At the Free Library of Philadelphia, learning has no age, and the Senior Services Department at Parkway Central ensures that the Library’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity extends to patrons in every stage of life. Central Senior Services provides large-print books ranging from the latest popular novels… continue reading Central Senior Services Hosts Exciting, Informative Seminars

By written by Anthony T.    March 11, 2024   

• Central Senior Services
• Parkway Central
• Seniors
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

Beginning Wednesday, April 12, 2023, the Free Library of Philadelphia launches a unique seven-part series of live evening events exploring the life and career of George Orson Welles , one of the most remarkable producer/director/actors to come out of Hollywood. The Free Library invites you to listen to, question, and possibly meet some of the… continue reading Special Lecture Series: Orson Welles & The Golden Age of Hollywood

By written by Administrator    October 12, 2023    10  

• Events at the Library
• Central Senior Services
• Parkway Central
• Film
• History
• Lecture Series

The 1960 presidential campaign was close, hard-fought, and left both sides feeling embittered. Kennedy’s final margin of victory was less than 115,000 votes out of nearly 70 million cast.  Nixon was convinced that the Kennedy campaign had stolen Illinois and Texas from him. He wanted to challenge the election results, but senior… continue reading Frenemies: The Strange Friendship of JFK and Richard Nixon

By written by Richard L.    November 3, 2021   

• Central Senior Services
• History
• Politics
• Virtual Programs

If ever a Broadway musical seemed destined to fail, it was Oklahoma . Contrary to the standard practice at the time, the producers insisted on casting singers who could act, rather than actors who could sing. As a result, the show opened on Broadway without a single star in the cast. Almost everyone had reservations about the show’s… continue reading Oklahoma: The Show That Changed American Musicals Forever

By written by Richard L.    September 16, 2021   

• Central Senior Services
• Music
• Seniors

How do you get email on your new smart device? Who is Vladimir Putin and how did he climb to power as the Soviet Union collapsed around him? What does a smart consumer need to know before signing up for a luxury cruise? For 10 years, Central Senior Services , a department of the Parkway Central Library , has been answering these questions and… continue reading Happy National Senior Citizens Day!

By written by Richard L.    August 21, 2019   

• Central Senior Services

The mystery of romantic love has puzzled people for centuries. In 1862, Lewis Douglass wrote his future wife, Amelia Loguen, as follows: "Men and women talk of love, can anyone describe it? Can anyone give the reason why one person loves another to the exclusion of everyone else….I know many ladies, who are amiable, kind, talented… continue reading The Mystery of Romantic Love in the Modern Age

By written by Richard L.    July 1, 2019   

• Events at the Library
• Central Senior Services

Parkway Central Library Senior Services will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Awards for excellence in African American children’s literature with a five-part discussion series called Conversations In Color . These conversations take place throughout the month of June and center around the influence that images… continue reading Conversations in Color: The Coretta Scott King Awards Celebrate 50 Years of Excellence

By written by Lisa-Jane E.    May 29, 2019    2  

• Awards
• Events at the Library
• Central Senior Services
• Community Events
• Parkway Central
• Seniors
• Teens
• African American
• Childrens Books
• History
• Lecture Series
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion

It’s been said that "everybody has a past." Would you like to delve into yours? If so, we can help you find links to the unknowns in your life and the life of your family with our newest program "Who’s your granddaddy?" "Who’s your granddaddy?" is a genealogy club for hobbyists, amateurs, and… continue reading Who's Your Granddaddy?

By written by Lisa-Jane E.    October 4, 2018    3  

• Events at the Library
• Central Senior Services
• Digital Collections
• Genealogy
• Parkway Central
• Seniors

Today, it seems that more Americans than ever before are writing poetry, participating in poetry slams, and entering poetry contests. But as we dive (back?) into poetry and draw inspiration from the great poets of yesteryear, it seems that some are being left out of the revival! Who knew it was possible to be both immortal and largely forgotten… continue reading Poetry Is Hot – Again!

By written by Richard L.    October 2, 2018   

• Events at the Library
• Central Senior Services
• Parkway Central
• Seniors
• Poetry

Relatively few Americans have ever visited or know much about Russia, North Korea, and Turkey. Yet, each passing day seems to bring additional evidence that these nations are working to thwart U.S. foreign policy goals from Eastern Europe to the Middle East. Many of us would like to better understand how these relationships went sour and wonder… continue reading Looking Beyond the Headlines: What You Should Know About Russia, North Korea, and Turkey

By written by Richard L.    August 14, 2017    3  

• Central Senior Services
• History
• Politics
• Lecture Series

The month of May is that glorious transitional time of the year that phases out spring and ushers in summer. It reminds us to stop and smell the roses. It is the time for celebrating mothers and college graduates. And it is also the time for celebrating older Americans, in the form of Older Americans Month ! This year, like every year, the Free… continue reading Age Out Loud at The Free Library!

By written by Lisa-Jane E.    May 17, 2017   

• Central Senior Services