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The Art of the Book in the Islamic World: Four Studies by Temple Graduate Students
Books have long occupied a central place in the visual culture of the Islamic world. This seminar, held during Temple University’s Fall 2021 semester, traced the key developments in the “arts of the two…
What's New with Chronicling Resistance?
Have you had a chance to check out Chronicling Resistance: The Exhibition yet? Open now at the Parkway Central Library and in its satellite location at the South Philadelphia Library (1700 S. Broad Street), this groundbreaking…
A Free Library Guide to Launch Your New Career
Did you know you have the potential to launch a career, not just find a job? A job is any paid work. But a career means building a profession over the long term. It can allow you to grow and learn, and it can pay better too. The Free…
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) Twelve Dinging Doorbells by Tameka Fryer Brown; illustrated by Ebony Glenn Every holiday,…
Exploring More Careers with Field Teen Center: Book Editor!
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a book editor? Or how to become a better storyteller? To answers these questions and more, Field Teen Center interviewed a professional book editor, the latest in a video series exploring…
Storytime at Christmas Village Returns!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and that means Santa will soon be returning to LOVE Park for Christmas Village for festive seasonal storytimes for the whole family to enjoy! From November 24–December 24, 2022…
Join Us for the Premiere Screening of “The Command Center to Bring Women Home”
Join your neighbors at the Parkway Central Library on Wednesday, November 30 at 6 p.m. for the FREE Philadelphia premiere screening of the new short hybrid documentary film, “ The Command Center to Bring Women Home…
A Multicultural Thanksgiving Celebration
In many cultures including those indigenous to the land we live on, the harvest season is a traditional time of gratitude. Here in the United States, the Thanksgiving holiday has a more troubled history. In recognition of Native…
New York Times Electronic Access Workaround
Access to both New York Times at the Library and New York Times Anywhere databases are currently unavailable. We hope to have these services restored before the end of 2022. In the meantime, we ask that our patrons use…
Books to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American…
It's Young Readers' Week!
Welcome to Young Readers’ Week ! The Free Library joins young readers around the nation in an annual celebration of all things bookish. Originally born of a partnership between Pizza’s Hut’s Book-It program and the…
Picture Book Highlights | Saying Sorry
Learning when and how to apologize is a critical skill. Apologizing is not an easy thing to do, but it is such an important and necessary behavior in any social situation: among friends, family, and communities. It’s also a way to…
Literacy in Early Learning Spaces | Write from the Start
Literacy in Early Learning Spaces is a Free Library project focused on literacy and language development in children from birth through 5 years old. We partner with childcare programs across Philadelphia and are funded through a…
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) Symphony for a Broken Orchestra: How Philadelphia Collected Sounds to Save Music by Amy Ignatow; illustrated by Gwen Millward The…
Picture Book Highlights | Dealing with Worry
We all worry from time to time, and that can be a good thing, especially when it helps us plan and prepare. But sometimes, one can worry too much. For instance, worrying about things that haven't even happened, or worrying about…
35 Library Locations Will Serve as Polling Places for the November 8, 2022 General Election
General Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022 and many of our neighborhood libraries will again serve as designated voting locations. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.; anyone in line by 8:00 p.m. will be able to vote.…
National First Responders Day
It’s National First Responders Day! Every day is a great opportunity to honor the people in our community who have dedicated their lives to helping others in times of distress. These people are invaluable to society, and they…
Introducing the Languages and Learning Center’s Participant Advisory Board
The Languages and Learning Center (LLC) is excited to introduce the members of our Participant Advisory Board (PAB) to the Free Library community. Our Participant Advisory Board launched in June 2021, inspired by a similar project at…
National Civics Day
A few years ago, I had a bit of a crazy thought. In 2020, I considered running for office in my town. I didn’t know how far I should aim. Mayor? Councilwoman? I felt I needed to get involved. I felt some of the decisions that were…
Work Towards a New Career with Virtual Career Workshops!
