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A STEM-focused Summer Tech Extravanganza at Lawncrest Library!
by Marcela F. and Hua C. The meeting room at the Lawncrest Library was a hub of STEM activities in July and early August. Hua, our Summer Learning Program Specialist, along with Teen Literacy Coaches Alex and Zoma, presented a…
Happy National Senior Citizens Day!
How do you get email on your new smart device? Who is Vladimir Putin and how did he climb to power as the Soviet Union collapsed around him? What does a smart consumer need to know before signing up for a luxury cruise? For 10 years,…
Are You Reading Fake News?
If you’re getting your news mostly from social media, your information diet is probably a little lacking. You might even be consuming fake news , which the New York Times defines as "a published news report that can be easily…
Our Five Senses - A Conversation with Author Jen Bryant
Our Five Senses , a new exhibition in Parkway Central Library 's Dietrich Gallery opened earlier this year, and we had the honor of sitting down with some of the authors and illustrators who appear in the show. This month, we…
National Honey Bee Day at the Free Library!
by Suzanna U. and Amy T. The third Saturday in August marks National Honey Bee Day , and the Free Library knows a thing or two about honey bees! Did you know we have quite a few of our own bees buzzing around town? You better BEE-lieve…
Library Browser Extension Helps Show Book, ebook, Audiobook, and Movie Catalog Availability on Non-Library Websites
Ever been searching for a title on Amazon (or on Google, and then the first search result back gives you a link to Amazon) and wish you could also find out whether that same title is available at your local library ? Check out…
Gardening for Kids Programs Grow Community Connections
Meredith McGovern is a Librarian at Falls of Schuylkill Library and a participant in Cohort 3 of the Skills for Community-Centered Libraries trainings. As a children’s librarian, I work with our youngest patrons. Many of the…
A History Minute | Fortunes of Philadelphia: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – The Story of Budd Manufacturing
"Stronger, lighter, safer" was the goal Edward Budd pursued his entire life. Along the way he built the largest manufacturing company in Philadelphia and forever changed the way the world travels. Edward G. Budd was born in…
Incarcerated & Returning Citizens: Sharing Stories and Building Supports
The Free Library is committed to connecting with all the residents of Philadelphia. With our Prison & Reentry Services program, we are reaching out to men and women experiencing incarceration and those returning to their communities…
Wonder at Widener Library
Summer at Widener Library has included a whirlwind of educational and entertaining programs, ranging from subjects like science to art and nearly everything in between! Thanks to our friend Miss Goda, who drew upon her impressive…
Remembering Toni Morrison, 1931–2019
When I first read The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison , at 15 years old, I knew it would haunt me. The story fed my soul—I was shocked at its lovely, yet stinging taste, but realized I had always been craving it. Never had my struggle…
PA CareerLink at the Free Library
PA CareerLink® has been partnering with our neighborhood libraries over the past several months in bringing their services closer to our patrons. One of our primary goals is connecting jobseekers to reliable resources, and this has…
There’s Still Plenty of Summer Fun, Creativity, and Learning at the Library Throughout August for Children and Teens!
It’s no secret that the Free Library of Philadelphia loves summer! Summer is a time for playing, exploring, and relaxing. Summer gives us time to learn new things and do what we love. There’s freedom to try something…
Check Out Free Summer Jazz Concerts at Philadephia City Institute Library Throughout August!
August is here and Philadelphia City Institute Library will be featuring free summer jazz concerts ! We are pleased to continue this tradition for the fifth year in a row with performances by Hidden Treasure Jazz Group , the James Corum…
Simplify Your Life with the Free Library!
Did you know that the first week of August is Simplify Your Life Week ? It’s true! In the spirit of clearing your mind and making your life simpler and more organized, we put together a few helpful tips that you can take advantage…
Happy 200th Birthday, Herman Melville!
August 1, 2019 marked the 200th anniversary of Herman Melville ’s birth. In honor of his bicentennial, we are proud to present American Voyager: Herman Melville at 200 , a new exhibition on display at The Rosenbach , October 3,…
Join the Free Library at Philly Free Streets!
Ever wanted to enjoy the streets of Philadelphia without the hustle and bustle of traffic? This Saturday, August 3, you’ve got that chance as Philly Free Streets returns to North Broad Street from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Philly…
Conversations About Queer and Trans Literature with Author Kacen Callender
In part 2 of interviews conducted around the Trans Writers, Kids, and Books event (you can find our interview with Kyle Lukoff from before the event in an earlier blog post), this time we speak with Lambda and Stonewall Award-winning…
New Titles Coming to the Free Library in August!
Our suggestions for August are notably of the inspirational type – new books about poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou and famous physician Oliver Sacks , as well as a documentary about legendary singer Aretha…
Celebrate Family Fun Month with the Free Library!
