Happy Birthday, Charles Dickens! The celebrated author was born February 7, 1812 in Landport near the city of Portsmouth, England. Dickens professional writing career began in the early… continue reading

By Joe S.   February 7, 2019   

The current exhibition in the Rare Book Department ’s Dietrich Gallery, entitled Philadelphia - The Changing City , offers a look at centuries’ worth of local transformations… continue reading

By Alina J.   January 18, 2019   

Domestic working and middle-class housing in Philadelphia will probably bring up images of row homes in the minds of most people. There are some notable exceptions however like The Letitia Penn… continue reading

By David D.   January 11, 2019    2

The late and great Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell once sang, "Ain’t nothing like the real thing baby." These words hold true for how to best experience our material culture. People… continue reading

By Joe S.   January 7, 2019    1

I have a confession to make—I am that friend who always wants to get a trivia team together on a Tuesday night. I’m also that kid who read Trivial Pursuit cards for fun to see if I… continue reading

By Christine M.   January 4, 2019    2

Born in 1868, just shortly after the Union’s triumph in the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, William Edward Burghardt (W. E. B.) Du Bois died in 1963, just one… continue reading

By Administrator   December 20, 2018    2

One of the most popular items in the Rare Book Department that resonates with visitors the world over is not what you would expect. It is not a rare manuscript or a printed book from one of our… continue reading

By Joe S.   December 3, 2018    4

Come and learn about Philadelphia's exciting, dynamic, and often forgotten history with a free guided tour of the  Philadelphia: The Changing City exhibition. The tour will be led by… continue reading

By Joe S.   November 5, 2018   

On Friday Oct 26 from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. , the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is throwing itself a wild block party to celebrate 100 years of culture and learning along Philadelphia’s… continue reading

By Adam F.   October 22, 2018   

October 10 marks the opening of an exhibition that analyzes Philadelphia's growth across more than three centuries, presenting more than 80 rare and revelatory prints, photographs,… continue reading

By Janine P.   October 9, 2018   

In a world of "fake news" and "alternate truths", the importance of critical thinking is more important than ever. Educators and librarians have replaced old-school teaching… continue reading

By Joe S.   September 12, 2018   

The summer is coming to a close (though someone obviously forgot to tell the weather!) and with that, several exhibitions at the Free Library will soon be winding down. Don’t worry!… continue reading

By Kate C.   September 11, 2018   

Philadelphians and people worldwide will eventually be able to view and download entire Islamic manuscripts, consisting of both images and texts, from the Free Library of Philadelphia’s… continue reading

By Joe S.   September 5, 2018   

Want to explore the outdoors? Start inside—here at the Free Library! Now through September 15, the Free Library of Philadelphia, with an exciting new exhibition and programs, is your pathway… continue reading

By Kalela W.   August 2, 2018    2

Take a deep dive into the Free Library’s resources on African American artists at The Libraries Are Appreciated , an exhibition from the Parkway Central’s Art Department . Borrowing… continue reading

By Jamie B.   April 24, 2018   

Throughout Spring and Summer, every corner of the Free Library of Philadelphia will be taking inspiration from In Our Nature: Flora and Fauna of the Americas - an exhibition taking place in our… continue reading

By Adam F.   March 27, 2018    3

Now on view at the Rosenbach,  Of Two Minds: Creative Couples in Art & History   showcases the creations of romantic couples who inspired, instructed, or even assisted one another in… continue reading

By Sara D.   March 8, 2018   

Philly Theatre Week , presented by Theatre Philadelphia, is a 10-day celeration of the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant… continue reading

By Karin S.   February 9, 2018   

Greetings from Frozen Philadelphia! After a snowy beginning to the new year and a lot of single-digit temperatures, we're bundled up and back in the office. And as we shiver on our… continue reading

By Sara D.   January 22, 2018    1

Since  Frankenstein & Dracula: Gothic Monsters, Modern Science  opened on Friday the 13th of October, I’ve fielded a few questions from surprised visitors:  Dracula ,… continue reading

By Sara D.   November 10, 2017