March is Women’s History Month , and we're happy to be back, highlighting books about remarkable women from the past and present — trailblazers in their own right. You can find even more by checking these previous posts, Women in Action , Women in the Arts , and Women in Science… continue reading

By Monica C.    March 16, 2023   

Like comics? You're going to love this! Our newest electronic resources from ComicsPlus   bring thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from a variety of library-friendly publishers for kids, teens, and adults.  Explore a selection of new and backlist titles from ABDO, Andrews McMeel, BOOM!… continue reading

By Sharyl O.    March 7, 2023   

A sure sign that spring is around the corner is the start of The Philadelphia Flower Show , a tradition that dates back to 1829. After a long winter, it's such a joy to see flowers begin to bloom everywhere. Get ready for some great flower action with informative and entertaining books about flowers and the way they can… continue reading

By Monica C.    March 6, 2023   

What is Overdrive? Overdrive is the Free Library of Philadelphia’s portal to thousands of e-books, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines that you can read for free using your Free Library of Philadelphia library card. In April 2023, the OverDrive app , which accesses Overdrive e-books , e-audiobooks , and e-magazines on your phone,… continue reading

By Sharyl O.    March 1, 2023    11

Did you know? This year, February 27 is National Polar Bear Day. A day to celebrate and learn about polar bears is always a good day! A great place to start is right here at the library — we have many books about these amazing bears. Learn where they live, what their day is like and what challenges polar bears face in their… continue reading

By Monica C.    February 27, 2023   

This February as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recommend some pictures books published in 2022 that were written and/or illustrated by Black creators. In the following list, you’ll find books about self-love and self-esteem, about family, inspiring figures, and books filled with play, adventures and imagination.… continue reading

By Monica C.    February 13, 2023   

Just announced this week from LibLearnX in New Orleans, we give you the Youth Media Awards !     This highly esteemed collection of outstanding books, audiobooks, and materials for children and young adults is honored annually by the American Library Association (ALA). Selected by committees composed of librarians and… continue reading

By Emily S.    February 3, 2023   

When looking for funny books to read aloud, one can’t go wrong with books about underwear. It’s undeniable that kids love stories about underwear; there’s something light and playful about undergarments that can easily bring an audience to giggles. We have got you covered (wink!) with these fun picture… continue reading

By Monica C.    January 25, 2023   

It’s a brand-new year and a new celebration is getting near: Chinese New Year. It is also called Lunar New Year because the festivities fall from the first new moon to the next full moon. This year the fun starts on Sunday, January 22, and 2023 will be the Year of the Rabbit! Look for these books to share with your… continue reading

By Monica C.    January 18, 2023   

The days are shorter and the temperatures have dropped. It's offcial, winter is here. It's time to bundle up, time to go out for brisk walks and nice hot chocolate. It is also a great time to cozy up at home with some great picture books about this season. Here are some suggestions: So Much Snow by Kristen Schroeder;… continue reading

By Monica C.    December 22, 2022   

Which were the best books you read this year? The children’s librarians at Parkway Central Children’s Department have all the extremely specific book awards you never knew you needed! Miss Liz’s Awards Elizabeth Gardiner, Acting Department Head, Children’s Department Best Book About a Much-Loved Food Written in… continue reading

By Naomi S.    December 19, 2022    1

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 acknowledge that it is okay to make mistakes, and to learn to treat others the way we want to be… continue reading

By Monica C.    November 8, 2022   

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 generous investment from the Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program™ and the William Penn Foundation.… continue reading

By Alicia G.    November 2, 2022   

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 something so much that it affects our daily life. Has this ever happened to you? If that's the… continue reading

By Monica C.    October 31, 2022   

Fall has begun and that means...it’s pumpkin time! As I walk around the neighborhood, I have started to see pumpkins outside supermarkets and door stoops. Trips to pumpkin patches are being planned, and one can find pumpkins of all sizes and colors at their local food stores. As it happens, here at the Free Library we also have… continue reading

By Monica C.    October 24, 2022   

What Will Your Reading Promise Be? The Free Library and Read By 4th invite your family to join us for Reading Promise Week , October 10-16! This weeklong in-person event series serves as a catalyst for the Reading Promise initiative. Participating families pledge to read and create together, talk it up, champion school success, and… continue reading

By Emily S.    October 6, 2022    2

It's time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place this year from September 15 through October 15. We'd like to celebrate by highlighting the amazing work of Latinx authors and illustrators in recent picture books! There is so much to enjoy as you read these books about love, family, courage, and… continue reading

By Monica C.    September 14, 2022   

Here in the United States, Grandparents Day is celebrated one week after Labor Day. And what a lovely day it is! Grandparents are caregivers, teachers, comrades in play, and a time machine to the past. They can offer time, attention, and be a source of unbound love to the generations that follow them. This year on… continue reading

By Monica C.    September 9, 2022   

Read, Baby, Read is a Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy development among infants and young toddlers under two years old. We work with 17 participating libraries across Philadelphia to reach caregivers of all ages, providing resources that support early literacy skills, language development, and purposeful… continue reading

By Sarah J.    September 6, 2022   

It's hard to believe summer is almost over, isn't it? But the good news is that a new school year is about to start! There's something exciting about beginning fresh another year of learning. Perhaps you're going back to your old school and will see familar faces, or maybe you're going to a brand new school and… continue reading

By Monica C.    August 26, 2022