Posts in “holidays” (201)
Blog Articles
Was there a saint of love? Despite myths surrounding the "real" Saint Valentine , this holiday likely owes its origins to Medieval English poet Chaucer . At a time of growing romance… continue reading Who Was the Saint of Valentine's Day?
By written by Emily S. February 14, 2022
On January 17, our nation commemorates the 27th Annual National Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work and legacy. Dr. King’s part in the Civil Rights Movement… continue reading In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By written by Emily S. January 13, 2022
It can be difficult to get into the holiday spirit in the midst of so much confusion, fear, and grief. Children and adults alike may find ourselves feeling sad at the loss of a loved one, of… continue reading Giving Back for the Holidays
By written by Emily S. December 23, 2021
No matter what holiday(s) you celebrate, the month of December is jam-packed with holiday offerings at the Free Library–both in-person and virtually! So whether it's Christmas,… continue reading Celebrate the Holidays with the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. December 13, 2021 1
It’s a well-established tradition at the end of the year that ballet companies everywhere offer performances of The Nutcracker . The Philadelphia Ballet presentation of this seasonal… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | The Nutcracker
By written by Monica C. December 9, 2021
Jólabókaflóðið , or the Christmas Book Flood in English, is an Icelandic holiday tradition started in 1944 and enjoyed every year since then. Around 2015, this… continue reading Jólabókaflóðið: Iceland’s Holiday Book Tradition
By written by Jeff B. December 7, 2021
December is chockful of celebrations, with windows filled with lights and decorations, and a communal feeling of anticipation and joy. Find picture books for the holidays you celebrate… continue reading Celebrating in December | Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa
By written by Monica C. December 2, 2021 1
The holiday season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than by bringing your little ones to a storytime at Christmas Village , Philadelphia’s authentic German Christmas market! The… continue reading Christmas Village Storytimes are Back this Holiday Season!
By written by Sheila O. November 29, 2021 1
November is Native American Heritage Month, as well as a time when many people in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving. If this holiday is a part of your family’s tradition, it may be… continue reading Reframing Thanksgiving for Native American Heritage Month
By written by Emily S. November 22, 2021
Young Readers Day was first created by a collaboration between the Library of Congress and the reading-incentives program with pizza rewards, Book It! We will happily take any excuse to celebrate… continue reading Celebrate Young Readers Day!
By written by Emily S. November 9, 2021
November is almost upon us, and it already has us thinking about Thanksgiving and the spirit of giving as the holiday season approaches! Here at the Free Library, we're thankful for … continue reading Give Thanks with the Free Library this November!
By written by Administrator October 27, 2021
Jack-o'-lanterns are grinning from the stoops, and a chill wind rustles through the leaves. An orange October moon slips from behind swift-moving clouds, and children are possessed by an… continue reading Trick or Treat! A COVID-Safe Halloween
By written by Emily S. October 22, 2021 1
Since October 14 is National Dessert Day , I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane, all the way back to the spring of 2020 when I started stress-baking... Coronavirus was still a new… continue reading National Dessert Day
By written by Kamilah C. October 14, 2021
This year, for the first time, Philadelphia will celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on the 2nd Monday of October. It is a welcome and important step in recognizing and rethinking Native… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Indigenous Peoples' Day
By written by Monica C. October 8, 2021
Today, September 22, we welcome the equinox once again! On this day twice each year, the sun rests directly over the equator, so day and night are nearly equal in length all over the globe. In the… continue reading Move into Autumn with the Harvest Moon
By written by Emily S. September 22, 2021 2
The bond between grandchildren and grandparents is strong. This unique connection, across time and generations, can stretch across countries as well. It’s no surprise that National… continue reading Picture Books Highlights | Grandparents Day
By written by Monica C. September 10, 2021
Two months ago was the first official celebration of Juneteenth as a national holiday. On Thursday, June 17, 2021, Congress passed and presented the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to… continue reading We Have a New Federal Holiday — Juneteenth!
By written by Inaara S. August 27, 2021
Jashn-e-Azadi Mubarak! Happy Independence Day! This past Saturday, August 14, was Pakistan’s Independence Day. Formed in 1947, Pakistan celebrated 74 years of its independence and freedom… continue reading Celebrating Pakistan's Independence Day with Music, Film, and Literature!
By written by Inaara S. August 18, 2021 3
In honor of Book Lovers Day , our staff shared what a perfect day of reading looks like to them, and we're inspired! Here's to a marvelous day of celebrating our favorite… continue reading Happy Book Lovers Day!
By written by Kate C. August 9, 2021
African American Independence Day, widely referred to as Juneteenth, originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865. Though the Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1863, freed millions of slaves in… continue reading Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Cuisine
By written by Naquawna L. June 18, 2021 1