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Join Something New: The Intergenerational Teen Book Club at PCI Library

Reading and discussing books is powerful! The connections we make with stories, with ourselves, and with others can bring us closer together and help us understand more about those who experience the world differently…

Introducing the 2023–24 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate

The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the 2023–24 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate: Oyewumi Oyeniyi, a senior at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School! She was selected from a competitive pool of applicants by the…

The Art and Influence of John Dowell: An Exhibition from Special Collections

by Laura S. and Karen K. In 1967, the Print and Picture Collection at Parkway Central Library purchased a print by a young Philadelphia artist named John Dowell. That first acquisition led to a relationship that has spanned 50…

Free Library Board of Trustees Public Meeting on Friday, September 22 at 8 a.m.

The  Free Library Board of Trustees  will be holding its first meeting of FY24 on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. View the upcoming meeting agenda.   To access the meeting: Join via Zoom with…

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With Your Family

Is your family excited to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with the Free Library? We are too! The mid-month heritage celebration is set from September 15–October 15  in order to include the Independence Days of…

Manga 101: BL, GL, and Beyond

In our previous Manga 101 installment, we covered romance manga. This time, we’ll take a look at two subgenres of romance manga (BL and GL), as well as some non-romantic LGBTQ+ manga.  BL BL is an abbreviation for Boys’…

4 Gale Databases Return to the Free Library

We are happy to announce the return of four popular electronic resources that are no longer carried by POWER Library, Pennsylvania’s Electronic Library. The Free Library of Philadelphia has subscribed to them…

5 Author Events To Catch This September

While it’s a bit of a bummer that summer is drawing to a close, we’re happy to welcome in some cooler weather alongside a brisk fall season of Free Library Author Events. And what a lineup we have! Let’s take an autumn…

Read Baby Read: The Power of Talk For Nurturing Your Baby's Brain

Read, Baby, Read at the Free Library knows that early childhood matters! We also know that from day one, you want to set the stage for your baby’s lifelong learning, happiness, and success. We are delighted to kick off this blog…

The Free Library Seeks a Contract Event Photographer

The Free Library of Philadelphia provides educational programming to enhance and enrich the lives of residents and free access to important resources and services. The Library hosts thousands of public programs each year, including…

Join Philly Career Launch for Our Career Exploration Series

Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you feeling stuck in a low-paying job or want a new or better employment situation? Here’s your chance to take hold of your future. Join us for a Philly Career…

50 Years of Hip Hop: Books Authored by the Artists

In 2023, the Free Library is observing the  50th anniversary of hip hop  with a  limited-edition library card design  commissioned by local artist  Akinseye Brown . In honor of this milestone, here are…

Faces of the Free Library: Meet Rebecca!

As patrons may know, the Free Library has been expanding staffing efforts throughout the library system in recent months. With all the hiring excitement, there’s a mix of both new and familiar faces in all of the branches, and you…

Online Resources for Learners of All Ages

Looking for learning resources to help you and your family prepare for kindergarten, conquer the back-to-school routine, or explore a new adult learning path? The Free Library has plenty to offer, and we’re excited to share…

Special Lecture Series: Orson Welles & The Golden Age of Hollywood

Beginning Wednesday, April 12, 2023, the Free Library of Philadelphia launches a unique seven-part series of live evening events exploring the life and career of George Orson Welles , one of the most remarkable producer/director/actors…

Introducing the Free Library's 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Art Card

The Free Library of Philadelphia is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop with a limited-edition art card available at ALL Free Library locations — while supplies last! This extra-cool card design was commissioned by…

Happy Library Card Signup Month!

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, September arrives with a delightful reminder that it's not just a month of transition from summer to fall — it's also Library Card Signup Month ! This annual…

Office Hours for Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs at the Library

The Business Resource and Innovation Center hosts several monthly events for business professionals and entrepreneurs, including free headshots , resume reviews, and office hours with experts. Read on to learn a bit more about two of…

New Titles Coming to the Free Library in September!

