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Temporary Closure of the Rare Book Department
The Rare Book Department , located on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library , is closed as of November 4th, 2024 for the installation of a new HVAC system. Climate control is of the utmost importance for our Special…
Holiday Cheer for Children and Families
It’s almost time to bundle up warm and join the Free Library for festive storytimes at the Christmas Village in LOVE Park! Every year, LOVE Park is transformed into an authentic German-style outdoor holiday market, presented by…
New Titles Coming to the Free Library in December
There’s a lot to explore this December with a mix of new titles coming to the Free Library's shelves! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Wake Up, Moon! by Lita Judge A playful squirrel defies bedtime, delighting in a…
Learn About the Mankiewicz Brothers’ Impact on Hollywood With “Scripting the Movies”
Few individuals better encapsulated the highs and lows of the Golden Age of Hollywood than the Mankiewicz brothers. Filmmakers Herman (1897–1953) and Joe (1909–1993) are the subjects of the Free Library’s upcoming…
Learn the Art of Soldering at the Library
Fancy yourself as a do-it-yourself handyman or looking to pick up a new skill? Want to dive into the world of electronics and repair the wire in your mouse, or salvage your favorite keyboard? Look no further! Join the Free…
Take Your Nonprofit to the Next Level This Giving Tuesday
Come celebrate Giving Tuesday at the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) in Parkway Central Library with this special event hosted by Michelle Snow on December 3, 2024. Following a powerful workshop helping…
Local Thanksgiving Meals and Giveaways for Those in Need
It's Thanksgiving week! In the spirit of the holiday, here are some local Thanksgiving-related community events, including turkey drives, giveaways, and free Thanksgiving meals for seniors, families in need, and people…
Native American Heritage: Language Resources
November is National American Indian Heritage Month, also known as Native American Heritage Month . While different single-day observations began across the country early in the 20th century, it was in 1990 when President George H.W.…
The Dehumanization of Jews in Russian and Soviet Cartoons
On December 16 at 6:00 p.m. at Parkway Central Library , the Social Science and History Department will host Bob Weinberg, Professor of History and International Relations at Swarthmore College. Weinberg is the author of the new book…
What We Are Thankful for at the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation
The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation supports the Free Library of Philadelphia as a center for learning and opportunity in every neighborhood, for every Philadelphian. With the holiday season just around the corner, we would like…
Learn to Start Your Own Podcast with "Podcasting 101"
Podcasting has exploded in popularity since 2006, when just 11% of Americans over 12 were familiar with the medium. Now, that number is over 67%, with 45 million people that enjoy podcasts at least once a month. New podcasts are always…
Read by 4th and Children's Book Week: Ensuring Our Children Become Strong Readers
Children’s Book Week, a “celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading,” was established in 1919 and is “the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country,” as noted by Every…
Celebrate National Family Literacy Day with Free Library Resources
In 1994, Congress designated National Family Literacy Day on November 1 to encourage learning beyond the classroom and across generations. This observance aims to strengthen family bonds through shared learning experiences and…
Telling Tales: From Oral Tradition to Art
The Map Collection , Print and Picture Collection , and Children's Literature Research Collection have joined together to create a new exhibition in the West Gallery on the Second Floor of Parkway Central Library . The…
30 Libraries Will Serve As Polling Places for the November 5, 2024 Election
General Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024 , and 30 of our neighborhood libraries will serve as designated voting locations. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Remember: anyone in line by 8:00 p.m. can…
New Titles Coming to the Free Library in November
We are grateful for these new titles arriving on our shelves this fall! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) At Our Table by Patrick Hulse This is a fresh and inclusive portrayal of Thanksgiving that celebrates sharing,…
Flying High: History of Football in Philadelphia
Every Sunday in households across the United States, families gather around the television to watch the most popular sport in the country: football. It has become like a religion for those who watch football from home and enjoy the…
Free Groceries, Clothing, and Social Services at Parkway Central on November 7
Our Closet In Your Neighborhood returns to Parkway Central Library on Thursday, November 7, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Room 108. Our Closet In Your Neighborhood is a mobile program that provides free…
The Vidocq Society: Solving Cold Cases Through Collaboration
Are you a true crime fan who listens to every new episode from your favorite investigative podcast? Do you enjoy sitting on your couch with a true crime book or watching endless reruns of Dateline ? Join us at The Vidocq Society:…
Entry-Level Job Fair at Parkway Central Library on November 6 [SOLD OUT]
Join us for a fantastic opportunity at the Parkway Central Library to explore entry-level job openings from various employers. The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) will be hosting The Workplace and PA…
Falls Book Club
Join the Falls Book Club - one of the Free Library's longest running programs. The book selection for this month will be The House of Broken Bricks , by Anna Quindlan. The group is open to all and new members are welcome.…
Music and Movement Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and movement that celebrates all things music! For ages 7 and under and their caregivers.
