Since Parkway Central Library opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections available are impressive, but some patrons may not be familiar with all of them. To promote these resources,… continue reading Library Department Highlights: Field Teen Center
By written by Yona Y. July 17, 2024
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Summer of Wonder program is a reading challenge for all ages that allows participants to attend fun Free Library events, find new books to read, and explore activities to stay engaged throughout the summer. Simply sign up at your neighborhood library to get started, or register online with Beanstack… continue reading Summer of Wonder: 3 Ways to Get Kids Reading This Summer
By written by Free Library Foundation July 2, 2024
There is so much to love about the Free Library of Philadelphia. As one of the most important educational and cultural institutions in the city, the Library goes beyond books to strengthen local communities and achieve its mission . While the City of Philadelphia provides for the Free Library's facilities and infrastructure, it is through… continue reading Programs Supported by the Free Library Foundation
By written by Free Library Foundation May 21, 2024 1
May is National Small Business Month , according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and a time to celebrate the contributions of small businesses in communities across the country. Like the Free Library of Philadelphia, small businesses play a big role in our city. Small businesses fill a vital need by creating jobs, providing valuable goods… continue reading Resources for Small Business Owners and Job Seekers
By written by Free Library Foundation May 7, 2024 1
The Free Library’s mission is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity for all Philadelphians. You’re probably familiar with our many branches and departments, along with the incredible resources and programs offered to our communities. Did you know the Free Library has an entire department dedicated to adult… continue reading Languages and Learning: Adult Education at the Free Library
By written by Meredith M. April 11, 2024 4
We are so excited to announce that American Sign Language is now available on Mango Languages ! American Sign Language (often called ASL) is used by Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to communicate. It is a vital part of Deaf culture, the primary language for millions of Americans, and one of the most-used languages in the United States. ASL… continue reading Learn American Sign Language with Mango Languages
By written by Meredith M. March 7, 2024 4
The Free Library’s most powerful grant-finding tool just got a lot easier to use. Before, to access the Library’s premier fundraising tool, Foundation Directory, you had to travel to the Parkway Central Library. Now you can easily build prospect lists and find connections with key decision-makers at any Free Library location !… continue reading Foundation Directory Has Expanded
By written by Jamie B. February 27, 2024
Recognized with 132 Pulitzer Prizes and appreciated by over nine million subscribers globally, we are happy to announce that the Free Library's daily New York Time s subscription has been added to our PressReader database — with a backfile of its issues to 2010! This access is in addition to our New York Times at the… continue reading Our PressReader Database Now Includes The New York Times
By written by Sharyl O. January 29, 2024
The Free Library is pleased to announce the addition of three full-time social workers to its Social Services roster. The newly formed Social Services team will provide open office hours in neighborhood libraries, lead public programs, support frontline staff through professional development, and connect patrons to… continue reading Social Services Offered by the Free Library
By written by Administrator January 8, 2024
Free college and test prep programs continue at Parkway Central Library through the spring semester! Field Teen Center in partnership with The Alexander Advantage is offering five Saturday workshops for youth ages 12 to 18. College-bound students, you won’t want to miss these! Spring workshops will take a deep dive into the… continue reading Free SAT Workshops and Other College Prep Resources
By written by Yona Y. January 2, 2024 2
We were pleased to offer our community so many new Electronic Resources/Databases this year! Here are all of the new resources introduced since January 1, 2023: Films to Stream : Kanopy → Over 4,000 movies for adults and kids with no monthly viewing limits Access Video on Demand: Master Collection → Over… continue reading Celebrating Our New Electronic Resources of 2023
By written by Sharyl O. December 18, 2023
Did you know December is National Write a Business Plan Month? The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) is a great place to start your business planning journey. What is the BRIC? The BRIC is a department of the Free Library of Philadelphia. We serve small business owners, entrepreneurs, non-profit professionals,… continue reading December is Write A Business Plan Month!
By written by Birch M. December 5, 2023
Are you an inventor, artist, entrepreneur, or small business owner interested in learning how to protect your idea and business assets? The Free Library of Philadelphia's Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) is offering 45-minute one-on-one appointments with a Patent and Trademark Librarian. These appointments require an… continue reading Patent and Trademark Resource Center Appointments Now Available
By written by Raymond W. November 3, 2023 1
Did you know that Pennsylvania makes it easy for you to register to vote? You can find voter registration forms at public libraries, state park offices, state-run Veterans Homes, and many other places. This is part of a big effort to help the roughly 1.7 million Pennsylvanians who can vote but haven't registered yet. If you want to vote in… continue reading Don't Forget to Register to Vote by Monday, October 23
By written by Bridget G. October 12, 2023
The JSTOR database, which provides more than 12 million scholarly journal articles, books, images, and primary sources in 75 disciplines, has changed its access policies. JSTOR has stopped the expanded access to public libraries that it provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that JSTOR is no longer available… continue reading JSTOR Database Access Has Changed
By written by Sharyl O. September 25, 2023
We are happy to announce the return of four popular electronic resources that are no longer carried by POWER Library, Pennsylvania’s Electronic Library. The Free Library of Philadelphia has subscribed to them independently to bring them back to our community. The resources are: Academic OneFile - premier periodical resource… continue reading 4 Gale Databases Return to the Free Library
By written by Sharyl O. September 13, 2023
As patrons may know, the Free Library has been expanding staffing efforts throughout the library system in recent months. With all the hiring excitement, there’s a mix of both new and familiar faces in all of the branches, and you might be wondering what some of these folks do. Introducing " Faces of the Free Library… continue reading Faces of the Free Library: Meet Rebecca!
By written by Bridget G. September 8, 2023 3
Looking for learning resources to help you and your family prepare for kindergarten, conquer the back-to-school routine, or explore a new adult learning path? The Free Library has plenty to offer, and we’re excited to share them with you. Tip: Some of these require a library card to log in. Sign up for your Free Library card today!… continue reading Online Resources for Learners of All Ages
By written by Emily S. September 8, 2023 2
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, September arrives with a delightful reminder that it's not just a month of transition from summer to fall — it's also Library Card Signup Month ! This annual celebration is a reminder of the importance of libraries in our communities and the invaluable resources they offer to… continue reading Happy Library Card Signup Month!
By written by Bridget G. September 1, 2023 9
The Business Resource and Innovation Center hosts several monthly events for business professionals and entrepreneurs, including free headshots , resume reviews, and office hours with experts. Read on to learn a bit more about two of our monthly office hours opportunities. Ask a Business Services Manager: Office Hours with the Office of… continue reading Office Hours for Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs at the Library
By written by Birch M. September 1, 2023 2