Did you know that August is Family Fun Month ? It’s true! And the Free Library is the perfect place to celebrate! Our events calendar is jam-packed with ideas for spending a fun day with your loved ones at the library . Check out…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Crochet and Knitting Club
Join 'Sisters Interacting Through Stitches', as they create items which are donated to local, national, and international organizations. In addition, club members are willing to teach the art of crocheting and knitting to…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Merit Selection of Judges
Join Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts for a discussion on the merit selection of judges. This discussion will encapsulate the ongoing debate surrounding how our judges should be selected and the need for reform in the state…
Book Arts Workshop: Building with the Map Fold
Starting with the classic map fold, we will build a variety of book or zine structures. Bring your prints, drawings, altered pages, or decorative papers to combine into stars, extend into chains, or create pop-up elements. …
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Crochet and Knitting Club
Join 'Sisters Interacting Through Stitches', as they create items which are donated to local, national, and international organizations. In addition, club members are willing to teach the art of crocheting and knitting to…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Edible Alphabet - Learning English Through Cooking! (Aprender ingles a traves de cocinar!)
Adults are invited to this FREE English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together! Los adultos estan invitados a esta clase de ingels GRATIS. Cada semana leemos, escribimos y hablamos en…
Music in Art and Literature
Created for visiting Temple University faculty teaching Intellectual Heritage courses. A small sampling of some examples of materials related to music in the Art & Literature department. Ask librarians for research folders on "Music in…
2019 Eisner Award Nominees and Winners
The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are prizes given for creative achievement in American comic books, sometimes referred to as the comics industry's equivalent of the Oscar Awards. They are named in honor of the pioneering writer and…
Musical Memoirs
Hear it from the musicians, singers, and songwriters themselves, in their own words.
Artists in Conversation: Glossblack
Books selected by Starfire in conjunction with the July 17, 2019 lecture program in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia
Artists in Conversation: Muzae Sesay
Books selected by Muzae Sesay in conjunction with the July 17, 2019 lecture program in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia
Artists in Conversation: Starfire
Books selected by Starfire in conjunction with the summer 2019 lecture program in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia
Artists in Conversation: Mural Arts Philadelphia
Books selected by Ginger Rudolph in conjunction with the July summer 2019 lecture program in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia. Materials selected for July 8 and 9, 2019. research files on hand included Corita Kent, Charles…
Heim Center book bike display: PEACE exhibit
Books from the Art & Literature Department from writers and artists of the Middle East, particularly Syria and Iraq as well as book arts and the concept of peace in general, in conjunction with the PEACE exhibit of art created by the…
Type Specimen books
Books selected for public program on June 4, 2019 "Reading Type Specimens Aloud" presented by the artist collective "The People's Museums of Philadelphia"
2019 School District of Philadelphia Summer Reading List Grades 9-12
Summer Reading suggestions from School District of Philadelphia for Grades 9 - 12
2019 School District of Philadelphia Summer Reading List Grades 6-8
Summer Reading suggestions from School District of Philadelphia for Grades 6 - 8
2019 School District of Philadelphia Summer Reading List Grades 3-5
Summer Reading suggestions from School District of Philadelphia for Grades 3 - 5
2019 School District of Philadelphia Summer Reading List Grades K-2
Summer Reading suggestions from School District of Philadelphia for Grades K - 2
WealthEngine
WealthEngine is a research and screening tool which helps nonprofit organizations find individual prospects.
U.S. History In Context
Covers themes, events, individuals and periods in U.S. history from pre-colonial times to the present. The material also includes access to the citations for over 180 additional history journals from the Institute for Scientific…
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.
TrueFlix *
Student Resources In Context
"Thousands of curriculum-targeted primary documents, biographies, topical essays, background information, critical analyses, full-text coverage of 800 magazines, over 10,000 photographs and illustrations, and more than 8 hours of audio…
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
SimplyAnalytics is mapping, analytics, and data visualization application that makes it easy to create interactive maps, charts, and reports using powerful demographic, business, and marketing data.