Pajama Storytime!
Wear your coziest pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal to this evening storytime. We'll read books and sing songs and rhymes in the Story Hour Room. This event is recommended for children 3 to 8 years old.
Music and Movement Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and movement that celebrates all things music! For ages 7 and under and their caregivers.
Music and Movement Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and movement that celebrates all things music! For ages 7 and under and their caregivers.
Music and Movement Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and movement that celebrates all things music! For ages 7 and under and their caregivers.
Monthly Book Club
Join us to discuss books and life and eat snacks! This book club is ideal for fourth through sixth graders. Copies of each book will be available to check out at the reference desk.
Music and Movement Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and movement that celebrates all things music! For ages 7 and under and their caregivers.
Pajama Storytime!
Wear your coziest pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal to this evening storytime. We'll read books and sing songs and rhymes in the Story Hour Room. This event is recommended for children 3 to 8 years old.
Dance Me a Story
Listen, move, and learn at this special interactive story time with The Rock School for Dance! Explore the joy of movement and storytelling with master educator, Jessica Kilpatrick as she brings the tale of The Story Orchestra to life…
Music and Movement Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and movement that celebrates all things music! For ages 7 and under and their caregivers.
Dance Me a Story
Listen, move, and learn at this special interactive story time with The Rock School for Dance! Explore the joy of movement and storytelling with master educator, Jessica Kilpatrick as she brings the tale of The Story Orchestra to life…
Read, Baby, Read Family Storytime
Read, Baby, Read Family Storytime Wednesdays, January 15 – May 21 at 10:30am Join us for stories, songs, bounces & rhymes! Best for children age 6 months to 4 years, but older siblings welcome! This program is made…
The Story Orchestra: Carnival of the Animals
Listen, move, and learn at this special interactive story time with The Rock School for Dance! Explore the joy of movement and storytelling with master educator, Jessica Kilpatrick as she brings the tale of The Story Orchestra to life…
Falls Book Club
Join the Falls Book Club - one of the Free Library's longest running programs. The book selection for this month will be After Annie , by Anna Quindlan. The group is open to all and new members are welcome. For more…
Music and Movement Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and movement that celebrates all things music! For ages 7 and under and their caregivers.
Read, Baby, Read Family Storytime
Read, Baby, Read Family Storytime Wednesdays, January 15 – May 21 at 10:30am Join us for stories, songs, bounces & rhymes! Best for children age 6 months to 4 years, but older siblings welcome! This program is made…
Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) Information Table
Please stop by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) information table to pick up free COVID-19 test kits, masks, and updated information on keeping healthy. PDPH outreach staff will be on hand to answer questions and…
Baby and Toddler Playtime!
Play, talk, sing and explore books and toys while listening to music and gaining social, emotional, fine and gross motor skills. This program is intended for babies and toddlers along with parents, grandparents or caregivers. We will be…
Music and Movement Storytime
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and movement that celebrates all things music! For ages 7 and under and their caregivers.
