I mean, this is Tom Hanks —you scarcely need us to tell you who he is. Famed for his portrayals of a ping-pong savant , WWII Army ranger , pioneering AIDS activist , toy sheriff , astronaut… continue reading

By Author Events   October 23, 2018    1

The Free Library was founded with the goal of helping Philadelphians achieve personal enlightenment, and has continuously evolved to reach this goal in an ever-changing city and world. To further… continue reading

By Kate C.   October 22, 2018    1

***Event Information Update | October 9, 2018*** Book sales will begin at 4:00 p.m. Books purchased will include a signed bookplate.   The event has been moved from the Montgomery Auditorium… continue reading

By Alix G.   October 5, 2018    9

John Kerry Author Event Livestream Video by Michael Smerconish When Andy Kahan, the Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams, Jr., Director of Author Events at the Free Library of Philadelphia invited me to… continue reading

By Author Events   October 2, 2018   

Our Fall 2018 Author Events season is just around the corner. Join us this fall for meaningful conversations with bestselling writers, world class chefs, longtime politicians, a two-time Academy… continue reading

By Laura K.   September 4, 2018   

We’re a hall of learning, a cove of curiosity, an ambassador of opportunities, and a fount of resources. The Free Library of Philadelphia is one of the most widely used educational and… continue reading

By Julie B.   April 17, 2018   

The Free Library's  Culinary Literacy Center is coming up on four years of having our kitchen doors open! One of the most frequent questions we get is,  What's your favorite… continue reading

By Liz A.   April 9, 2018   

It’s April, everyone, and you know what that means – it’s National Poetry Month ! Each year, the Academy of American Poets "highlights the extraordinary legacy and ongoing… continue reading

By Autumn M.   April 3, 2018   

Our Spring 2018 Author Events schedule begins in just a few short days and we have some amazing authors coming to the Free Library including political commentators, poets, social activists,… continue reading

By Author Events   January 12, 2018    1

Updated January, 16, 2018 Watch our interview with Michael Wolff tonight LIVE starting @ 7:30 p.m. A week from today, in what is sure to be one of our more interesting Author Events to ever take… continue reading

By Author Events   January 9, 2018    1

The Israel-born, Pittsburgh-raised chef is now claimed by Philadelphia as a favorite culinary son. As executive chef and co-owner of Zahav, a restaurant of international renown that celebrates… continue reading

By Lo I.   November 24, 2017   

November 14 is Young Readers Day, and while we believe that every day should be spent celebrating and encouraging our city’s littlest learners, we’re happy to take this opportunity to… continue reading

By Kate C.   November 14, 2017   

A grandmother and child share a trip to the city to visit the museum and buy ingredients for pasteles , the traditional Puerto Rican Christmas delicacy. A young boy uses his speedy typing skills… continue reading

By Sarah S.   October 18, 2017   

BRIC librarians went on the road to Upper Darby to find Patrice Banks, proprietor of Girls Auto Clinic and Clutch Beauty Bar , and soon-to-be published author of Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide… continue reading

By Rebekah R.   August 29, 2017   

In 2013, NSA contractor Edward Snowden shook the pillars of the worldwide intelligence community when he revealed a trove of highly classified information that exposed astonishingly widespread… continue reading

By Author Events   August 22, 2017    7

George Saunders, a MacArthur Genius and one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people, is the author of several collections of short stories, including the New York Times… continue reading

By Samantha M.   May 2, 2017   

Update: PHILLY, WE HEARD YOU! We've reconfigured this event as a Photo Op (with a pre-signed book) and it has been moved from Temple Performing Arts Center to our Parkway Central Library.… continue reading

By Author Events   May 1, 2017    12

Gabourey Sidibe received a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her debut role in the 2009 film Precious , based on the novel Push by Sapphire , and won instant fame for her heartbreaking… continue reading

By Author Events   April 28, 2017    4

In advance of our sold-out John Waters Author Event this Saturday, April 29, let’s get some background on the iconic director, writer, actor, art collector, professional hitchhiker,… continue reading

By Author Events   April 28, 2017   

Here’re the allegro steps and quick jetes on ballet uber-etoile Misty Copeland, who’ll be appearing at a SOLD OUT Free Libray Author Event at  Parkway Central Library tonight,… continue reading

By Author Events   April 13, 2017    1