First a quick synopsis: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is the story of an English boat captain (Marlow) who, in the late 19th century, makes his way up the Congo River into the African… continue reading

By Kelsey B.   June 15, 2017   

Excited for the new live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast ? Me too... kind of? Maybe? I hope it will be amazing? Either way, good or bad, at least we'll always have all kinds of different… continue reading

By Rachel F.   March 17, 2017   

Everyone has always been so hot and bothered for those Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. Is it the togas? Is it young Harry Hamlin in that total camp classic Clash of the Titans movie from the… continue reading

By Rachel F.   March 15, 2017   

One of the most exciting days in library land is here – it’s Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Today, we’re joining in the celebration of the 113th birthday of Theodor Geisel, a.k.a.… continue reading

By Kate C.   March 2, 2017   

February might be the shortest month, but it could be one in which you read the most books within its bounds! How is that possible? Let February inspire the length of your books. Forget about… continue reading

By Samantha M.   February 3, 2017   

As you may still be reflecting back on last year, the Free Library is also looking back at our most borrowed books of 2016. It should come as no surprise that The Girl on the Train by Paula… continue reading

By Jen W.   January 17, 2017    1

As we turn the page on 2016 and embark on exciting new chapters in 2017, a nationwide social media movement is afoot! Led by the New York Public Library (NYPL) , libraries and cultural… continue reading

By Kate C.   January 3, 2017    1

Did you know that December is Read A New Book Month ? That’s right, the perfect excuse to dig into something you haven’t read before, especially as the temperatures continue to drop… continue reading

By Kate C.   December 12, 2016   

"How to Triumph Like a Girl" , a poem by the dynamic Ada Limón , won’t get out of my head (and I don’t want it to). I read it the day after the election and it stuck… continue reading

By Autumn M.   November 28, 2016    1

The Free Library of Philadelphia is excited to pilot a new Sunday Literacy program at five of our neighborhood libraries. This program offers drop-in assistance to students struggling to read in… continue reading

By Jenn D.   November 2, 2016    3

I’m the children’s librarian who hosts weekly Storytime for babies. The librarian who voraciously reads early chapter books about aliens and graphic novels about unicorns and their… continue reading

By Mary W.   November 1, 2016    1

With F. Scott Fitzgerald's 120th birthday approaching, we found some interesting connections between his writing and the  Rosenbach  collection hiding within our… continue reading

By Sara D.   September 21, 2016   

F. Scott Fitzgerald is now considered one of the nation’s pre-eminent modern novelists and short story writers. During his lifetime, he was best known for his literary depictions of the… continue reading

By Julie B.   September 15, 2016   

The life of a children’s librarian is so interesting. We get to meet so many amazing parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles who bring their children to our library for storytimes… continue reading

By Sarah S.   August 30, 2016    1

Sometimes you just can't believe the story someone is telling you . Maybe it’s because it seems too fantastical or maybe it’s just because the storyteller is untrustworthy. Maybe… continue reading

By Rachel F.   August 19, 2016    2

Alohomora! The newest installment of the spectacularly popular Harry Potter series has just been released and it’s getting rave reviews from everyone who’s picked up a copy. Since… continue reading

By Becky F.   August 17, 2016   

In December, the Free Library announced an impactful pilot program and partnership with the Philadelphia Prison System (PPS). We are pleased to report that our focused effort to reach out to… continue reading

By Titus M.   June 15, 2016   

The Free Library’s Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 13 ! Neighborhood libraries will offer programs and activities for all ages, as well as Bingo with a literacy twist for… continue reading

By Ann P.   May 25, 2016    4

I am a librarian and I do not like to read literature. There, I said it. Don’t get me wrong, I love to read—I just don’t like “the classics” as a… continue reading

By Jen W.   November 23, 2015    7

When I was growing up you had to have a special sticker on your library card to be allowed to take out adult books. Eventually I convinced my parents that I had read every book in the kid’s… continue reading

By Dena   November 20, 2015