Universal Human Rights Month
The United Nations established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10th, 1948.
Finished Arcane? Read these!
Under cities, battles of good and evil, morally gray protagonists, apocalyptic lesbians, and more from the teen collection. Graphic novels, fiction, and manga.
Trans by Trans Read-Alikes - November 24
If you liked August Kitko and the Mechas from Space, check these books out!
Dystopian Books for Teens
For fans of The Hunger Games, The Giver, Maze Runner, and more.
Trans Day of Remembrance 2024 - Teen Picks
Transgender Day of Remembrance has been observed on 11/20 every year since 1999 to memorialize those murdered by transphobic acts. We hope these titles from the teen collection will help share empathy, solidarity, and hope because so…
Board Books All About Autumn
Cool breezes are blowing; leaves are changing color and falling to the ground- fall is full of fun activities and sensory experiences! Get cozy and check out these beautiful, engaging books about autumn with your little one.
Native American Heritage Month Children's Books
A list of children's books by and about citizens of indigenous tribes. For more recommendations, visit https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/
Podcasting
Want to start a podcast? Start here! Resources on creative development, interviewing, research, recording, editing and marketing.
Random 2024
This is the list of books that I read in 2024. All of them were randomly picked.
Native American Heritage
November is Native American Heritage Month, and these books offer a rich collection of works that celebrate Indigenous voices, histories, and cultures perfect for the observance.
Trans by Trans Read-Alikes - October 24
If you liked The Thirty Names of Night, check out these titles.
Election Season Books for Teens
Nonfiction and fiction about political history, how politics work today, and finding your political voice.
On Wednesdays We Wear Pink
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, often observed by wearing a pink ribbon. This October, try a pink book--it's not just for romances!
Sophie C. White
Books selected by Philadelphia-based painter Sophie C. White in conjunction with her talk on October 23, 2024. More books on most of these artists are also available. Ask for research files on the Philadelphia artist Leroy Johnson
Value Line
Research, recommendations, rankings & financial information on 3,500 stocks, more than 2,000 mutual funds, as well as options, convertibles, & OTC special situations.
U.S. Congressional Serial Set (1817-1980)
The bound, sequentially numbered volumes of all the Reports, Documents, and Journals of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives constitutes a rich source of primary source material on all aspects of American history. Upon…
TumbleBooks
TumbleBooks is an online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. Check out our home user guide
TrueFlix *
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy is an authoritative, comprehensive Web-based reference work about philosophy, useful to scholars of all levels as well as the general public. Published through Stanford University’s Center for the…
Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries
With an extraordinary array of more than 35,000 individual tracks of streaming music, spoken word, and natural and human-made sounds, users can listen to performances by American folk icons such as Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger…
Slavery in America and the World: History, Culture, and Law
This HeinOnline collection brings together a multitude of essential legal materials on slavery in the U.S. and the English-speaking world. It includes nearly 2,000 titles, with every statute passed by every colony and state on slavery,…
SimplyAnalytics
A mapping and data visualization application that makes it easy to create interactive maps and reports using powerful demographic, business, and marketing data.