As summer begins to wind down and another autumn is on the horizon, your friends at the Free Library have some new titles to share with you! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Vamos! Let's Go Read by Raul the Third Little Lobo and his…

That’s a Wrap on Summer of Wonder 2023!

This summer has flown by, and believe it or not, the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder is already wrapping up! We finished our in-person summer programming in branches on August 11, and our Virtual Summer Challenge will be complete…

Neurodiverse Reads: A Discussion Group for Adults and Older Teens

Adults and older teens are invited to participate in a monthly discussion series of books exploring neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, and more. Please register for this program by emailing hoopese@freelibrary.org, calling…

SAT Post-Proctored Exam

Introducing the 2023-2024 College and Test Prep series, hosted by Field Teen Center in partnership with The Alexander Advantage! These FREE workshops will be in-person with snacks provided. Spring workshops will take a deeper dive into…

Intergenerational Teen Book Club

Join us for a book club that will create space for meaningful conversations and bring different generations of readers together around the same book. This club is open to teens in grades 9-12 and their adult family member or mentor.…

Crochet Club

Come crochet with us every other Tuesday afternoon! Get Hooked is a casual, supportive, and beginner friendly crochet circle to work on your fiber arts and crafting projects together while making new friends and getting peer support.…

Neurodiverse Reads: A Discussion Group for Adults and Older Teens

Adults and older teens are invited to participate in a monthly discussion series of books exploring neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, and more. Please register for this program by emailing hoopese@freelibrary.org, calling…

SAT Mathematics Workshop

Introducing the 2023-2024 College and Test Prep series, hosted by Field Teen Center in partnership with The Alexander Advantage! These FREE workshops will be in-person with snacks provided. Spring workshops will take a deeper dive into…

Crochet Club

Come crochet with us every other Tuesday afternoon! Get Hooked is a casual, supportive, and beginner friendly crochet circle to work on your fiber arts and crafting projects together while making new friends and getting peer support.…

Intergenerational Teen Book Club

Join us for a book club that will create space for meaningful conversations and bring different generations of readers together around the same book. This club is open to teens in grades 9-12 and their adult family member or mentor.…

Homeschool Book Club

Join us to discuss books and life and drink tea!  This program is for homeschoolers in grades 4th - 6th.  Call 215-686-5369 or email HaaseL@freelibrary.org to register.  Copies of each book will be available to check…

Homeschool Book Club

Join us to discuss books and life and drink tea!  This program is for homeschoolers in grades 4th - 6th.  Call 215-686-5369 or email HaaseL@freelibrary.org to register.  Copies of each book will be available to check…

Crochet Club

Come crochet with us every other Tuesday afternoon! Get Hooked is a casual, supportive, and beginner friendly crochet circle to work on your fiber arts and crafting projects together while making new friends and getting peer support.…

Neurodiverse Reads: A Discussion Group for Adults and Older Teens

Adults and older teens are invited to participate in a monthly discussion series of books exploring neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, and more. Please register for this program by emailing hoopese@freelibrary.org, calling…

Crochet Club

Come crochet with us every other Tuesday afternoon! Get Hooked is a casual, supportive, and beginner friendly crochet circle to work on your fiber arts and crafting projects together while making new friends and getting peer support.…

Intergenerational Teen Book Club

Join us for a book club that will create space for meaningful conversations and bring different generations of readers together around the same book. This club is open to teens in grades 9-12 and their adult family member or mentor.…

Homeschool Book Club

Join us to discuss books and life and drink tea!  This program is for homeschoolers in grades 4th - 6th.  Call 215-686-5369 or email HaaseL@freelibrary.org to register.  Copies of each book will be available to check…

SAT Writing Workshop

Introducing the 2023-2024 College and Test Prep series, hosted by Field Teen Center in partnership with The Alexander Advantage! These FREE workshops will be in-person with snacks provided. Spring workshops will take a deeper dive into…

Crochet Club

Come crochet with us every other Tuesday afternoon! Get Hooked is a casual, supportive, and beginner friendly crochet circle to work on your fiber arts and crafting projects together while making new friends and getting peer support.…

