More than ever, we at the Free Library of Philadelphia are focused on making sure that you have a good experience whenever you visit us in person or online—from easily finding the resources you need to receiving the friendly and courteous service you deserve. And we want to hear from you how we’re doing! Please take a few minutes to… continue reading We Want To Hear From You: Take Our Customer Satisfaction Survey!

By written by Michelle S.    October 31, 2012    11  

Last year we introduced a fantastic new service called Tumblebooks, which offers digital talking picture books, read along chapter books, and interactive literacy activities for children.  Tumblebooks is great way to introduce children to digital reading and now, we are pleased to announce, Tumblebooks is fully compatible with iPad and… continue reading Tumblebooks – Digital Talking Picture Books for Children – Now Available for iPad and Mobile Devices!

By written by Jamie W.    October 31, 2012    1  

Three Moravian Manuscripts in the Pennsylvania German Collection at FLP The Pennsylvania German Collection at the Free Library of Philadelphia contains a  wealth of valuable research materials available to scholars and the general public.  Among these are three Moravian manuscripts:    •   The Theodor Schulz Diary,… continue reading If I’m Happy, Then I Must Sing, Part One

By written by Del-Louise M.    October 26, 2012    4  

• Music
• Rare Book Department
• Pennsylvania German Collection

Theodor Schulz (1770-1850) Theodor Schulz (1770-1850) was born December 17, 1770 in Gerdauen, East Prussia, one of the towns founded by the Teutonic Knights in the Middle Ages, and rich in history from that period. At fifteen he apprenticed himself to the chancery (administrative office) of Ernst Ahasverus Heinrich, Count of Lehndorf… continue reading If I’m Happy, Then I Must Sing, Part Two

By written by Del-Louise M.    October 26, 2012   

• Music
• Rare Book Department
• Pennsylvania German Collection

Charlotte Sabine Schropp (1787-1833) Charlotte Sabine Schropp (1787-1833) was the second daughter of Johannes Schropp (1750-1805), and Maria Elisabeth (1753-1801) née Tannenberg, and was born November 23, 1787, in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.  She came from a very well known musical family.  Her grandfather David Tannenberg… continue reading If I’m Happy, Then I Must Sing, Part Three

By written by Del-Louise M.    October 26, 2012   

• Music
• Rare Book Department
• Pennsylvania German Collection

Sarah Horsfield (1785-1867) Sarah Horsfield (1785-1867), was the oldest daughter of Joseph Horsfield (1750-1834) and Elizabeth (1754-1836) née Benezet, and was born December 17, 1785.  She had two younger sisters. Her grandfather Timothy Horsfield (1708-1773) emigrated to Long Island in 1725, and after he married Mary Doughty, a… continue reading If I’m Happy, Then I Must Sing, Part Four

By written by Del-Louise M.    October 26, 2012    2  

• Music
• Rare Book Department
• Pennsylvania German Collection

We are pleased to announce that the 2013 One Book, One Philadelphia featured selection is Julie Otsuka's The Buddha in the Attic . The Buddha in the Attic is a beautifully crafted, poetic novel that illuminates the poignant, powerful stories of Japanese "picture brides" who came to the United States during the early 1900s, tracing… continue reading Announcing the 2013 One Book, One Philadelphia Selection!

By written by Michelle S.    October 24, 2012   

  On Friday, October 26, Philadelphia Photo Arts Center will host their third annual Philly Photo Day .   On Philly Photo Day, Philadelphia Photo Arts Center asks everyone in Philadelphia to take a photograph somewhere within the city limits and submit it to them over the internet. Philadelphia Photo Arts Center will print and hang… continue reading October 26 is Philly Photo Day!