Daniel Schlozman and Sam Rosenfeld | The Hollow Parties: The Many Pasts and Disordered Present of American Party Politics
In conversation with author and Pennsylvania State Senator, Nikil Saval In The Hollow Parties , Daniel Schlozman and Sam Rosenfeld present a comprehensive history of the rise of American mass party politics through the Jacksonian era up…
George Stephanopoulos | The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis
Meelya Gordon Memorial Lecture In conversation with Tamala Edwards, anchor, 6abc Action News morning edition. ABC News’ Chief Anchor, the host of This Week with George Stephanopoulos , and co-anchor of Good Morning America , George…
Paul Hendrickson | Fighting the Night: Iwo Jima, WW II and a Flyer’s Life
In conversation with Wil Haygood Paul Hendrickson ’s books include Sons of Mississippi , winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award; Hemingway’s Boat: Everything He Loved in Life, and Lost, 1934–1961 , a National Book Critics…
Claire Messud | This Strange Eventful History: A Novel
In conversation with Laura McGrath, Assistant Professor of English at Temple University “Among our greatest contemporary writers” ( The Miami Herald ), Claire Messud is the author of The Emperor’s Children , a cutting portrait of…
Colm Tóibín | Long Island: A Novel
“His generation’s most gifted writer of love’s complicated, contradictory power” (Los Angeles Times) , Colm Tóibín is the author of an impressive list of novels, short stories, essays, plays, poetry, and criticism. His novels The…
Jen Psaki | Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World
In conversation with Annie Duke An “unflappable and genial point-person” ( The New York Times ), Jen Psaki served as the thirty-fourth White House Press Secretary under President Biden until May 2022. Currently the host of MSNBC’s…
Frank Bruni | The Age of Grievance
In conversation with Karen Heller, former national features writer and current contributor for The Washington Post, formerly a metro and features columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and a finalist for the 2001 Pulitzer Prize in…
Erik Larson | The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War
In conversation with award winning broadcaster and journalist, Tracey Matisak. “America’s most compelling popular historian” (The Christian Science Monitor) , Erik Larson is the bestselling author of eight critically acclaimed books,…
Karen Valby | The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History
Featuring: Lydia Abarça, Sheila Rohan, Marcia Sells, Karlya Shelton, and Khadija Tariyan (daughter of Gayle McKinney Griffith) In conversation with Shelly Power, The Dr. Carolyn Newsom Executive Director, Philadelphia Ballet Karen Valby…
Dasha Kiper | Travelers to Unimaginable Lands: Stories of Dementia, the Caregivers, and the Human Brain
In conversation with Dr. Jason Karlawish In partnership with the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society The clinical consulting director of support groups at The CaringKind (formerly The Alzheimer's Association), Dasha Kiper has an MA in…
Amy Tan | The Backyard Bird Chronicles
In conversation with Beth Kephart A “master of illusion, and one of the best storytellers around” (NPR), Amy Tan is the author of the beloved novels The Joy Luck Club , a finalist for the National Book Award and the National Book…
Bakari Sellers | The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now
In 2006, Bakari Sellers defeated a twenty-six-year incumbent State Representative to become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and the youngest African American elected official in the nation. The state’s 2014…
David E. Sanger | New Cold Wars: China's Rise, Russia's Invasion, and America's Struggle to Defend the West
In conversation with Robert E. Hamilton, Head of Eurasia Research - Eurasia Program, Foreign Policy Research Institute Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Endowed Lecture The White House and national security correspondent for The New York…
R. Jisung Park | Slow Burn: The Hidden Costs of a Warming World
In conversation with Patrick Behrer, Research Economist, Development Economics, World Bank How the subtle but significant consequences of a hotter planet have already begun—from lower test scores to higher crime rates—and how we might…
Dennis Yi Tenen | Literary Theory for Robots: How Computers Learned to Write
Dennis Yi Tenen is an associate professor of English at Columbia University, where he also serves as co-director of the Center for Comparative Media. Affiliated with Columbia’s Data Science Institute, he is a former fellow at the…
Tricia Rose | Metaracism: How Systemic Racism Devastates Black Lives—and How We Break Free
In conversation with award-winning journalist and broadcaster Tracey Matisak Acclaimed for her study of the intersections of pop music, contemporary Black U.S. culture, and sex and gender, sociologist Tricia Rose is the author of…
Lydia Millet | We Loved it All: A Memory of Life
Praised for her “darkly funny and painfully sharp” ( Los Angeles Times ) fiction, Lydia Millet is the author of the novel A Children’s Bible , shortlisted for the National Book Award and a New York Times Top 10 book of 2020; the…
Stacey Abrams | Rogue Justice: A Thriller
In conversation with award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Tracey Matisak Introduced by State Rep. Donna Bullock Stacey Abrams is the Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics at Howard University. After serving…
Julia Alvarez | The Cemetery of Untold Stories: A Novel
Barbara Gohn Day Memorial Lecture In conversation with Rebeca L. Hey-Colón, Professor of Latinx Studies, Temple University Awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama in 2013, poet, essayist, and fiction writer Julia Alvarez…
Sloane Crosley | Grief is for People
“A fountain of observations” ( The Boston Globe ), Sloane Crosley is the author of three New York Times bestselling essay collections, How Did You Get This Number, Look Alive Out There, and I Was Told There’d Be Cake , which was a…
ZOOM Trivia Games
ZOOM-from PBS Kids! A game to play with your friends or family. For grades 4 and up.