Crochet Club

Come crochet with us every other Tuesday afternoon! Get Hooked is a casual, supportive, and beginner friendly crochet circle to work on your fiber arts and crafting projects together while making new friends and getting peer support.…

Neurodiverse Reads: A Discussion Group for Adults and Older Teens

Adults and older teens are invited to participate in a monthly discussion series of books exploring neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, and more. Please register for this program by emailing hoopese@freelibrary.org, calling…

Crochet Club

Come crochet with us every other Tuesday afternoon! Get Hooked is a casual, supportive, and beginner friendly crochet circle to work on your fiber arts and crafting projects together while making new friends and getting peer support.…

Pop-Up Komiks Book List

Filipino comics are a long and beloved print tradition in the Philippines and throughout the Filipino diasporas. In honor of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa (National Language Month) on August 2023 we had on display high-quality reproductions…

From Blossoms Community Collaborative Book List

Philadelphia artist Kat Claar creates botanical compositions using fresh, dried, and silk flowers combined with custom-painted paper shapes. Claar’s approach blends her interest in floral design with fine art techniques to create unique…

2023 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…

Hispanic Heritage Month for Children

These children's books are a great way to teach young ones about the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the United States and the cultural heritage of Spanish-speaking Americans.

Frankenstein Day: August 30th

Let's celebrate all things Frankenstein on August 30th! Be inspired by Mary Shelley's classic work, published in 1818.

Fun Books for Back to School (no really)

YOUR school might not have magic, backstabbing, and adventure, but we've got you covered.

The High Cost of Higher Education

Who does college benefit? Is higher education one size fits all? WHYY and the Northeast Regional Library are hosting a Bridging Blocks neighborhood discussion to understand the best path forward for young minds. Here is some further…

Manga - Romance

Fall in love with these manga series!

For fans of THE MEG 2: THE TRENCH and monster shark mayhem

Are you a fan of Jason Statham battling enormous prehistoric sharks (Megadalons specifically)? Looking for more aquatic thrills? Lucky for us that THE MEG (2018) and MEG 2: THE TRENCH (2023) are adaptions of the first two entries in…

The Language of Flowers

A list of books selected by Anesu Nyamupingidza for a display in the Art Department hallway gallery in August 2023 featuring library materials on the language of flowers and her original artwork inspired by them.

American Artists

Books about different kinds of American Artists for kids.

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.

Sanborn Maps, 1867–1970 (Formerly Sanborn Maps Geo Edition)

Explore America’s building history through over 660,000 black-and-white, large-scale maps, which chart the growth of more than 12,000 towns and cities. Read this blog post to learn more.

Bernie Taupin | Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton and Me

In conversation with novelist and musician Wesley Stace Legendary English song lyricist Bernie Taupin has worked with Elton John since 1967 and has written the lyrics for most of the iconic performer’s hits, including “Rocket Man,”…

Jennifer Weiner | The Breakaway

Jennifer Weiner  is the no. 1  New York Times  bestselling author of more than a dozen “funny, fanciful, extremely poignant” ( The Boston Globe ) novels, including  That Summer ,  Mrs. Everything ,  Who Do You Love ,  All Fall Down , …

Jonathan Eig | King: A Life

Named one of the most anticipated books of the year by  The New York Times, The Washington Post, and  Newsweek ,  Jonathan Eig ’s  King , an “intimate, multidimensional biography” ( The Boston Globe ) of Martin Luther King Jr., offers a…

Sheryl Lee Ralph | Diva 2.0: 12 Life Lessons From Me For You

In conversation with award-winning journalist and broadcaster Tracey Matisak A celebrated veteran of film, television, and the Broadway stage, Sheryl Lee Ralph won an Emmy Award, a Critic’s Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award…

James McBride | The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

James McBride  is the author of the National Book Award-winning  The Good Lord Bird , “a brilliant romp of a novel” ( The New York Times Book Review ) in which a young boy born into slavery joins abolitionist John Brown’s doomed…

R. Eric Thomas | Congratulations, the Best Is Over!: Essays

R. Eric Thomas  is the author of the Lambda Literary Award finalist  Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul America , a bestselling essay collection that tackles just what it means to be an “other” in the maelstrom of modern America.…

