In Languages and Learning , the adult education department of the Free Library, a number of our programs couldn’t run without the hard work of our dedicated volunteers — so we decided to thank them! On Monday, June 24, Languages and Learning hosted our first-ever Volunteer Appreciation Celebration in the Skyline Room at… continue reading Languages and Learning Volunteer Lunch
By written by Meredith M. June 28, 2024
There is something for everyone in these new titles coming to the Free Library in July! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) How To Eat A Mango by Paola Santos; illustrated by Juliana Perdomo Carmencita doesn’t want to help Abuelita pick mangoes; she doesn’t even like them! They’re messy, they get stuck in her teeth, and… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in July
By written by Rachel F. June 26, 2024
The Academy of Natural Sciences and the Free Library of Philadelphia are old friends. For over 100 years, they have lived across from each other on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, educating and entertaining Philadelphians. In celebration of the relationship between the Free Library and the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Academy has… continue reading From Sloths to Sleuths: The Academy of Natural Sciences Free Pass Program!
By written by Joe S. June 24, 2024
Small businesses and career professionals are invited to a Professional Development Day with the Free Library's Business Resource and Innovation Center . Join us on June 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. for the event hosted by Grow with Snow ! Advance registration is required for this event . Connect with like-minded peers… continue reading Take The Stage: Professional Development Day
By written by Lonnie J. June 24, 2024 1
Residents can get out of the heat and into an air-conditioned space at a neighborhood library with access to books, computers, wireless internet, and other Free Library amenities. The following neighborhood library locations will serve as cooling centers from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday,… continue reading Cooling Centers Open at Select Libraries from June 20–23, 2024
By written by Administrator June 20, 2024 1
![The Stonewall Inn, Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan [Photo credit: Johannes Jordan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons]](https://libwww.freelibrary.biz/images/blog/FLPBlog/resized/the-stonewall-inn.jpg)
In celebration of Pride Month , the Free Library’s Social Science and History Department is displaying books from the collection that give an overview of the study of queer history. LGBTQ+ people have always existed and will continue to exist throughout human history and across the world. Queer history involves examining these lives and… continue reading Collection Spotlight: Exploring Queer Histories
By written by Sabrina W. June 20, 2024
Throughout the Summer of 2024, select Free Library locations will remain open on Saturdays starting July 6, 2024. The following neighborhood branches will be open on Saturdays this summer from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m: Cecil B. Moore Library | 2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue (19121) | 215-685-2766 Charles Santore Library | 932 South 7th… continue reading Updated Hours of Service at the Free Library
By written by Administrator June 18, 2024 4
An act of creativity can be a freeing way to express myriad emotions surrounding our identities, and as such, they are a great way to celebrate Pride Month. Throughout June, the Free Library offers various creative workshops and events throughout the city, from nail art to printmaking. I like to think of my identity as a… continue reading Queer Signals: Symbolizing the Self
By written by Kelly D. June 18, 2024
The Free Library Board of Trustees will be holding its last meeting of FY24 on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person in rooms 405/406/407 at Parkway Central Library : 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. View the upcoming meeting agenda. Public Comment at Board of Trustees Meetings… continue reading Free Library Board of Trustees Public Meeting on June 20 at 4:00 p.m.
By written by Administrator June 17, 2024
School may be out, but the future of public education is still in session. Pennsylvania courts recently deemed the state’s underfunding of public schools unconstitutional . The State House is poised to consider an education funding bill that would mandate a $1.4 billion investment over seven years in the Philadelphia County School… continue reading Book Release and Author Visit: Jennifer C. Berkshire and The Education Wars
By written by Eileen E. June 17, 2024
On Wednesday, June 26, at 6:00 p.m. , the Newspapers and Microfilm Center is proud to present Black and Queer in Philadelphia — a program with Gary Hines in conversation with James Charles Roberts and Sappho Reynan Fulton. Gary Hines may be familiar to library-goers from the program he presented last February of the… continue reading Black and Queer in Philadelphia: A Conversation
By written by Hal T. June 14, 2024
In partnership with Visit Philadelphia and Little Free Library , the Little Free(dom) Library initiative encourages residents and visitors of Philadelphia to pick up a free banned book at one of many locations throughout the city. Don’t just grab a book and go, though! Before or after visiting a Little Free(dom)… continue reading Check Out A Banned Book From Our Little Free(dom) Libraries
By written by Administrator June 11, 2024 2
June is African American Music Appreciation Month and a celebration of “African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage,” according to the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture . In addition to music history books covering significant… continue reading Beyond Books: Celebrating Music at the Free Library
By written by Free Library Foundation June 10, 2024
Hey there, new parents and caregivers! It's time to get those little bundles of joy moving and grooving — babies need exercise too! Picture this: your adorable baby, exploring the world with those tiny hands and feet, building strength and coordination with each little wiggle and giggle. It's not just cute; it's… continue reading Exercising With Baby: Babies Need Exercise, Too!
By written by Kimberly G. June 6, 2024
The Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music at the Free Library of Philadelphia houses over 22,000 pieces. Works are available for loan to amateur and professional performance groups worldwide, and many motion picture soundtracks feature these pieces. Music is a powerful storytelling and plot-driving apparatus in film. The… continue reading The Fleisher Collection in LGBTQ+ Cinema
By written by Mark C. June 5, 2024
The Free Library of Philadelphia celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June with book and film recommendations and events for all ages! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Joyful Song: A Naming Story by Lesléa Newman; illustrated by Susan Gal What a happy day! Zachary’s baby sister will have her naming ceremony in the temple with his moms,… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in June
By written by Rachel F. June 4, 2024
To build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning, The Free Library is an advocate and valuable resource for students in and around the City of Philadelphia. The Free Library Foundation proudly supports the Library’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity by funding vital services and enriching… continue reading Summertime Fun and STEM Enrichment at the Free Library
By written by Free Library Foundation June 3, 2024
Are you a student in (or entering) high school passionate about writing, reading, performing, and experiencing poetry? Are you equally passionate about working with your peers and other students to bring more poetry to Philadelphia? If so, apply to become the 2024–2025 Youth Poet Laureate ! The Youth Poet Laureate of Philadelphia serves… continue reading Are You The Next Youth Poet Laureate?
By written by Administrator June 3, 2024 1
Join us Wednesday, June 5, 2024 in the Print and Picture Collection for a hands-on history event inspired by We Are What We Eat , the latest exhibition from the Free Library's Special Collections . Drop in anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to see menus from Philadelphia landmarks, international airlines, and transatlantic ships.… continue reading One More Bite
By written by Karen K. May 31, 2024
The Community College of Philadelphia and the Free Library partnered to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) and High School Equivalency (HSE) classes in neighborhood libraries ! The Community College of Philadelphia prepares students to be informed citizens, active participants in city cultural life, and enabled to meet the… continue reading Community College Classes at the Library
By written by Betsy M. May 31, 2024 1
