I've been an avid reader since I was young. I was an English major in college. I'm one of those people that always has to be reading something, even if it's the back of the cereal box at breakfast... which is why I feel especially guilty about the fact that there are some--too many--classic books that I just haven't read. Ulysses? Nope. Anna… continue reading The Guilty Reader
By written by Michelle S. February 28, 2011 8
Looking for quirky, fun ideas for storytime? Just ask Northeast Regional’s Christine Cornwall, and you’ll be amazed at what she comes up with! Christine has worked in the Northeast Regional Children’s Department for the past two and a half years and during that time, she has demonstrated a flair for creating… continue reading Preschool Spotlight on…Children’s Librarian Christine Cornwall at Northeast Regional Library
By written by Sarah S. February 24, 2011 2
In the current global economy, even friendly nations are competitors for jobs, resources, and influence. To help Philadelphians better understand world events through the lenses of our international neighbors, Central Senior Services at the Parkway Central Library is launching a compelling new series of public programs entitled… continue reading Get an International Perspective at Parkway Central's New Program Series,
By written by Michelle S. February 23, 2011 3
What are the kids up to these days? Reading a diverse array of books and graphic novels and watching some clever TV shows and films, as it turns out! Here are our most popular titles for children in a variety of categories. Please note that for book and television series listings, we have multiple records in our catalog! BOOKS:… continue reading Most Circulated Titles at the Free Library, Part III: Children's
By written by Michelle S. February 17, 2011 5
This week, the House of Representatives will consider two amendments to the FY2011 Continuing Resolution that are critical to libraries: one that would eliminate all Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding--including Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding--and another that would halt all funding for Foreign… continue reading A Call to Action: Future Library Funding in Jeopardy
By written by Michelle S. February 16, 2011
Parkway Central's Rare Book Department is mounting a new exhibition of distinctive movie theater lobby cards, now through June 17. “Foyer Entertainment: Movie Lobby Cards from the 1930s-1960s”offers a rare glimpse of this forgotten Hollywood art form with its display of more than 50 lobby cards selected from the Free… continue reading Must See: Rare Book Department's New Exhibition of Vintage Movie Posters
By written by Michelle S. February 15, 2011 4
Join readers nationwide as Walmart and the Free Library of Philadelphia host the first ever One Book, One Philadelphia online book chat! On Wednesday, February 23, at 2:00 p.m. EST, visit walmartphiladelphia.com to participate in a live chat with Ellen Forney, contributing artist of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, on… continue reading Join the First Ever One Book, One Philadelphia Online Book Discussion!
By written by Michelle S. February 14, 2011 2
Brian Jacques, the acclaimed author of the bestselling and beloved Redwall adventure series of books, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 5, at the age of 71. Considered a pioneer of the children's fantasy genre, Jacques sold more than 20 million copies of his 21 Redwall novels, which chronicle the adventures of anthropomorphic… continue reading In Memoriam, Brian Jacques
By written by Michelle S. February 8, 2011 1
Last Monday, we revealed the most circulated books, DVD films, and DVD television shows for adults at the Free Library in 2010. This week, we're revealing the most circulated digital titles of 2010--both ebooks and downloadable audiobooks! Use of our downloadable media increased dramatically in 2010, and while we have a… continue reading Most Circulated Titles at the Free Library, Part II: Digital Media
By written by Michelle S. February 7, 2011 2
Although small children live their lives in the here and now, it’s never too early to start sharing our past with them. The story of the African American people is fundamental to United States history. If you haven’t tried reading books on the subject to your preschool children, Black History Month is the perfect time to… continue reading Celebrating Black History Month with Preschool Children
By written by Michelle S. February 4, 2011 3
With February comes the Chinese New Year, and we're excited to be celebrating here at the Free Library! On Wednesday, February 9 at 12:30 p.m., come celebrate the Chinese New Year and usher in the year of the Rabbit at our Independence Branch ! Students from Holy Redeemer Elementary School will perform the traditional Lion Dance with drummers… continue reading Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Independence Branch!
By written by Michelle S. February 3, 2011
Our website is constantly evolving to allow you quick access to our resources, and we love when we get feedback and suggestions from patrons. One patron suggested we provide links on our mobile website to our ebooks so she could easily download books to her phone--done! Another patron wanted to know what was open after 5 p.m., so he could visit… continue reading Website Updates - Mobile site and Branch Pages
By written by Camille T. February 2, 2011 3
Books Aloud! is the Free Library’s early literacy program. The goal of the program is to encourage parents and child care providers to READ, SING, PLAY, TALK, and WRITE with children in the early years. We also encourage adults to borrow books from the Free Library so that there are always books available for the little ones. Attend a… continue reading Early Literacy Sparks Life Long Learning
By written by Jennifer W. February 1, 2011 4
