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

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

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

By Violet L.   September 14, 2018    9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Adrienne P.   January 10, 2012   

With 2011 coming to an end, we want to recognize the 75 th anniversary of one of our favorite children’s books: Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson’s The Story of Ferdinand. Published by… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   December 16, 2011    6

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . . the time when we get to show off all of the beautiful artists’ Christmas and New Year’s cards in the children’s… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   November 29, 2011    2

Recently, I began processing the papers of children’s book author and illustrator Munro Leaf. Having already processed the Frederick R. Gardner collection of Robert Lawson, it was a perfect… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   October 14, 2011    23

Children’s illustrator Carolyn Haywood was a lifelong Philadelphian who generously donated her extensive collection of book manuscripts, illustrations, and personal papers to the Free… continue reading

By Adrienne P.   September 12, 2011   

Carolyn Haywood once described herself as “grand student of Howard Pyle.” Haywood was heavily influenced by several of Pyle’s students: Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935),… continue reading

By Administrator   August 10, 2011    2

For those of you not familiar with Carolyn Haywood’s books (and who didn’t read last week’s blog post ), imagine stereotypical 1950s children’s literature: safe plots,… continue reading

By Adrienne P.   June 28, 2011    1