Summer Reading is here . For those about to take on the challenge of the School District of Philadelphia’s official lists (or anyone who knows a student who must), we’d like to salute you... with the following links to enhanced mobile-ready versions of the official reading lists: For rising high school juniors and seniors… continue reading Mobile Summer Reading
By written by Adam F. May 30, 2014
Going on vacation this summer? Can’t get to your neighborhood library? You can still play Online Summer Reading! Online Summer Reading is available all summer for everyone to participate! Kids, teens, and adults can create their own username and password at freelibrary.org/summerreading . Then, review books for a chance to be… continue reading Summer Reading - Online!
By written by Rachel F. May 29, 2014
I was never a “reluctant reader” but when I was in high school I was reluctant to read from the lists my teachers made. This voracious reader preferred to make his own choices in the library accidentally while browsing nonfiction on the shelf as arranged intentionally by Dewey and his followers . Yes, nonfiction. I realized… continue reading A Plea to Teachers Assigning Summer Reading
By written by Adam F. May 21, 2014 3
Last weekend was a big one for Science Fiction & Fantasy Literature, as the Nebula Awards were announced in San Jose, CA. Philadelphia’s own Samuel R. Delany, Professor of Creative Writing at Temple, was named Grand Master. Check out Ancillary Justice, by Ann Leckie, which won best novel, and Sister Mine , by Nalo Hopkinson, winner of… continue reading Science Fiction Award Season!
By written by Joel N. May 20, 2014
From Night of the Living Dead to World War Z , the fascination with zombies surfaces in every generation. Maybe its roots in folklore make them seem a bit more plausible, horrible, and utterly fascinating. Enjoy all things zombie? Then check out some of these books and movies available at the Free Library of Philadelphia! Series The White… continue reading Zombies, Zombies, and all things Zombie!
By written by Rachel F. May 14, 2014 1
The Free Library of Philadelphia has now made available for request volumes recently moved to the new Free Library Regional Research and Operations Center at South Bank, located at 34th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue. Customers will be able to place a request from our online catalog . For most items, a reserve can be made using the current… continue reading Regional Research and Operations Center - Material Retrieval
By written by Andrea Z. May 13, 2014 1
Sync is a new summer reading program, sponsored by Audio File Magazine , that offers two free audiobooks a week from May 15 - Aug 14. The audio titles are chosen specifically for teen readers, and it's a great way to keep the old brain muscles buff over the long summer break. Each week you'll get a current young adult title thematically… continue reading Sync Free YA Audiobooks to Your Earphones
By written by Jamie W. May 13, 2014
For the longest time I loved reading series. The bigger and more epic the better. But I succumbed to series fatigue years ago (just in time for all my favorite genres to decide that series were the Best Thing Ever!) and here are the three reasons why: 1. Unnecessarily long, drawn-out series I used to adore Laurell K. Hamilton ’s Anita… continue reading What Dena Reads: When Good Series Go Bad
By written by Dena May 7, 2014 3
Input was a Philadelphia panel discussion program hosted by John S. Stokes, Jr. that aired Sunday mornings on WCAU-TV10 from 1968 through early 1971. The program is a window in to the people and ideas that shaped that tumultuous time in Philadelphia. You'll find Input listed among the Streaming Video resources on our Digital Media… continue reading Streaming Philadelphia History - Introducing Input with Marion Stokes & John S. Stokes, Jr
By written by Jamie W. May 5, 2014
What better way to celebrate science than in your own backyard? Join the Philadelphia Science Festival at several of our neighborhood libraries after school for a celebration of science exploration! Scientists, engineers, and other experts will share their knowledge to provide FUN and FREE programs, including interactive activities,… continue reading Get Nerdy with Neighborhood Science After School!
By written by Rachel F. April 25, 2014
A recent piece in the Washington Post got me thinking about jobs and the recovery. By most accounts the worst of the Great Recession is behind us. The unemployment rate , while it's still about 2.3 percent higher than it was five years ago, is slowly falling. That doesn't mean that people are necessarily finding good jobs though, jobs… continue reading Jump Start Your Own Economic Recovery
By written by Jamie W. April 23, 2014
The Northeast Regional Library celebrated its 50 th Anniversary with plenty of special programs -- and plenty of cake, too! We welcomed over 7,000 patrons walking in to our library during the week-long celebration. This exciting celebration included a variety of programs offered by all departments, including programs offered throughout… continue reading Northeast Regional Library: Celebrating 50 Years of Service to the Community
By written by Jenny C. April 22, 2014
With William Shakespeare’s 450 th birthday just around the corner on Wednesday, April 23 , the Free Library is set to is set to celebrate Shakespeare's big day with programs throughout the city, and we hope you'll join us! From a big birthday bash at Parkway Central Library to children's programs and engaging lectures,… continue reading Celebrate Shakespeare's 450th Birthday with Us!
By written by Michelle S. April 21, 2014
Two big announcements today: First, we've added streaming movies and video to the ebook and audiobook selection through our Overdrive platform. You'll find all different genres of movies from drama and comedy to horror and documentary, hit television series from the Starz network, even self help and exercise videos, with more… continue reading Now Showing: Streaming Movies from the Free Library
By written by Jamie W. April 15, 2014 5
As you may know from the buzz around the libraries, this April marks the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth. And while Will may be celebrated for his comedies, tragedies, historical plays and sonnets, the Wadsworth Library decided to honor his ability to throw some serious shade. Yes, insults can be hurtful in real life. But… continue reading Shakespearean Smackdowns!
By written by Chris B. April 9, 2014
bardolatry n. idolatry or excessive admiration of William Shakespeare 1 There is an exhibition going on in the Rare Book Department right now that you really need to see. It’s called “Shakespeare for All Time” and it contains some of the rarest treasures in the Free Library’s collection. “He was not for an age but… continue reading Bardolatry in the Rare Book Department
By written by Janine P. April 9, 2014
Sherlock: Death by Dewey Books contain secrets and gems of information. Do they also hold value beyond the intellectual; enough to murder for? On March 27, three groups of teens set out on a library wide hunt to solve the "murder" of a librarian who was rumored to have discovered clues to a huge treasure… continue reading Teens solve murder mystery, Death by Dewey!
By written by Rachel F. April 9, 2014 1
Effective April 10, 2014, the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) mobile app for BlackBerry will no longer be available to download on BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, and Playbook devices. BlackBerry users with the app installed prior to April 10 will be able to continue downloading eBooks and audiobooks via OMC. However, Overdrive reports that no further… continue reading Overdrive to discontinue support for Blackberry app
By written by Jamie W. April 8, 2014
On Saturday March 15, 2014, the Free Library's Montgomery Auditorium played host to Tune Up Philly the education outreach project of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra . To a packed house, students of the Tune Up Philly program performed classical and popular works in a myriad of string, brass, and wind ensembles. Photographer Mark Garvin… continue reading Tune Up Philly @ the Free Library of Philadelphia
By written by Adam F. April 4, 2014
OneClick Digital is a popular source for downloadable audiobooks from the Free Library of Philadelphia. While OneClick is fairly straightforward and easy-to-use, we've compiled the following FAQs just in case you get stuck. You will always find the link for OneClick at out Digital Media page . For additional help resources and a… continue reading OneClick Digital Audiobook Help and FAQs
By written by Jamie W. April 3, 2014 12
