Get your scented candles and bath bombs ready, because February 9 is Read in The Bathtub Day! We know you’ve probably already got an attractive paperback you’ve been dying to find time… continue reading

By Violet L.   February 8, 2019   

It’s wintertime in Philly. Even in the absence of snow, (thus far!), this means the sun rises later and sets earlier than in bordering seasons. It’s enough to make a person feel like… continue reading

By Jenn D.   January 11, 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

I’m staring with dread at the slog of ever-colder, ever-shorter days upon us. I do not "just love sweater weather." I "just love" some palm trees and ocean breezes. Alas.… continue reading

By Alix G.   December 21, 2018   

December is Read a New Book Month , and we at the Free Library are all about reading new books (and old books, and re-reading new and old books, and listening to books, and talking about books… continue reading

By Alix G.   December 12, 2018   

December is here and that means it’s time for the  Winter Reading Challenge ! Adults, parents, and students can create accounts online to track reading minutes, practice writing book… continue reading

By Molly B.   December 5, 2018    2

Today marks 100 years since the birth of children's and young adult author Madeleine L'Engle , and some of our resident book lovers are pondering her legacy – and her best-known… continue reading

By Kate C.   November 29, 2018    2

If the idea of heading out into the world at some ungodly hour to fight crowds and spend money makes you queasy, and you’re choosing to celebrate today as Buy Nothing Day rather than Black… continue reading

By Kate C.   November 23, 2018   

Ah, Book Lovers Day —a day to celebrate the love of the written word. While many of us are book lovers every day , the Free Library wouldn’t miss the chance to officially celebrate.… continue reading

By Lo I.   August 9, 2018   

by Ashley Bryant Children in North Philadelphia face a unique set of obstacles. Growing up in one of the poorest urban centers in America and struggling to stay on grade level and away from some… continue reading

By Administrator   June 12, 2018   

Three upcoming new books, coming out in three consecutive months, will focus on the subject of the workings of the human brain. Helen Thomson, a freelance science journalist, tells the… continue reading

By Ai Leng N.   March 23, 2018   

Every Monday at the Falls of Schuylkill Library around 4:15 p.m., our Children’s Department welcomes two special visitors. Wally and Orchid, while there to hear some stories and make new… continue reading

By Meredith M.   March 5, 2018    4

Grab your hats and get ready to play, because we are celebrating Dr. Seuss Day ! Each year, schools, libraries, and other organizations prepare for this event, as millions of teachers and students… continue reading

By Tuesday C.   February 26, 2018   

Here at the Free Library, we often have parents ask us, "How can I help my child learn to read?" Of course, we know that sharing books with children helps to develop a love of reading,… continue reading

By Sarah S.   February 2, 2018    2

Book clubs seem to be more popular than ever—we've even got two right here at the Free Library: our annual One Book, One Philadelphia reading selection creates citywide conversations… continue reading

By Peter SM   January 9, 2018    5

Beginning December 15, 2017, the Free Library will host an all ages online Winter Reading Challenge. The program encourages participants to continue reading all winter long, and also provides… continue reading

By Barbara T.   December 14, 2017    6

November 14 is Young Readers Day, and while we believe that every day should be spent celebrating and encouraging our city’s littlest learners, we’re happy to take this opportunity to… continue reading

By Kate C.   November 14, 2017   

This October, first and second grade students in the Building Bridges with Books program (a partnership between the Free Library and the School District of Philadelphia) got a unique glimpse into… continue reading

By Jess P.   November 9, 2017    1

That's right, today is Book Lovers Day, and you know the Free Library wouldn’t miss the chance to celebrate! In honor of such a momentous occasion, our staff shared what a perfect day of… continue reading

By Kate C.   August 9, 2017   

Some great news right before the upcoming Welcome to America July 4th holiday festivities get under way in Philadelphia this weekend... Shakespeare Park has finally reopened! If you've tried… continue reading

By Peter SM   June 30, 2017