Posts in “archives” (45)
Blog Articles
When Frank Stephens, Jr., passed away in March at the age of 89, many mourned the loss of a friend and colleague. Others were hearing about Frank for the first time. And it was an opportunity for… continue reading Frank Stephens, Jr.: A Free Library Legacy
By written by Administrator May 11, 2021 2
What do books and objects from 800 years ago have to do with our present-day concerns? An exhibition taking shape online and in the Rare Book Department 's William B. Dietrich Gallery… continue reading "Medieval Life" Comes to Parkway Central
By written by Janine P. September 2, 2020
In addition to offering patrons ever-growing Digital Collections , dozens of research databases , and a rich variety of genealogic resources , the Free Library and the Special Collections Division… continue reading Finding "Nonno"
By written by Fleisher Collection June 17, 2020
For more than 25 years, libraries have been digitizing their collections, and the Free Library has digital collections in abundance—providing the opportunity to browse through roughly 50,000… continue reading Diving into Digital Collections
By written by Janine P. May 1, 2020
Preservation Week is an annual celebration that began in 2012 with the American Library Association and is celebrated in libraries, museums, and households around the country. The theme for this… continue reading Celebrate Preservation Week at the Free Library!
By written by Chris B. April 27, 2020
Archives shield us from a world saturated with fake news and misinformation. But what are archives? How are they different from libraries? Where are they? How do they work? How are they… continue reading Design in the Archives: A Free Evening of Fun and Learning for All Ages!
By written by Joe S. October 21, 2019
While riding on the El one afternoon, as the train wobbily drifted into 46th Street Station, I noticed a handful of people standing around in a vacant lot off to the side of the tracks and then I… continue reading Strange Statues and a Discovery in Parkway Central Library's Art Department
By written by Briana G. March 29, 2019 3
Who was Herbert Crowley? And why did he almost fade into obscurity after exhibiting critically acclaimed work at the start of the 20th century? Crowley was part of the very influential… continue reading Herbert Crowley: A Visionary Artist Rediscovered
By written by Alina J. October 29, 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
Philly Theatre Week , presented by Theatre Philadelphia, is a 10-day celeration of the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant… continue reading Philly Theatre Week and a Look at Philadelphia Theatre History
By written by Karin S. February 9, 2018
Ferdinand never wanted to be a fighting bull, so he's right at home here in the Free Library... John Cena stars as the big-hearted bull in the animated adaptation opening in theaters… continue reading Ferdinand: The Bull Is In The House (or at least the library!)
By written by Caitlin G. December 15, 2017
Come join us in the Rare Book Department for our newest exhibition, where you will discover a world of books big, small, round, long, clay, flat, wearable, and more! As you make your way through… continue reading Big and Small, Books for All: An Exhibition Open Now in the Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library
By written by Grace D. November 2, 2017
Over three previous concert seasons at the Parkway Central Library , veteran and up-and-coming Philly musicians have explored some questions. What has the Great Migration meant to music in… continue reading Mysterious Travelers Tunes Up for Its Fourth Season of Free Jazz Shows with the Philadelphia Jazz Project!
By written by Perry G. September 13, 2017
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Book Department has on display an exhibition of original drawings and published works of Robert Lawson. The Department has a large… continue reading Not Just for Children: the Art of Robert Lawson
By written by Caitlin G. February 28, 2013 2
Katherine Milhous (1894-1977) and Frances Lichten (1889-1961) were life partners and artistic collaborators who shared several passions: creating vibrant artwork for children and adults,… continue reading A Love of Philadelphia
By written by Lindsay F. June 25, 2012 3
How do you write a children’s book about political corruption? It becomes quite simple when the real life story features a rhinoceros. Little Una by Elizabeth Olds is about a rhino that… continue reading Better a Rhino
By written by Lindsay F. May 7, 2012
As archivists at the Children’s Literature Research Collection, it’s not surprising that most of the materials we work with are children’s book materials: drafts of manuscripts,… continue reading Dolls and Matchbooks and Buttons, Oh My!
By written by Caitlin G. April 17, 2012 1
Scott O’Dell once summed up being an author in three simple words: “Writing is hard.” As a writer of children’s historical fiction, he excelled in creating his own story… continue reading The Scott O'Dell papers
By written by Adrienne P. March 19, 2012 5
Hi! I’m Garrett Boos, the most recent archivist to join the “Milestones in 20th Century American Children’s Literature” project at the Free Library of Philadelphia. My… continue reading Finding aid conversions at the Free Library of Philadelphia
By written by Caitlin G. March 6, 2012
We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic Life Story by Virginia Lee Burton. First published in 1962, this wonderful book tells the tale of life on Earth from the beginning to the… continue reading "Ever Wondrous to Behold": The 50th Anniversary of Virginia Lee Burton's Life Story
By written by Adrienne P. January 10, 2012