Blog Articles
This summer, the Free Library is observing the 50th anniversary of hip hop with a limited-edition library card design commissioned by local artist Akinseye Brown . In honor of this… continue reading 50 Years of Hip Hop: Essential Reading in Genre History
By written by Bridget G. July 18, 2023
We here at Youth Services are so proud of our new teen hires! Thanks to PYN, they’ll be with us all summer long. What is PYN? The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) works with strategic… continue reading Teens Working at the Free Library
By written by Emily S. July 17, 2023 2
In the previous Manga 101 installment, we took a look at the manga genre known as isekai . Now, we’ll continue with an exploration of another popular manga genre: sports! Sports manga as a… continue reading Manga 101: Sports
By written by Meg B. July 17, 2023 2
It’s summer, and whether you’re lying in a hammock, soaking up the sun at the beach, taking a road trip, or — and we hope this isn’t the case — taking SEPTA to work,… continue reading Enjoy These Free Library Author Events Podcast "Beach Reads"
By written by Jason F. July 13, 2023
Neighborhood libraries have been busy this summer happily welcoming our patrons! As we get back to full staffing levels and resume Saturdays at select branches , it has been so wonderful to… continue reading Summer of Wonder: We're Halfway Through!
By written by Emily S. July 11, 2023
It's July, it is hot outside, and what could be better than a trip to the beach? Imagine yourself spending a day in the sun, dipping into the ocean, playing in the sand, and having an… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | It's Beach Time!
By written by Monica C. July 11, 2023
Artist/Illustrator Akinseye Brown (pronounced Ah-KEEN-shay-yay) was selected to design the 50 Years of Hip-Hop commemorative library card for the Free Library of Philadelphia. Akinseye has over 20… continue reading Funky Five Plus One Questions with Akinseye Brown
By written by Dr. Guy Sims July 5, 2023 1
This July we are cooling off, enjoying treats, and embarking on adventures! There's a little something for everyone in the following recommendations of new titles! Young Children (up to… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in July!
By written by Rachel F. June 30, 2023
July is Disability Pride Month! After years of fighting, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, and Disability rights activists declared the day to be… continue reading Celebrate Disability Pride Month!
By written by Shelley R. June 30, 2023 2
The Free Library of Philadelphia is thrilled to announce Saturday hours at 10 of our neighborhood library branches for the summer. Beginning Saturday, July 8 to August 26, 2023 , the following… continue reading 10 Neighborhood Free Library Branches Will Be Open on Saturdays
By written by Administrator June 29, 2023 37
One thing I’ve enjoyed lately in my reading is getting to savor the explosion of LGBTQ+ characters who get to be out and themselves on the published page. It gives me great joy to offer… continue reading Children's Books Featuring Trans and Non-Binary Characters
By written by Naomi S. June 26, 2023 3
In recent years, Dungeons & Dragons (or D&D ) has transformed from a nerdy niche into a pop culture staple, recognizable in popular shows like the Netflix original series Stranger Things ,… continue reading Dungeons & Dragons and The Free Library
By written by Yona Y. June 26, 2023 2
A perfect ten of terrific titles to accompany your celebrations during this Pride Month, this set of middle-grade tales tells us stories of discovery, decisions, determination, coping, and caring.… continue reading 10 Middle-Grade Titles for Pride Month
By written by Jeff B. June 22, 2023
Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong — like something about you wasn’t right, or didn’t meet the expectations of others — and can you remember how that felt?… continue reading Why Libraries Are So Important This Pride Month
By written by Emily S. June 20, 2023
June is Immigrant Heritage Month , and you can celebrate the extraordinary, far-reaching, and diverse contributions immigrants have woven into the American tapestry through this… continue reading Check Out Our Immigrant Heritage Month Author Events YouTube Playlist
By written by Jason F. June 20, 2023
Get ready to party! We are celebrating 50 years since hip hop entered the music scene and changed everything. Learn how it all began and see for yourself how the music, the beat and the… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop
By written by Monica C. June 20, 2023
Thursday, June 22 marks the finale of One Book, One Philadelphia and we over here in the One Book office are working up the nerve to say goodbye to this incredible season of events. After… continue reading The Big Send Off of One Book, One Philadelphia
By written by Nell M. June 15, 2023 1
One way of classifying manga is by demographic categories like shonen and shojo (for more information, check out the previous Manga 101 blog post ). However, manga can also be divided into genres… continue reading Manga 101: Isekai
By written by Meg B. June 15, 2023
The Art Department is thrilled to host the launch of Don’t Look Into The Abyss , a new graphic novel illustrated and published by Bryn Ziegler . Ziegler is a book and… continue reading Bryn Ziegler's Don’t Look Into The Abyss and Other Philadelphia Comics
By written by Alina J. June 14, 2023
All holidays have a story, a history, and a message. Juneteenth is no different. The name comes from combining "June" and "nineteenth" and is celebrated on the… continue reading 9 Middle-Grade Titles for Juneteenth
By written by Jeff B. June 14, 2023