“We are the leaders we have been waiting for.” Grace Lee Boggs, Philosopher and Activist   The Free Library of Philadelphia is full of leaders, and so are the neighborhoods in… continue reading

By Community-Centered Libraries   July 6, 2018   

As the heat wave continues, these Free Library locations will serve as cooling centers on Wednesday, July 4. All other locations are closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Normal… continue reading

By Jenn D.   July 3, 2018    3

The City of Philadelphia has declared a Heat Health Emergency . These Free Library locations will serve as cooling centers on Tuesday, July 3 where residents can get out of the heat and into an… continue reading

By Jenn D.   July 3, 2018   

[ Editor's note: We librarians offer literally thousands of programs every year. It's a special thrill to get formal feedback from our audiences. We can't publish every review we get,… continue reading

By Administrator   June 28, 2018   

As communities’ needs and desires change, libraries and staff are adapting and evolving with them. Long gone are the days when librarians mostly sat behind desks fielding reference… continue reading

By Community-Centered Libraries   June 7, 2018    2

We know the Free Library is one of the most heavily used cultural and educational institutions in our city. We’ve got the numbers: In fiscal year 2017, 640,000 people in Philadelphia held a… continue reading

By Julie B.   April 12, 2018   

Did you know the Free Library has trained mental health professionals on site at Parkway Central Library to help patrons who are in need of social services and other referrals? Because of all the… continue reading

By Autumn M.   March 15, 2018    6

Like the enormous condo building that is being erected on your block right now, the word "gentrification" has loomed large recently. Its definition is tough to pin down and experts have… continue reading

By Kalela W.   December 6, 2017    1

When I came aboard at the Free Library of Philadelphia in March of this year as Chief of Staff, I set a goal to make it to all 54 neighborhood library locations . It was important to me to do so… continue reading

By Leslie W.   September 15, 2017   

This year the Free Library of Philadelphia is participating in Welcoming Week: Connecting Neighbors, Serving Communities , taking place September 15 through 24, with a variety of cultural events… continue reading

By Mary Marques   September 6, 2017    1

During the academic year, many of Philadelphia’s public school students receive subsidized meals from their school. When summer break rolls around though, where can Philly’s kids get a… continue reading

By Liz G.   August 16, 2017   

PhillyCAM , in collaboration with the Free Library, has kicked-off the new People's Media Collection at Northeast Regional and West Oak Lane libraries! Over the next six months, PhillyCAM will… continue reading

By Jenn D.   July 12, 2017   

Summer is fast approaching, and the Free Library’s Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) will be winding down this month after another successful year of providing literacy… continue reading

By Valerie S.   June 5, 2017   

Did you know that socks are among the most needed items at homeless shelters, yet are one of the least-often donated items?! For the entire month of February, the Warm the Sole initiative, started… continue reading

By Administrator   February 10, 2017    1

It was about this time last year that I met my husband for lunch at Reading Terminal Market. It was a particularly cold afternoon, so instead of making the walk, I drove. I passed Parkway Central… continue reading

By Kate C.   December 27, 2016    24

The Free Library of Philadelphia is a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space for all members of the public. The programs and services at each of our 54 libraries are available for people of every… continue reading

By Siobhan Reardon   December 19, 2016    8