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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…

Introducing the Trans By Trans Book Club

More books are written by and for trans and nonbinary people than ever before, and the Free Library wants YOU to read them with us! Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for a virtual citywide book club for trans and…

Department Highlights: Music

Since  Parkway Central Library  opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections…

Beyond Books: How a West Philly Library Is Addressing Food Insecurity

In the heart of West Philadelphia, a powerful partnership has formed between Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library and The People’s Fridge , working together to combat a critical issue: food insecurity. This partnership reflects an…

Get Free Professional Headshots Done at the Library!

Did you know that you can get a free, professional headshot done at the library? Every first and third Thursday of the month from 1:00–3:00 p.m. , the Free Library's Business Resource and Innovation Center hosts free headshot…

Languages of Philadelphia: A Bilingual Family Storytime Series

Join us at Parkway Central Library for a special storytime series celebrating the many languages of Philadelphia! Each storytime in this series will be bilingual, highlighting different languages spoken in the city . These…

Master Your Money With These Financial Literacy Workshops

The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at Parkway Central Library is excited to announce a series of workshops in partnership with the 30 by 30 Financial Literacy Campaign effort, each presented by professionals with…

Marion Stokes Saved Everything

On October 17, the Newspapers and Microfilm Center will host a screening of Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project . Stokes was a Philadelphia activist, librarian, public-access television producer, and secretly, an archivist of over 30…

A Smithsonian Curator on the Lead-Up to the U.S. Civil War

On Thursday, October 10 , in the Fourth Floor Skyline Room at Parkway Central Library , the Social Science and History Department will host Jon Grinspan , curator of political history at the Smithsonian Institution’s National…

First Fleisher Collection Scholarship Awarded to Philadelphia Composer and Pianist, Rhyuhn Green

The Edwin A. Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music is excited to announce our new partnership with Play on Philly (POP). We are particularly enthusiastic about this alliance as POP echoes Edwin Fleisher’s original concept in…

6th Latin American Book Fair Kickoff: A Celebration of Heritage, Resilience, and Culture

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the 6th Latin American Book Fair Kickoff Party ! Join us at the Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. for an exciting morning where literature,…

Department Highlights: Education, Philosophy, and Religion

Since  Parkway Central Library  opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections…

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.  

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…

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.  

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.  

Digital SAT Post-Proctored Exam

College and test prep workshops return to the Free Library for the 2024-2025 school year, hosted by  Field Teen Center  in partnership with  The Alexander Advantage . This free series is for high school students up to age…

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.

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.  

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.  

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

Hometown Horrors: Local True Crime Reads

Explore the chilling and captivating side of local history with this handpicked collection of true crime books that dive deep into the dark corners of our community. These gripping tales of real-life crimes reveal the secrets, tragedies,…

2024 New Horror & Thriller Fiction

These spine-chilling novels will test your nerves, challenge your beliefs, and keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you prefer ghostly apparitions, demonic forces, psychological thrills, or supernatural mysteries, this collection…

Queer Comics & Graphic Novels

LGBTQIA+ Adult & Teen

Best Fiction for Young Adults 2024

Looking for nationally recognized teen books? Each year, YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults Blogging Team presents recommended fiction titles published for young adults ages 12 to 18. These were the titles chosen in December 2023.

Movies that Creep

Looking for a horror movie that's more focused on creepy vibes than gore? Here are some selections from our collection

Heckin' Haunted Books for Teens

All the ghosts, demons, & haunted houses you could ask for this spooky season.

Highlights from Chestnut Hill's Philadelphia Collection

A selection of books from the Philadelphia Collection of the Chestnut Hill Library

Video Games at the Field Teen Center: PlayStation

Checkout our PS4 and PS5 video game collection!

Video Games at the Field Teen Center: Nintendo Switch

Checkout our Nintendo Switch video game collection!

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

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…

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,…