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

Long before taking the Saturday Night Live stage as the Impersonator-in-Chief, Alec Baldwin starred in a raft of projects on stages and screens both large and small. In his new memoir Nevertheless… continue reading

By Author Events   March 31, 2017   

If you’d like to do some background reading before attending this week's sold out Author Event with Chris Hayes on Thursday, follow the links below to become familiar with the… continue reading

By Author Events   March 21, 2017   

In the 1970s, the counter culture comedy duo of Cheech and Chong (Richard "Cheech" Marin and Tommy Chong) laughed all the way to el banco as each of their successive bad-boy stoner… continue reading

By Author Events   March 10, 2017   

The Free Library of Philadelphia Author Events program is pleased to announce the debut of 20th & Vine , a new behind-the-scenes interview series featuring backstage conversations with authors… continue reading

By Author Events   February 22, 2017    2

Every parent's worst nightmare is something bad happening to their child. For Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, that nightmare became a reality when their 17-year-old son, Trayvon Martin, was… continue reading

By Author Events   January 30, 2017    8

In his farewell address to the nation, President Obama turned to thank First Lady Michelle, his "rock and love" over the years, saying, "You took on a role you didn’t ask for… continue reading

By Author Events   January 12, 2017    3

So, I have a confession to make: up until the beginning of this year, I had no idea who Simone Biles was. I'm not big on sports and had no interest in watching the Olympics this past year.… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 4, 2017   

2016 will be remembered for many things in the history books and one of those top historical moments will be the 2016 Presidential Election. No matter which candidate you voted for or what… continue reading

By Peter SM   November 23, 2016    4

Amid swirls of concern over the death of the independent book shop, Ann Patchett  has been bringing "independent" back for the past five years at her Parnassus Books , a thriving… continue reading

By Samantha M.   November 14, 2016   

So, apparently some guy named Bruce Springsteen is stopping by the Free Library in a couple weeks? All we know is that he's a musician and has a new book coming out or something... Kidding! We… continue reading

By Peter SM   September 15, 2016    6

F. Scott Fitzgerald is now considered one of the nation’s pre-eminent modern novelists and short story writers. During his lifetime, he was best known for his literary depictions of the… continue reading

By Julie B.   September 15, 2016   

Looking forward to our upcoming Author Event with comedian Amy Shumer next week on Wednesday, August 17th? Then sit back and have a laugh listening to these funny podcasts from other humorous… continue reading

By Peter SM   August 12, 2016   

We are just one week away from the Kickoff Event to the One Book, One Philadelphia 2016 season. On Tuesday night, February 2, at 7:30 p.m. you are invited to join us in Parkway Central… continue reading

By Julie B.   January 27, 2016   

Patti Smith —poet, punk, and provocateur all rolled into one scorching soul, will be appearing at the Free Library this evening for a waaaaaaaay sold out Author Event to discuss her new book… continue reading

By Peter SM   November 6, 2015   

This fall promises to be a busy and exciting time at the Culinary Literacy Center. We have some wonderful programs lined up highlighting treasured books and talented cooks. Cookbook authors … continue reading

By Liz A.   October 14, 2015