Where do I start?

These lists of books are specially selected by our librarians.

Autumn for Kids
Recommended books you can check out from the Free Library.

  • All-Year-Round: Children's books for every season.
  • Autumn Books: Stories about fall for young children.
  • Season's Delights: Apples, pumpkins, and changing leaves.

    • Ben Franklin
    Read from the Franklin bookshelf.

  • Children: Fun and engaging books for kids about Ben Franklin, is life, and his many inventions.

    • Books Aloud!
    Recommended titles from the Books Aloud! program.

  • For Babies: Great books to read to children aged 6 to 12 months.
  • For Kindergarteners: Titles for young readers, ages 5 and 6.
  • For Preschoolers: Books for 3- and 4-year-olds.
  • For Toddlers: Books to share with children aged 1 to 2 years.

    • Frosty Fun for Kids
    Excellent books about winter.

  • Featuring the Snowman: Snow people star in these stories.
  • Frosty Picture Books: Great snowy tales.
  • Fun Wintery Facts: Information aimed at children.
  • Weather Wonders: The science of the seasons.

    • Harry Potter
    Books about your favorite young wizard.

  • First the Basics: The official Harry Potter series.
  • Other Harry Potter Books: Selections that go beyond the popular series.
  • Videos: If you like Harry Potter, try these films.
  • Wizardry: Dig deeper into the world of wizards.

    • Holiday Reading Lists
    Books to read and share about the winter holidays.

  • Holiday Picture Books: Stories, rhymes and songs for children, chosen by Librarians at the Free Library.

    • Immigration
    Explore immigration issues of the United States from the founding of the country to the present day political debates. Immigration is also the theme of the 2007 One Book, One Philadelphia literacy program - check out related workshops, performances, and discussions held at all of the Free Library's locations.

  • For Kids: Children Immigrating: The immigrant experience from a child's perspective.

    • Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts
    Explore the Free Library of Philadelphia’s resources related to the theme of the inaugural Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts: early 20th century French culture.

  • Teach your Child French: Un, deux, trois… From the 17th century until the middle of the 20th century, French was the pre-eminent language of international diplomacy. It still holds a prominent place in the world today. Your child could benefit from speaking French. Try these titles to help him or her get started.

    • Read Baby Read!
    Books, materials, and inspiration for parents of children under the age of six to support the development of early literacy skills and foster the love of reading.

  • Baby Books: Developmentally appropriate board books for infants
  • Bedtime Books: Great books to read just before bed
  • Books with a Beat: Picture books with rhyming or musical text that can be read or sung
  • Explore Your World: Explore your senses, your house, and the world around you.
  • Families: A picture book celebration of families.
  • Interactive Story Time Titles: Books too big for their covers.

    • Staff Picks for Children
    Kid tested... librarian approved!

  • Fun Facts: Amaze your family and friends with things they never knew!
  • Fun Wordless Picture Books: Enjoy these stories told in pictures.
  • Gardening with Kids: Children are natural gardeners.
  • Kids in the Dirt: Get kids interested in gardening!
  • Naughty or Nice: Ho ho ho! Are you on Santa's good list this year?
  • Ramadan Picture Books: Read all about Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and celebrate Eid al Fitr with these great books.
  • Starting School: Get ready for school to start again this fall!
  • Three Kings Day: Stories about Three Kings Day. The joyous last day of the Christmas holiday.

    • Thanksgiving
    Books about harvests, feasts and giving thanks for all good things.

  • Thanksgiving Books for Children: Recommended reading from Children's Librarians at the Free Library.

    • The Price of a Child
    One Book, One Philadelphia 2003

  • Booklist for Younger Readers:

    • The Things They Carried
    Our 2005 One Book, One Philadelphia selection.

  • Children's Material: Books that focus on war themes.

    • Vikings
    Learn about this fascinating seafaring culture.

  • History and Culture: All about the raiders from the North.
  • Stories Featuring Vikings: Fiction that goes back in time.