Rosh Hashanah —the celebration of the Jewish new year—begins at sundown on Wednesday night, September 20. Even those not celebrating the holiday may be preparing, as Philadelphia… continue reading

By Julie B.   September 18, 2017   

As a young girl, I loved fairy tales—especially those centered on princesses. But I was also drawn to strong female characters. So, I decided to re-read  Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson… continue reading

By Lo I.   September 7, 2017   

Feel that cool fall air? That means it’s September, and time for a new Early Literacy Calendar! September is the time we head back to school (or start school for the first time) and begin to… continue reading

By Sarah S.   September 1, 2017   

Do you ever have dreams or memories that are just flashes of a scene that you vaguely remember but don’t know how or why? When that happens to me, I can usually trace it back to a book or… continue reading

By Dena   August 31, 2017   

Little Pig Robinson , published in 1930, is the last book in Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit series , though it was one of the first to be written. In a letter from 1893, Potter described… continue reading

By Andrew W.   August 24, 2017   

The Summer of Wonder is happening across the city at every Free Library of Philadelphia location . It’s also happening online through the end of August. But did you know that the Summer of… continue reading

By Becky F.   August 4, 2017   

I have always been fascinated by wild animals. We are not alone in this world – we have always shared it with animals: big and small, domesticated and wild. We are surrounded by life… continue reading

By Monica C.   August 3, 2017   

Have you been participating in the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder program? You still have time to sign up! The in-person program ends on August 4, but runs online through August 31. Sign up… continue reading

By Sarah S.   August 1, 2017   

I have a confession to make about Little Women ... I first fell in love with the 1994 movie starring Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon , as opposed to the book. The movie propelled me to read the… continue reading

By Alicia T.   July 13, 2017    1

The Fourth of July is America's biggest holiday – there are parades, music, picnics, parties, AND fireworks! We are a nation of immigrants and on this day we all come together to… continue reading

By Monica C.   July 3, 2017   

We all know that the 4th of July is Independence Day and that there will be celebrations involving food, but how about celebrating Chocolate Day on July 7 – yum! – or National Ice… continue reading

By Sarah S.   July 3, 2017   

Before the Re-Read... To be honest, I can’t even remember what grade I was in when I first read this book. It was either third or fourth, a time at which I still was a non-reader. I read the… continue reading

By Mary W.   June 22, 2017   

Looking for a book that will help get kids moving? We have a good one for you! Our new selection for Picture Books Highlights – a series of posts where we put the spotlight on a brand-new… continue reading

By Monica C.   June 20, 2017   

We read all year long, but there’s just something about summer reads. There’s an excitement, a tingle, to determining your Summer Reading list (even if there’s not much… continue reading

By Julie B.   June 8, 2017    1

Did you know that the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder program just started up again? And that it is for all ages? Yes, even newborns can participate – with the help of their grownups,… continue reading

By Sarah S.   June 2, 2017   

Nine Free Library of Philadelphia locations are testing out a fun new take on an old classic! These new audio-enabled books from Vox Books are picture books combined with an audio recording of… continue reading

By Kate C.   May 16, 2017   

Reading a book can be a very tactile experience: holding the book in your hands or lap, turning the pages, feeling the paper, pouring over the art and text. With electronic readers, one can carry… continue reading

By Monica C.   May 9, 2017   

Once you take a break from all of the great reading suggestions during this year's Children's Book Week , May is also a great month to get outside and play! We have lots to celebrate this… continue reading

By Sarah S.   May 3, 2017   

“My child loves mysteries and solving riddles. What’s a good series?” Oh how I love this question. Mystery readers can be a difficult group to please. The books recommended have… continue reading

By Chris B.   May 1, 2017   

We all know Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia's everyman. Poor Richard . Diplomat of the Revolution . Inventor of the Glass Harmonica . Postmaster General . Guy Who Flew A Kite in a… continue reading

By Caitlin G.   April 28, 2017