ZOOM
ZOOM from PBS-by kids, for kids. Lots of fun science activities. Grades 2 and up; may need adult supervision.
Ziggity Zoom
This site offers a variety that will appeal to preschool and younger elementary age children. Online and printable activities are available.
Zero to Three
The mission of Zero to Three is to promote the healthy development of infants and toddlers. This website provides a breadth of behavioral and developmental information for parents, as well as suggestions for creating positive learning…
Zenkaikon
The Philadelphia-area Anime Convention.
ZDNet
A wholly-owned subsidiary of CNET networks, ZDNet aims to be the "premier 'full service' destination for people looking to buy, use, and learn more about technology." On its site, the company offers news, product reviews, downloads, free…
Zamzar
Free Online File Converter
Yves St. Laurent
Yves St. Laurent launched his label in 1962 and turned the fashion world on its ear with his mix of pantsuits and fitted gowns. The line is now supervised by Stefano Pilati, whose innovative designs continue the legacy of St. Laurent…
Yuckiest Site on the Internet
From Discovery.com - The Yuckiest Site on the Internet! Join Wendell the worm and check out his buggy scrapbook! For grades 3 and up.
Youthspeaks.org
Provides safe spaces to empower the next generation of leaders, self-defined artists, and visionary activists through written and oral literacies.
YouthSpeak Newsletter
YouthSpeak is a grassroots citizen organization working to empower youth and to allow youth to make the democratic choices that affect their lives.
YouthRules!
Information from the U.S. Department of Labor for teens, parents, educators, employers and the public on Federal and State rules regarding young workers, to help ensure a safe and positive work experience for young people.
Youth work Links and Ideas
This site's author has a Master's Degree in Social Work from Boston University School of Social Work, and 20 years experience working with adolescents. The site is comprehensive and contains frequently updated links pages for youth and…
Youth Violence Fact Sheet
This site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists current statistics on youth violence, including risk factors.
Youth United for Change (YUC)
Youth United for Change (YUC) is a democratic organization primarily made up of working class youth of color, which builds the “people power" necessary to hold school officials and government accountable to guarantee the educational…
Youth Service America: National Child Awareness Month Youth Ambassador Program
Year-long program helps young leaders (ages 16-22) create change around critical issues facing youth today.
Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP)
Y-HEP's mission is to help young people grow into healthy adults by supporting them in empowering themselves to make healthy choices. They offer outreach and drop-in services.
Youth Health Empowerment Project
Youth Drop-In Center
YourDictionary
Provides an easy-to-use search engine for words and the results are quite detailed. Also offers 400 different language dictionaries.
You Can Play Sax
Community video lessons by and for saxophone players. Watch video lessons to improve your skill or upload a lesson yourself to help others learn the instrument! A space for instructors and students.