Richard Russo | Chances Are . . . with Amy Hempel | Sing to It: New Stories
Winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for his novel Empire Falls , Richard Russo is acclaimed for capturing the “foolishness of this lonely world, but also the humor, friendship and love that abide” ( San Francisco Chronicle ). His novel…
Terry McAuliffe | Beyond Charlottesville: Taking a Stand Against White Nationalism
In conversation with award-winning journalist, Tracey Matisak. The Democratic governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018, Terry McAuliffe “won praise even from Republicans for his tireless salesmanship” ( Washington Post ) of the Old…
Richard A. Clarke and Robert K. Knake | The Fifth Domain: Defending Our Country, Our Companies, and Ourselves in the Age of Cyber Threats
In conversation with Michael A Smerconish Veteran counterterrorism czar and one of the world’s leading experts on cyberspace security, Richard A. Clarke worked for seven presidents and devoted three decades of his professional life to…
Julie Salamon | An Innocent Bystander: The Killing of Leon Klinghoffer
Exploring an astonishing range of genres and subject matter, Julie Salamon is the author of a score of novels, children’s books, and nonfiction books. Initially a longtime banking reporter and film critic for the Wall Street Journal ,…
Andrew Shaffer | Hope Rides Again: An Obama Biden Mystery
They’re back! In Andrew Shaffer’s sequel to the New York Times bestseller Hope Never Dies , the bromantic thriller that saw the former president and vice president tumble down a Delaware rabbit hole of conspiracy and murder, Obama and…
Mary Pope Osborne | Magic Tree House: To the Future, Ben Franklin! with Natalie Pope Boyce
Mary Pope Osborne is the prolific author of the beloved Magic Tree House series of children’s books. Featuring time-traveling brother and sister Jack and Annie, the wildly popular books have been translated into nearly three dozen…
Jennifer Weiner | Mrs. Everything
“One of the biggest names in popular fiction” ( USA Today ), Jennifer Weiner is the beloved number-one New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels—including Good in Bed , All Fall Down , and In Her Shoes , which was…
Rachel Louise Snyder | No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us
The recipient of an Overseas Press Award for her contributions to This American Life , Rachel Louise Snyder is the author of No Visible Bruises . A “gut-wrenching” ( Esquire ) and intimate investigation into the scope and root causes of…
Elaine Welteroth | More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)
In conversation with Rakia Reynolds , founder and CEO of Skai Blue Media The firebrand former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue and the first African American ever to hold the post of beauty and health director in Condé Nast’s 107-year…
Jason Baumann | The Stonewall Reader with Mark Segal, Karla Jay and Joel Hall
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the riots that started the fight for American LGBTQ+ rights, The Stonewall Reader highlights some of the movement’s most iconic moments and figures in the years before and after those tumultuous…
Frank Langfitt | The Shanghai Free Taxi: Journeys with the Hustlers and Rebels of the New China
In conversation with Bill Marimow As NPR's Correspondent in Shanghai, Frank Langfitt created a free-taxi service where he offered rides in exchange for passenger's stories and candid conversation. He met a motley crew of characters…
Esi Edugyan | Washington Black
Esi Edugyan’s novel Half-Blood Blues , the story of a World War II–era mixed-race jazz band’s abducted star trumpeter, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, among other honors. She is also the author of another novel, The Second…
Mark Kram Jr. | Smokin’ Joe: The Life of Joe Frazier
In conversation with longtime radio host Steve Ross Mark Kram Jr. won the 2013 PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sports Writing for Like Any Normal Day , the tragic story of two brothers bonded but separated by a devastating sports injury. He…
Jacob Shell | Giants of the Monsoon Forest: Living and Working with Elephants
In conversation with Nikil Saval, an editor of n+1 and author of Cubed: A Secret History of the Workplace A professor of geography and urban studies at Temple University, Jacob Shell is the author of Transportation and Revolt: Pigeons,…
Nicole Dennis-Benn | Patsy with Rebecca Makkai | The Great Believers
Here Comes the Sun , Nicole Dennis-Benn ’s debut novel about a young Jamaican struggling to protect her sister and village as she experiences feelings for another woman, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and the…
James Ellroy | This Storm
In his bestselling L.A. Quartet mysteries and the Underworld USA trilogy, James Ellroy “has vigorously redefined the well-shadowed turf of contemporary crime fiction” ( Atlanta Journal Constitution ). He is also the author of the Lloyd…
James Patterson | Unsolved in conversation with Elin Hilderbrand
In conversation with nos. 1 bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand James Patterson holds the Guinness World Record for the most number-one New York Times bestsellers, and his books have sold more than 375 million copies worldwide. A…
Rick Atkinson | The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775–1777
Rick Atkinson won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for An Army at Dawn , the first volume in his Liberation trilogy, a “densely researched but supremely readable” ( New York Times Book Review ) history of the Allied victory in World War II. His…
John Waters | Mr. Know-It-All: The Tarnished Wisdom of a Filth Elder
In conversation with Jason Freeman, producer and editor of author events John Waters’s transgressive movies include Pink Flamingos , Hairspray , Cry-Baby , Serial Mom , and Cecil B. Demented . He is also the author of Shock Value…
Eve Ensler | The Apology
One of Newsweek ’s “150 Women Who Shake the World” and the Guardian ’s “Top 100 Women,” Tony Award–winning playwright Eve Ensler is a performer, activist, and author. Her phenomenon The Vagina Monologues has been published in nearly…
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 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.
Year Up
"Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides urban young adults 18-24, with a unique combination of technical and professional skills, college credits, an educational stipend and corporate apprenticeship."
African American History
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,…
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 Lives Matter
When stories of gun violence and tragedy seem like a daily occurrence, it can be hard to remember that our city was built on the values of Brotherly Love. While some may argue that all lives matter, it does not feel like we are applying…
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…
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…
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 2018 Winter Olympics, being held in PyeongChang, South Korea and known as the XXIII Olympic Winter Games, are a major international multi-sport event. The Games will run from February 9 to 25, featuring close to 3,000 athletes…
U.S. Elections and Politics
The United States midterm general election will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. In Pennsylvania, the ballot includes candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, the Pennsylvania State Senate,…