It's that time of year where staying warm in the comfort of your home sounds so nice. Why not work on getting your next job or learning a new skill from the comfort of your home! Check out upcoming virtual career workshops…
Philly Typewriter: The Age of Restoration & Preservation
Join the Literature Department and Bryan Kravitz of Philly Typewriter for this 8-part typewriter series. Bryan Kravitz discusses Philly Typewriter and how their helping lead the world in the resurgence of the mechanical typewriter. The…
Not a Typical Kid: A Support Group for the Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum
It’s very easy to feel isolated when you’re raising a child with autism, especially after a new diagnosis, but you don’t have to feel that way. Many others are taking that same journey, and are happy to help you and…
The Typewriter Revolution of Today
Join the Literature Department and Philly Typewriter for this 8-part typewriter series. Bryan Kravitz will share why the Typewriter is experiencing it’s Renaissance, and the figures who are leading the charge. The program will…
Teen Thursdays
Join us on Teen Thursdays for a different activity each week. We’ll play our favorite games, cook our favorite meals, create arts and crafts projects, and more! Community service hours available upon request. Cannot…
Not a Typical Kid: A Support Group for the Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum
It’s very easy to feel isolated when you’re raising a child with autism, especially after a new diagnosis, but you don’t have to feel that way. Many others are taking that same journey, and are happy to help you and…
Teen Thursdays
Join us on Teen Thursdays for a different activity each week. We’ll play our favorite games, cook our favorite meals, create arts and crafts projects, and more! Community service hours available upon request. Cannot…
Animal Tales with the Philadelphia Zoo
Each month, Durham Library will be hosting the Philadelphia Zoo! Come listen to a story ready by children's librarian, Mr. Pagan. Then, meet an animal from the story and learn more from knowledgeable educators from the Zoo.…
Virtual Event - PMC Shares: Your Rights in Civil Court Matters
Register In this presentation we will discuss the reasons why a contract is a legally enforceable promise and how to enforce or defend it if it is broken. We will also discuss the law with respect to tree issues – who is…
IBM & The Rise of the Selectric
Join the Literature Department and Philly Typewriter for this 8-part typewriter series. Bryan Kravitz will discuss how IBM and their “Mechanical Computer” became the secretarial standard. The program will take place…
Teen Thursdays
Join us on Teen Thursdays for a different activity each week. We’ll play our favorite games, cook our favorite meals, create arts and crafts projects, and more! Community service hours available upon request. Cannot…
Scholarship Opportunities Workshop for Teens | VIRTUAL
Join the Field Teen Center and The Alexander Advantage in-person for a FREE Scholarship Opportunities Workshop for teens virtually on Zoom. What is a scholarship? How do youth research and successfully apply for scholarships? Students…
Teen Thursdays
Join us on Teen Thursdays for a different activity each week. We’ll play our favorite games, cook our favorite meals, create arts and crafts projects, and more! Community service hours available upon request. Cannot…
Textile Crafters Club
Yarn, handwork, sewing and other textile crafters are welcome to socialize, create, learn, and share ideas techniques, and community project opportunities. The group will be led by Ms. Claire Hand. For more information,…
Fun Fridays
Join us every Friday for crafts or games! This program is for school age children, beginning at 3 p.m.
Teen Thursdays
Join us on Teen Thursdays for a different activity each week. We’ll play our favorite games, cook our favorite meals, create arts and crafts projects, and more! Community service hours available upon request. Cannot…
Not a Typical Kid: A Support Group for the Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum
It’s very easy to feel isolated when you’re raising a child with autism, especially after a new diagnosis, but you don’t have to feel that way. Many others are taking that same journey, and are happy to help you and…
SAT Prep Workshop for Teens
Join the Field Teen Center and The Alexander Advantage in-person for a FREE SAT Prep Workshop for teens at the Parkway Central Library. ** Please note the Parkway Central Library will be closed at the time of this program. Participants…
Fun Fridays
Join us every Friday for crafts or games! This program is for school age children, beginning at 3 p.m.
Teen Thursdays
Join us on Teen Thursdays for a different activity each week. We’ll play our favorite games, cook our favorite meals, create arts and crafts projects, and more! Community service hours available upon request. Cannot…
Virtual Event - PMC Shares: How to Administer an Estate
Register In this presentation, we will navigate the process of dealing with a relative’s estate and will after death, the process and many documents required for completion, and where to go to file documents. It includes topics…
Latkes for Everyone!
A list of resources about Jewish celebration and everyday cooking.
We Are the Seed: Liberation Through Food
Foodways and traditions that pave a path to freedom.
Photobooks
Photographs taken as a part of a project or series, edited by the photographer
Native American Heritage Month: Books for Middle & High School
November is Native American Heritage Month! Honor the lives, histories, cultures, and activism of Native peoples this month and all year long with these fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novel titles by Indigenous authors.
Watermelon & Red Birds and Black Celebration
A selection of titles mentioned in and related to the discussion of Watermelon & Red Birds with the author, Nicole A. Taylor
Get Cozy
'Tis the season to cuddle up with some hot comfort food and a fuzzy blanket. Check out these books related to coziness and relaxation from the Northeast Regional Library's Social Sciences Department.
