There's a lot to celebrate this month — spring has sprung, Mother's Day is around the corner, and it's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Roar-choo! by Charlotte Chen; illustrated by Dan Santat Everyone knows that dragons are fierce and capable of taking on the… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in May
By written by Rachel F. April 26, 2024
The Free Library’s Author Events program recently added numerous events to its spring and summer lineups. Here are ten events we’re excited about — along with some accompanying media: Karen Valby | The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a… continue reading Author Events Upcoming Spring and Summer Highlights
By written by Jason F. April 25, 2024
Teens often come into McPherson Square Library during the summer months looking for jobs, which inspired the library staff to host their first Teen Job Fair in 2021. Three years later, this has become an annual event. Teens and caregivers are looking for something for youth to do to keep them out of trouble, gain valuable life experience,… continue reading Teen Job Fair at McPherson Square Library on Tuesday, April 30
By written by Vincent E. April 24, 2024
Languages and Learning is the Free Library of Philadelphia's department for adult education support, connecting patrons seeking Adult Basic Education, English Language Learner , and World Language support to the appropriate resources. There are many reasons that adults continue learning! Whether you want to sharpen your algebra skills or… continue reading New Adult Learning Titles in the Free Library's Catalog
By written by Betsy M. April 24, 2024
From classics like In Cold Blood and Helter Skelter to recent bestsellers like In Light of All Darkness and If You Tell , readers love true crime. In addition to generating chills and thrills, a good true crime account sheds light on the society and the era in which the crime took place. That’s certainly true of Murder in a Mill Town:… continue reading 19th Century True Crime at the Free Library
By written by Ben R. April 19, 2024
Looking for free and low-cost summer activities that are safe and adult-supervised for children, teens, and families? The 2024 City of Philadelphia Parent and Youth Resource Fair will be held Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center G Hall at Broad and Race Streets. Connect with dozens of City… continue reading The Philadelphia Parent and Youth Resource Fair is Saturday, April 27
By written by Bridget G. April 19, 2024 2
Baseball: for over a century, the game has been known as "America’s favorite pastime." During the early parts of the 20th century, tuning in to a baseball game on the radio after a long day at work became a ritual of the American working class, beloved by citizens of all races. But while Black citizens loved baseball,… continue reading Collection Spotlight: Highlights from the Negro Leagues
By written by Chris M. April 19, 2024 1
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, April 23, 2024 , and 28 of our neighborhood libraries will serve as designated voting locations. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Remember: anyone in line by 8:00 p.m. is able to vote — so stay in line! Most Library voting locations will also provide library services… continue reading 28 Libraries Will Serve As Polling Places for the April 23, 2024 Primary Election
By written by Bridget G. April 18, 2024
Every April, people all over the world celebrate Autism Acceptance Month ! You might’ve heard of this annual event called Autistic Awareness Month before. Thanks to the work of Autistic advocates, the focus has shifted from general awareness and understanding to one of more active acceptance, towards a forward-thinking mindset about… continue reading Neurodiverse Reads for Autism Acceptance Month
By written by Meredith M. April 17, 2024
April is both Celebrate Diversity Month and National Poetry Month. Therefore, it is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the City of Philadelphia's Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate, as well as past and present Poet Laureates representing the diverse voices of the United States in our nation’s capital. The National Poet… continue reading Celebrating Diversity Through Poetry in Philly and Beyond
By written by Free Library Foundation April 15, 2024
The Free Library’s mission is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity for all Philadelphians. You’re probably familiar with our many branches and departments, along with the incredible resources and programs offered to our communities. Did you know the Free Library has an entire department dedicated to adult… continue reading Languages and Learning: Adult Education at the Free Library
By written by Meredith M. April 11, 2024 5
An adrenaline rush is defined as a physical feeling of intense excitement and stimulation caused by the release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands. That’s gnarly! Do you know what else is gnarly? Learning how to skateboard! The Cecil B. Moore Library in partnership with The Philadelphia Skateboard Academy joined forces to… continue reading Want To Learn How to Skateboard?
By written by Brianna V. April 10, 2024
National Library Week is April 7–13, 2024, and we encourage everyone to visit the Free Library of Philadelphia to celebrate this year’s theme: Ready, Set, Library! But first, let’s take a look at some local literacy statistics. The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that 13% of adults in our state lack… continue reading Promoting Literacy with the Free Library of Philadelphia
By written by Free Library Foundation April 4, 2024
Do you love the Free Library of Philadelphia? Whether you have fond childhood memories or recently attended your first event at one of our many locations , millions rely on this important educational and cultural institution each year. While the City of Philadelphia provides for the Free Library's facilities and infrastructure, it is… continue reading Library Giving Day: Support the Free Library on April 3, 2024
By written by Free Library Foundation April 2, 2024
The exhibition Into the Night features two paintings by N. C. Wyeth, The Admiral's Ghost and Snow-Drop . The first's title is somewhat explanatory ( It's a ghost! ), but the second is more confusing. Who or what is Snow-Drop? There's a good chance that you already know the answer — just under a different… continue reading Snow-Drop: A Märchen, a Mouse, and a Mystery
By written by Chris B. April 2, 2024
We Are What We Eat is on view from Monday, April 1–Saturday, November 2, 2024 on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library in the Dietrich Gallery. "Food is more than just fuel to sustain our bodies; it's an important part of our cultural and social identity." The Free Library's newest exhibition… continue reading We Are What We Eat: An Exhibition from Special Collections
By written by Administrator April 1, 2024 1
The Free Library's newest exhibition from the Special Collections Division, We Are What We Eat , explores the intersection of food, community, and identity. On view in the Dietrich Gallery on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library until November 2, 2024, We Are What We Eat examines culinary heritage through… continue reading We Are What We Eat: Recipes and Resources
By written by Administrator April 1, 2024 1
Philly Career Launch Career Exploration Workshop sessions will take place this April, May, and June at various Free Library locations and community sites throughout Philadelphia. Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you feeling stuck in a low-paying job or want a new or better employment situation?… continue reading Join Philly Career Launch for Our Career Exploration Workshops
By written by Annette M. April 1, 2024 7
Something very special is happening on Monday, April 8 : a total solar eclipse will cross North America from Mexico to Canada! After April 8, the next solar eclipse viewable from the contiguous United States won't occur until August 23, 2044! Although the total eclipse on April 8 will be visible only along a relatively narrow… continue reading Get Ready for the 2024 Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8!
By written by Jennifer E. April 1, 2024
There are lots of new titles for all ages to explore this spring at the Free Library of Philadelphia! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Sami's Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story Sami worries that the Eid al-Adha carnival won’t be as fun without Dede (his grandfather), who died recently. Sami’s grandmother sends him one of… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in April
By written by Rachel F. March 26, 2024
