When I noticed that May 23 is the birthdate of one of our great children’s authors – Margaret Wise Brown , of The Runaway Bunny and Goodnight Moon fame – I immediately thought of… continue reading

By Kate C.   May 23, 2019   

This year, Free Library Comic Con celebrates its 5th anniversary with our annual event at the Parkway Central Library on May 11, 2019! When you arrive, you’ll first encounter our Vendor Hall… continue reading

By Kris L.   May 2, 2019    2

Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month, begins on May 5. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar and all over the world Muslim families celebrate with daily fasting and prayer. For… continue reading

By Monica C.   May 2, 2019   

On May 13, the Free Library's Special Collections Division will present Our Five Senses , the first family friendly, fully-interactive exhibition at the Free Library. The exhibition connects… continue reading

By Chris B.   April 29, 2019    5

We’re back for another edition of Picture Book Highlights – a series where we put the spotlight on a book that has been ordered for all neighborhood libraries . Earlier this year we… continue reading

By Monica C.   April 15, 2019   

Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805. Sure, he died in 1874, but let's focus on the positive. If HC were still alive today, he'd still be marching to the beat of his own… continue reading

By Chris B.   April 2, 2019   

The Free Library was fortunate to recently receive a donation of books by Polish authors that were translated into English, along with books in Polish for both adults and children. The books were… continue reading

By Paul A.   March 26, 2019    1

Every year, the Free Library of Philadelphia hosts a Family Fest —a celebration just for children and their families in the historic Parkway Central Library . Open to the public, this very… continue reading

By Alexa L.   March 25, 2019   

Though our One Book, One Philadelphia 2018-2019 season is now over, the Free Library will keep connecting readers through a shared text all spring long! We are thrilled to be launching an… continue reading

By Jess P.   March 20, 2019   

It’s still early in the race for the presidency 2020, but already we have 4 (four!) women candidates for the presidency: Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Kamala… continue reading

By Monica C.   March 12, 2019   

Tomi Ungerer (November 28, 1931 - February 8, 2019) was a complex man. His artwork reflected that complexity.   Ungerer’s work has often been called subversive for its themes of war,… continue reading

By Chris B.   February 11, 2019    1

It’s Laura Ingalls Wilder's Birthday today, February 7, and like many people born in the 1970s and who grew up in the 1980s, I read (and by read, I mean devoured) the Little House on the… continue reading

By Rachel F.   February 7, 2019    4

February is Black History Month – an annual commemoration that recognizes and celebrates the heritage, culture, contributions and achievements of African Americans to American history and… continue reading

By Monica C.   February 6, 2019   

Concept books are a type of picture book that introduces basic ideas, or concepts, to young children. They are sometimes described as informational picture books for preschoolers. These books play… continue reading

By Monica C.   January 31, 2019   

The newest batch of must-read titles for children and young adults has been chosen once again to receive the Youth Media Awards ! The American Library Association's yearly event , held this… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 29, 2019   

We are excited to share the news that the Free Library will be at the African American Children's Book Fair again this year! Founded and organized by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, the African… continue reading

By Molly B.   January 25, 2019   

Concept books are a type of picture book that introduces basic ideas, or concepts, to young children. They are sometimes described as informational picture books for preschoolers. These books play… continue reading

By Monica C.   January 23, 2019   

Concept books are a type of picture book that introduces basic ideas, or concepts, to young children. They are sometimes described as informational picture books for preschoolers. These books play… continue reading

By Monica C.   January 17, 2019   

Concept books are a type of picture book that introduces basic ideas, or concepts, to young children. They are sometimes described as informational picture books for preschoolers. These books play… continue reading

By Monica C.   January 8, 2019   

What is a concept book?  Concept books are a type of picture book that introduces basic ideas, or concepts, to young children. They are sometimes described as informational picture books for… continue reading

By Monica C.   January 3, 2019