American Presidency Series
Join the Free Library for a series of compelling provocative programs that examine the untold stories of, unconventional approaches to, and contemporary concerns about the world's most difficult job. The 2016 American Presidency Series…
Anime and Manga
In Japanese, the word "anime" simply refers to all animation. Outside of Japan, the term "anime" refers specifically to Japanese animation. Anime comes in a wide variety of genres and encompasses both film and television animation. It…
Asian Americans
Asian American resources for teens, cultural traditions and celebrations, biographies on famous Asian Americans, history of different Asian ethnic groups in America, lesson plans for teachers to explore a variety of Asian cultures, Asian…
Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month and African American History as a whole, explore our resources on African American history and culture including famous African Americans From Philadelphia, Poets and Poetry, Speculative Fiction,…
Black Lives Matter
The #BlackLivesMatter movement began in 2013 after a jury acquitted the armed civilian who murdered seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin. Though activists and organizers have resisted the long history of police and state-sanctioned…
Computer Skills
Do you feel comfortable using a computer or navigating the Internet? The links and resources below may be able to help you get started. Learn basic computer skills and tablet skills. Find easy instructions on surfing the Internet. Build…
Digital Media Guide
Borrowing ebooks and audiobooks, downloading podcasts, and streaming media such as movies, music, and even comic books, from Free Library has never been easier. In this guide, we'll offer tips and information to get you started or…
Fix It Yourself
Resources on how to do your own repairs on everyday items: Grab the scissors for sewing projects, drapery, upholstery, or even a haircut! View a list of do it yourself videos and tackle some of those household chores on your to-do list!…
Genealogy
This series of guides, web links, book lists, and resources will introduce you to the genealogical resources available through the Free Library of Philadelphia and to other important libraries and archives throughout the Philadelphia…
Graphic Novels
Graphic novels are, simply defined, book-length comics. Sometimes they tell a single, continous narrative from first page to last; sometimes they are collections of shorter stories or individual comic strips. Comics are sequential visual…
Green Living
Green living allows you to become an everyday environmentalist. Practitioners of sustainable living often attempt to reduce their carbon footprint by altering methods of transportation, energy consumption, and diet. Go green with these…
Grimm
Explore the world of the Brothers Grimm and their legendary tales.
Health
What are your health questions? The Free Library can connect you with resources to help you live a healthier lifestyle, including research tools, cooking classes, resources to help you quit smoking or increase your exercise, and…
Job Seekers
The Free Library supports job seekers within the Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC). We provide current information and resources on changing careers, job searching techniques, and emerging employment fields to help career…
LGBTQ
The Free Library of Philadelphia celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June with book and film recommendations and events for all ages. Through this Explore Topic, you can also find local and national LGBTQ+ resources and support that…
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was the most important voice of the American civil rights movement, which worked for equal rights for all. He was famous for using nonviolent resistance to overcome injustice, and he never got tired of trying to…
Medieval Manuscripts
Are you interested in learning more about the history of people who lived in Europe between 500 and 1500 A.D.? Below you can find helpful information for your research or check out our Medieval Manuscript Digital Collection with over…
Personal Finance
The Free Library supports the economic well-being and financial interests of patrons. We provide current information and resources on a variety of topics such as budgeting, homeownership, credit repair, and investing. Through the explore…
Philadelphia Cooks
Explore diverse cooking styles and cuisine throughout Philadelphia, read cookbooks by renowned Philly chefs, learn about the latest nutritional values and advancements, search or browse through The Philadelphia Inquirer's restaurant and…
Poetry
Poetry in all its forms including classic selections from our Literature Department, Haikus, poetry for children, and poetry with special appeal for tweens and teens. Read poets from diverse cultures and in other languages, as well as…
Returning Citizens
Resources for returning citizens in the transition from incarceration to society including information on job training, housing assistance, and counseling services. One such resource is Bridges, which offers returning citizens from jails…
STEM
An acronym referring to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields of study. The term was created for schools from kindergarten through college to improve competitiveness in learning and workforce development. "Science"…
Voting and Elections
Discover information on voter registration, elections, and the different ways to cast your ballot in Pennsylvania. You'll also find comprehensive guides on understanding your rights as a voter, tips for researching candidates and issues,…