Wesley Lowery | American Whitelash: A Changing Nation and the Cost of Progress

In conversation with award-winning journalist and broadcaster Tracey Matisak In  American Whitelash ,  Wesley Lowery  examines the cyclical pattern of violence that marks each watershed moment of racial progress in this country, most…

Barbara Butcher | What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator with Kate White | Between Two Strangers

Barbara Butcher  is the former chief of staff and director of the Forensic Sciences Training Program at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). Only the second woman hired as a death investigator in Manhattan (and the…

Jake Tapper | All the Demons Are Here: A Thriller

In conversation with Jim Gardner Jake Tapper  is the Washington, D.C., anchor and chief Washington correspondent for CNN, where he hosts the weekday program  The Lead with Jake Tapper  and the Sunday morning show  State of the Union .…

Christian Cooper | Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World

In conversation with Tamala Edwards, anchor, 6abc Action News morning edition Central Park birder Christian Cooper is the host and consulting producer on the National Geographic channel’s Extraordinary Birder and is on the board of…

Blair LM Kelley | Black Folk: The Roots of the Black Working Class

In conversation with Marc Lamont Hill Referred to by acclaimed author and academic Michael Eric Dyson as “one of the most important works of history to come across my desk in a long time,” Blair LM Kelley’s Black Folk: The Roots of the…

One Book One Philadelphia Finale: Author Conversation with Charles Yu

Join us at the Community College of Philadelphia for a celebration to conclude the One Book, One Philadelphia 2023 season. This event will feature an in-person conversation between Charles Yu and Dr. Michelle Myers, associate professor…

David E. Guggenheim | The Remarkable Reefs Of Cuba: Hopeful Stories From the Ocean Doctor

A marine scientist, ocean explorer, conservation policy specialist, and submarine pilot, David E. Guggenheim, Ph.D. is the founder and president of Ocean Doctor, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the conservation of the…

Christine Pride and Jo Piazza | You Were Always Mine

In conversation with Alexandra Auder, author of Don't Call Me Home: A Memoir Publishing industry veteran  Christine Pride  has held a variety of editorial positions at Doubleday, Simon & Schuster, and Crown, among other publishing…

Geraldine Brooks | Horse

Geraldine Brooks won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for her novel  March , an “honorable, elegant, and true” ( The Wall Street Journal ) retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s  Little Women  from the point of view of the titular family’s absent…

David Maraniss | Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe

In conversation with Paul Hendrickson “One of our most talented biographers and historians” ( The New York Times ),  David Maraniss  is the author of bestselling portraits of some of America’s most consequential figures, including Bill…

Kwame Alexander | Why Fathers Cry at Night: A Memoir in Love Poems, Recipes, Letters, and Remembrances

In conversation with Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts  Kwame Alexander  is the author of  The Crossover , a “beautifully measured novel” ( The New York Times Book Review ) that follows twin brother basketball stars coming to terms with…

Airea D. Matthews | Bread and Circus

In conversation with poet Phillip B. Williams Airea D. Matthews is the 2022–23 Philadelphia Poet Laureate and directs the poetry program at Bryn Mawr College. Her collection Simulacra won the 2016 Yale Series of Younger Poets Prize and…

James Comey | Central Park West: A Crime Novel

In conversation with George Anastasia The director of the FBI from 2013 to 2017, James Comey captured international attention for his investigations into Hillary Clinton’s emails, Russian interference into the 2016 presidential…

Kristen R. Ghodsee | Everyday Utopia: What 2,000 Years of Wild Experiments Can Teach Us

In conversation with Arwa Mahdawi Referred to by bestsstelling author Rebecca Traister as “exhilarating, good humored, and forward looking,”  Kristen R. Ghodsee ’s  Everyday Utopia  is a two-millennia examination of diverse…

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"…

U.S. Elections and Politics

The United States presidential election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. In addition to candidates for U.S. president and vice president, the Pennsylvania ballot includes candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, the PA…