by Kate C. September 25, 2018
This year, Banned Books Week runs from September 23 to September 29 and in true book-and-idea lovin’ fashion, the Free Library is ready to celebrate the freedom to express and share all… continue reading Banned Books Week | What Do You Mean We Can't Read That?
By written by Lo I. September 24, 2018 2
We’ll soon be bidding farewell to Library Card Sign-Up Month (although, let’s be honest, EVERY month is a good month to get your library card !), but before we do, we wanted to check… continue reading Library Card Sign-Up Month | Staff Reflections
By written by Kate C. September 24, 2018 2
Hypnosis, using its power to heal or influence others, has captured our public imagination long ago. It is a popular and often misunderstood technique that has been used for a variety of things,… continue reading Hypnosis & Your Health
By written by Joe S. September 21, 2018
From Tuesday, September 25 through Tuesday, October 30, the Public Library Association (PLA) – a division of the American Library Association (ALA) – will be accepting submissions of… continue reading Submit Your Short Story for the PLA's National Writing Contest!
By written by Kate C. September 21, 2018 2
The world can be a pretty rough place sometimes. Sad things can happen to you or your friends, to people close by, or to people that live far, far away, all over the world. It’s easy to be… continue reading It's Not All Bad News... There Are Helpers All Around Us!
By written by Monica C. September 20, 2018
Voting is an exercise in democracy. And no matter where you fall on the political spectrum, if you’re not registered to vote, your voice won’t be heard. Midterms matter! And for these… continue reading Midterms Matter: Democracy Looks Like You!
By written by Kalela W. September 20, 2018 2
Have you ever read a graphic novel or a comic strip and thought, "I would love to make my own comic... but I don’t know how!" Well, good news! The Free Library has tremendous… continue reading So You Want To Draw Comics...
By written by Violet L. September 19, 2018 2
Are you curious about Judaism? Are Judaism and Jews a people, a nation, a religion, a culture, a way of life, or something else? What does it mean to be a Jew or Jewish? On October 11 , Rabbi Joel… continue reading Judaism 101: History, Religion, and Culture
By written by Laurie A. September 19, 2018 1
In our ongoing series of blog posts highlighting our awesome staff throughout the Free Library of Philadelphia, today we take some time to speak with Marvin DeBose - Haverford Library Branch… continue reading Meet Your Library Staff: Marvin DeBose - Haverford Library Branch Manager & Adult Teen Librarian
By written by Administrator September 18, 2018 2
In addition to Library Card Sign-Up Month (woo-hoo!), September is National Literacy Month . As you would expect, literacy is very near and dear to our hearts here at the Free Library, and a core… continue reading Happy National Literacy Month!
By written by Kate C. September 18, 2018
"Meet you at the goat!" This common refrain can be heard from parents and caregivers all around the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Billy the Goat, a statue in Rittenhouse… continue reading Philadelphia City Institute Library Welcomes Billy the Goat!
By written by Erin H. September 17, 2018
As we continue through National Library Card Sign-Up Month, we've already discussed how a library card grants you instant access to a treasure trove of books, DVDs, and audiobooks from our… continue reading Library Card Sign-up Month | Digital Media at Your Fingertips and On a Screen Near You!
By written by Peter SM September 17, 2018 10
Hail to families, all kinds of families! And on September 16 we'll honor a very special family unit—the blended family. Families that come together: mothers, fathers, and children to… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Happy National Stepfamily Day!
By written by Monica C. September 14, 2018
You’ve heard the adage that “All politics is local”, but the real, hidden story of American life is documented in the rich and mostly lost bounty of local television programming… continue reading Input and the Extraordinary Marion Stokes
By written by Violet L. September 14, 2018 10
If you ever indulged yourself in a marinated lamb taco from South Philly Barbacoa, then you are aware of Chef Cristina Martinez. She will be featured in the upcoming season of the Netflix… continue reading Marginalized Voices Being Heard: from Cristina Martinez to Welcoming Week Kick Off
By written by Paul M. September 13, 2018
I love Roald Dahl’s books. Roald Dahl was a sexist bigot whose books demonize fat people. It’s Roald Dahl’s birthday. Dahl published anti-Semitic views and his books are littered… continue reading Problematic Favorites | Re-reading Roald Dahl
By written by Joel N. September 13, 2018 6
I know what you are thinking about comics and superheroes – it's all just white dudes, right? Nope! Surely we’ve all seen Black Panther , right? And Wonder Woman , I… continue reading Latinx Superheroes Take Flight!
By written by Rachel F. September 12, 2018
In a world of "fake news" and "alternate truths", the importance of critical thinking is more important than ever. Educators and librarians have replaced old-school teaching… continue reading Back to School, but Not Old School: Information and Primary Source Literacy
By written by Joe S. September 12, 2018
The summer is coming to a close (though someone obviously forgot to tell the weather!) and with that, several exhibitions at the Free Library will soon be winding down. Don’t worry!… continue reading Visit These Free Library Exhibitions Before It’s Too Late!
By written by Kate C. September 11, 2018