Sequential Philly’s Haunted Agenda
Spooky season doesn’t have to end on Halloween! Keep the ghastly vibe going with these recent (2022) tales of ghosts, witches, monsters and general creepiness.
Civil War Poetry
Poetry about the Civil War and poetry written during the time period of the Civil War (1861-1865).
Sequential Philly’s Autumn Update
Days get shorter, weather turns cooler, pumpkin spice gets into everything…the Fall is a prime time to catch up on some reading. Get started with this batch of graphic novels, newly added to the FL collection in the past month.
Native American Art
For Indigenous Peoples' Day, books focusing mostly on North American art and artists. Note: some books are In-Library use only.
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.
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.
Reference Solutions (Formerly ReferenceUSA)
A powerful tool providing access to in-depth information on businesses and residents. Research companies, locate addresses, phone numbers, conduct market research, and more.
Tyler Kepner | The Grandest Stage: A History of the World Series
The national baseball writer for The New York Times since 2010, Tyler Kepner began his career as a teenager, interviewing players for a homemade magazine that garnered him national attention. His national bestseller K: A History of…
Misty Copeland | The Wind at My Back: Resilience, Grace, and Other Gifts from My Mentor, Raven Wilkinson
In conversation with Tamala Edwards, anchor, 6abc Action News morning edition The first African American principal dancer in the history of the elite American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland is one of the world’s most accomplished and…
David M. Rubenstein | How to Invest: Masters on the Craft
Pine Tree Foundation Endowed Lecture In conversation with Richard Vague David Rubenstein is the co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s most successful private equity firms. The host of The David Rubinstein…
Patti Smith | A Book of Days
A couple of songs and stories from a memorable evening with Patti Smith and Tony Shanahan--and a great audience--at the library.
Neal Gabler | Against The Wind: Edward Kennedy and the Rise of Conservatism, 1976-2009 with Patrick Kennedy
In conversation with former congressman Patrick Kennedy Neal Gabler is the author of Catching the Wind: Edward Kennedy and the Liberal Hour , a “rich and insightful” ( The New York Times ) account of the figure known as the most complex…
Kerri K. Greenidge | The Grimkes: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family
In conversation with Tamala Edwards, anchor, 6ABC Action News morning edition Historian Kerri K. Greenidge is the author of Black Radical: The Life and Times of William Monroe Trotter , a portrait of the post-Reconstruction civil…
George Lakey | Dancing With History: A Life for Peace and Justice
In conversation with Varshini Prakash Active in grassroot campaigns for social change for more than seven decades, sociologist and Quaker organizer George Lakey was first arrested at a civil rights demonstration in 1963 and most…
Ralph Macchio | Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me
In conversation with Jason Freeman, author events producer and editor Ralph Macchio is best known for his portrayal of Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 film The Karate Kid . This iconic piece of pop culture has spawned a slew of sequels and…
Rabia Chaudry | Fatty Fatty Boom Boom: A Memoir of Food, Fat, and Family
Attorney, advocate, and podcaster Rabia Chaudry is the author of the New York Times bestseller Adnan's Story , a true-crime analysis into the 2000 conviction of a young Baltimorean for the murder of his ex-girlfriend. Also the executive…
John Banville | The Singularities
In conversation with Colum McCann “The heir to Nabokov” ( The Sunday Telegraph ), Irish novelist John Banville won the Man Booker Prize for The Sea , a story of loss and the fickle nature of memory. His many other novels include The…
Andrew K. Diemer | Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad
Andrew K. Diemer is the author of The Politics of Black Citizenship: Free African Americans in the Mid-Atlantic Borderland, 1817–1863 , an examination of the ways in which free Black Philadelphians and Baltimoreans fought to defend…
Anand Giridharadas | The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy
Ellis Wachs Endowed Lecture In conversation with Tamala Edwards, anchor, 6ABC Action News morning edition A former longtime columnist and foreign correspondent for The New York Times , Anand Giridharadas is the bestselling author of …
Kardea Brown | The Way Home: A Celebration of Sea Islands Food and Family with over 100 Recipes
In conversation with Valerie Erwin Charleston, South Carolina–based Kardea Brown hosts the Food Network’s Delicious Miss Brown and OWN’s The Great Soul Food Cookoff . She also is the creator of the pop-up New Gullah Supper Club, where…
Ross Gay | Inciting Joy: Essays with Major Jackson | A Beat Beyond: Selected Prose of Major Jackson
Ross Gay is the author of The Book of Delights , a life-affirming collection of short lyric essays that reminds readers to appreciate so-called ordinary wonders, even during turbulent times. His several volumes of poetry include Catalog…
Stacy Schiff | The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams
In conversation with award-winning journalist and broadcaster Tracey Matisak Acclaimed for her “balanced, perceptive, thoroughly researched and exceptionally well written” ( The New Yorker ) nonfiction portraits of historical figures,…
Maggie Haberman | Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America
In conversation with Tamala Edwards, anchor, 6ABC Action News morning edition Maggie Haberman was part of a team that won a 2018 Pulitzer Prize for its reportage of the investigations into then-President Donald Trump’s, and his…
