In light of the upcoming United States Presidential Election and to conclude the "Power Up!” series , the Free Library of Philadelphia will present the 2024 Philly Civics Fair and Speakers Panel at Parkway Central Library on Saturday, September 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Over two dozen local organizations including… continue reading Get Involved at the 2024 Philly Civics Fair
By written by Anthony T. September 18, 2024 1
It's National Hispanic Heritage Month! This mid-month celebration runs from September 15 to October 15 to include the Independence Days of Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua — while also celebrating the myriad histories and contributions of Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean,… continue reading Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Cultural Events Around Philadelphia
By written by Bridget G. September 18, 2024
The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the 2024–25 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate : Malaya Ulan , a junior at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber! She was selected from a competitive pool of applicants by the Poet Laureate Governing Committee and will succeed Oyewumi Oyeniyi, who served as the 2023–24 Youth Poet… continue reading Introducing the 2024–25 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate
By written by Yona Y. September 17, 2024
It’s Welcoming Week ! Every year, from September 13–22, organizations around the country come together to connect and reaffirm their dedication to inclusivity with neighbors of all backgrounds. The City of Philadelphia is an officially designated Certified Welcoming Place , meaning the City is dedicated to policies and programs… continue reading Welcoming Week Resources for New Americans
By written by Meredith M. September 17, 2024
Our fall line up for Sundays on Stage is here, and it’s packed with old favorites and new acts. This season we will again host live, free performances on Saturdays in the Montgomery Auditorium in Parkway Central Library , and we will close the season with a return of The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 15. Several familiar favorites… continue reading Saturdays on Stage: Dance, Sing, and Get Inspired This Fall!
By written by Kayla H. September 16, 2024 2
The Free Library Board of Trustees will be holding its first meeting of FY25 on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. View the upcoming meeting agenda. To access the meeting: Join via Zoom Passcode: 716663 Or Join via telephone: 1-929-436-2866 Webinar ID: 824 2648 1759 Passcode: 716663 Public Comment at Board of Trustees… continue reading Free Library Board of Trustees Public Meeting on Friday, September 20 at 8:00 a.m.
By written by Administrator September 16, 2024
Since Parkway Central Library opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections available are impressive, but some patrons may not be familiar with all of them. To promote these… continue reading Department Highlights: Central Children's
By written by Naomi S. September 16, 2024
The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Zoo are two of the City of Brotherly Love’s oldest and most respected institutions, so it’s only fitting that they are teaming up in the coming months to present Animal Tales at Charles L. Durham Library . One Thursday per month from October 2024 through April 2025, a… continue reading Join Charles Durham Library for Animal Tales from the Philadelphia Zoo!
By written by Anthony T. September 16, 2024
School has started and the cooler weather is on its way! We are pleased to share that libraries across the City will reopen for Saturday hours effective Saturday, September 28 . The following libraries will open on this date: Charles Santore Library | 932 South 7th Street (19147) | 215-686-1766 Fox Chase Library | 501 Rhawn… continue reading Six-Day Service Starts Soon at Select Free Library Branches
By written by Administrator September 13, 2024 2
"Welcoming Week honors the contributions of immigrants and recognizes that our communities are stronger — and more prosperous — when we are welcoming." - Alain Joinville, Office of Immigrant Affairs According to Pew Trusts , 15% of Philadelphia residents moved here from another country. People move here from China,… continue reading Celebrate Welcoming Week 2024 with the Free Library
By written by Betsy M. September 12, 2024
After a milestone 30th anniversary season, we are thrilled to announce the 2024–2025 Author Events series will kick off on September 11, brought to you by the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation! Upcoming Fall Author Series events at the Free Library include a long list of diverse, distinguished guests and esteemed authors, including:… continue reading Announcing the 2024–2025 Author Series
By written by Free Library Foundation September 11, 2024
The vibrant spirit of our community has been artfully captured as the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation proudly unveils new tote bags, designed with care and creativity by one of the Free Library's former interns, Margot Whipps. In 2021, the exhibition For the Greatest Number: The New Deal Revisited , curated by… continue reading From an Intern’s Design to Your Shoulder: New Tote Bags With a Purpose!
By written by Sophia A. September 9, 2024 2
In 2023, KABOOM! , the nonprofit dedicated to ending playspace inequity, brought playful learning and literacy organizations together to co-create a Story Trail — an interactive trail with story panels like a book — with McPherson Square Library ’s community. This week, the storyboards and accompanying game… continue reading McPherson Square Welcomes the Story Trail Project
By written by Tuesday C. September 6, 2024
Math is all around us, and it’s never too early to introduce your little ones to basic math concepts. Babies and toddlers are naturally curious and can grasp foundational math ideas through play and everyday activities. By incorporating simple and fun math activities into your daily routine, you can help your child develop a love for math… continue reading Introducing Early Math Concepts to Your Baby or Toddler
By written by Kimberly G. September 5, 2024
September is Civic Awareness Month — a time to engage with our community, learn more about our civic responsibilities, and participate in initiatives that make a difference. In honor of this month, the Free Library of Philadelphia is partnering with Temple University’s Dr. Aaron Smith, an Assistant Professor of Africology… continue reading Power Up! for Civic Awareness with the Free Library
By written by Brianna V. September 3, 2024 2
Since Parkway Central Library opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections available are impressive, but some patrons may not be familiar with all of them. To promote these… continue reading Department Highlights: Science and Wellness
By written by Erin A. September 3, 2024 1
As summer begins to wind down and another autumn is on the horizon, your friends at the Free Library have some new titles to share with you! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) You’ve Got This! by Lindsay Bonilla; illustrated by Keisha Morris Learning to ride a bike, performing in a recital, facing a mistake — these moments can make… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in September
By written by Rachel F. August 28, 2024
Being a librarian means connecting communities with the information they seek and need, and those needs are always changing. That’s why the Free Library of Philadelphia ensures librarians are kept up-to-date with best practices and resources. The books below are professional development titles written by and for librarians. Have you… continue reading New Library Science Books in the Free Library's Catalog
By written by Betsy M. August 27, 2024
The Literature Department ’s Monday Poets series is one of the longest-running programs for adults at the Free Library. Join us in celebrating the 30th Anniversary season of Monday Poets which runs from September to April. This year’s theme is Sankofa (SAHN-koh-fah), a Twi word from the Akan Tribe of Ghana loosely implying that… continue reading Monday Poets Celebrates 30th Anniversary Season with Sankofa
By written by Andrea L. August 22, 2024 1
![The daguerrotype process [Credit: Susanna Celeste Castelli, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons]](https://libwww.freelibrary.biz/images/blog/FLPBlog/resized/daguerrotype-process.jpg)
Photography means "to draw with light." It is derived from the Greek words photos , meaning "light," and graphos , meaning "drawing." We celebrate World Photography Day every year on August 19, the day in 1839 when the French Academy of Sciences announced the patent for the daguerreotype to the… continue reading Celebrating World Photography Day
By written by Karen K. August 21, 2024 1