By written by Daniel S.    October 22, 2012   

Something scary is creeping up behind you… Getting closer every day… It’s HALLOWEEN! And if you’re anything like me, you’re putting off costumes until the last minute. Get some great, super-easy ideas for kids costumes at Kidspot . Make fairy wings in minutes! A no-sew magician’s cape! And of course,… continue reading Halloween Treats

By written by Sarah S.    October 19, 2012   

• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Early Literacy
• Halloween

Borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from the Free Library just got a whole lot easier for users of the NOOK HD, NOOK HD+, NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color.  Barnes & Noble has recently added the OverDrive Media Console app to their Nook App store .  The Overdrive app enables users Nook users to wirelessly borrow eBooks and MP3 audiobooks… continue reading Overdrive eBook App Comes to Nook

By written by Jamie W.    October 18, 2012   

• Ebooks

Adding ebooks to mobile devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Android phones or tablets has always been a breeze.  Just go to your app store, add Overdrive’s free app, and start reading.  Unfortunately, getting library ebooks on your Kindle Fire hasn’t been quite so simple – until now!  This week, Overdrive… continue reading Getting Library Ebooks for Your Kindle Fire Just Got Easier

By written by Jamie W.    October 15, 2012    1  

• Ebooks

Now, more than ever, libraries are a vital resource in our communities. From job searches to homework help, libraries provide a wealth of services that are especially important given today’s economic outlook. Check out the infographic below to find out why it’s important to support your local library.   FIND A LIBRARY NEAR YOU… continue reading Why Support Your Local Library?

By written by Eileen O.    October 12, 2012    2  

Congratulations are in order to Mo Yan, the acclaimed Chinese writer who received the presitigous Nobel Prize in Literature this morning. “Through a mixture of fantasy and reality, historical, and social perspectives, Mo Yan has created a world reminiscent in its complexity of those in the writings of William Faulkner and Gabriel… continue reading Chinese Writer Mo Yan Receives Nobel Prize in Literature

By written by Michelle S.    October 11, 2012   

Is your little one feeling sniffly and sneezy? Come check out some of these books, and you'll be sure to feel better soon! Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman Poor old Bear wakes up achy and stuffy, and his woodland friends make him feel better with tea, lullabies, and their kind company. Pigs Make Me Sneeze! by Mo… continue reading Take Two Books and Call Me In the Morning

By written by Sarah S.    October 9, 2012   

• Childrens Books
• Pre K
• Early Literacy

The Independence Branch Library at 18 South 7 th Street in Philadelphia’s historic district, is celebrating GLBT History month.  The branch is home to the Barbara Gittings GLBT Collection, named in honor of Barbara Gittings, an early pioneer in the fight for gay and lesbian civil rights. Gittings’s commitment to libraries began… continue reading The Barbara Gittings Gay & Lesbian Collection Celebrates GLBT History Month

By written by Independence Branch Library    October 4, 2012    2  

October 5, 2012 marks the 50 th anniversary of when the first Bond film, Dr. No , based on Ian Fleming’s novel, premiered in London. With that half-century marker, the world celebrates Global James Bond Day. And 007 is one popular 50-year-old agent. Events around the world include a special Christie’s auction of Bond memorabilia… continue reading Bond, James Bond

By written by Eileen O.    October 4, 2012   

Free Library of Philadelphia/Drexel University   Children’s Literature Citation This citation is awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to  literature for children and who is from Philadelphia, or has contributed significantly  to the advancement of this field in the Philadelphia area.… continue reading Free Library of Philadelphia/Drexel University Children’s Literature Citation

By written by Rachel F.    October 3, 2012   

• Awards

In this edition of A Free Library Minute, Web Developer Camille Tomlin proves that being a nerd is cool.   We want to hear from you: Who would you like to hear from in our next video? Is there something you've always wanted to know about Library behind-the-scenes? Share your ideas below! continue reading A Free Library Minute: Reveal Your Inner Nerd

By written by Eileen O.    October 3, 2012   

• A Free Library Minute

Hang out, make new friends, eat snacks - Teen Tuesday is back! Every Tuesday during the school year from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. join us in the Skyline Room on the 4th floor at Parkway Central.   Its Free.  It's Fun.  There's Food.   Upcoming Events: October 2nd - PLAY! Video Games October 9th - (Book 2) Movie October… continue reading Teen Tuesdays are Back!

By written by Rachel F.    October 2, 2012   

• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• Teens