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 of the devastating… continue reading

By Autumn M.   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    3

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   

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