Charlayne Hunter-Gault | My People: Five Decades of Writing about Black Lives
In conversation with Dorothy Roberts Referred to by Jelani Cobb as “a Dean of American journalism,” Charlayne Hunter-Gault has chronicled some of the past half-century’s most important moments in Black life, culture, and politics. Often…
Orhan Pamuk | Nights of Plague
In conversation with Laura McGrath, Assistant Professor of English at Temple University The winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Literature, Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk “is one of the great novelists of his generation” (The Washington…
Tom Felton | Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard
Tom Felton became internationally famous for his role as the bleach-blond bad guy Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movie series. More than a decade after the premiere of the last film in the series, he and the other performers continue…
Anna Badkhen | Bright Unbearable Reality: Essays
In conversation with Airea D. Matthews, Philadelphia Poet Laureate and Co-Director of the Creative Writing Program at Bryn Mawr With an artist’s perspective and a ground-level view of people in extremis across the world, writer Anna…
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
Anime is an animation style originated in Japan that is characterized by distinctive characters and backgrounds. Storylines may include a variety of fictional or historical characters, events, and settings. Manga is Japanese for "comics"…
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…
Back to School
The start of another school year is underway here in Philadelphia! Get ready for school with these helpful resources for students, teachers, parents, and caregivers to help make the school year easier. Learn new study skills,…
Bestsellers
Find out about the latest bestsellers from many well known resources.
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…
Cutting Clutter
Are you constantly trying to find papers you placed down on your desk? Is your closet overflowing with junk? Are you drowning in clutter and don't know where to begin to cleanup? Take charge with these books and resources on clutter,…
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…
Fantastic Planets
The void that exists between celestial bodies is vast. How many rings does Saturn have? Where did galaxies come from? What is Dark Matter? How do astronauts travel through space? Where does science fiction end and science fact begin?…
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!…
Freedom Train
From July 1st through November 1st, the Rosenbach will feature Freedom Train 1947-1949, an exhibition on the history of the Freedom Train that toured the continuous 48 states in the post-war years. The topics of freedom, liberty, and…
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.
Halloween
Hello boils and ghouls! It's that time of year again—Halloween! We've concocted a creepy cross section of spooky stories from our chilling collections of boo-ks, mad monsters in macabre movies, and scary soundtracks, as well as links to…
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…
Health Literacy Month
October is Health Literacy Month, a month dedicated to promoting the importance of understandable health information. The month was first honored as an annual worldwide event in 1999 and continues to be an important initiative in…
Healthy Communities
Healthy Communities, a partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention , increases the library’s capacity to offer free, accessible cooking, physical activity, gardening…
Honeybees
The third Saturday in August is National Honeybee Day, a day to celebrate this small but vital insect. Philadelphians should be especially proud; the modern beehive, known as the Langstroth hive, was invented in the City of Brotherly…
Jerry Pinkney
Philadelphia born and raised, Jerry Pinkney is one of the most beloved artists in children’s literature, illustrating more than 100 books that have delighted children—and adults—for generations. This year, as the American Library…
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, events for all ages, and resources in Philadelphia. Through this Explore Topic, you can also find lesbian, gay, bisexual,…
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…
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…
Remembering September 11th
On September 11th, 2001, the world changed. For those of us who experienced it as a current event, life can be divided between a before and after, and we can clearly remember where we were when the news first reached us. For those not…
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…
Season's Greetings
It's that time of year again, full of many diverse holiday celebrations including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, and New Year's. This Explore Topic features lists of great books, music, and movies to share and learn…
Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, born in 1564, was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. Poet Ben Johnson wrote “He was not of an age but for all…
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"…
Talking About Consent
As librarians, we are frequently asked to offer advice about resources that help explain current events to young children. When a disturbing story appears in the news, parents and caregivers may struggle to find age-appropriate…
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November throughout the United States. It originated as a harvest festival of giving thanks and although it has historical roots in religious and cultural traditions,…
The Olympics
The Olympic Games are the world's foremost sports competition, featuring thousands of athletes from around the world who participate in a variety of events. More than 200 nations participate every four years, alternating between the…
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…