Learning when and how to apologize is a critical skill. Apologizing is not an easy thing to do, but it is such an important and necessary behavior in any social situation: among friends, family, and communities. It’s also a way to acknowledge that it is okay to make mistakes, and to learn to treat others the way we want to be treated.… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Saying Sorry
By written by Monica C. November 8, 2022
Literacy in Early Learning Spaces is a Free Library project focused on literacy and language development in children from birth through 5 years old. We partner with childcare programs across Philadelphia and are funded through a generous investment from the Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program™ and the William Penn Foundation. Writing… continue reading Literacy in Early Learning Spaces | Write from the Start
By written by Alicia G. November 2, 2022
We are grateful for these new titles arriving on our shelves this fall! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Symphony for a Broken Orchestra: How Philadelphia Collected Sounds to Save Music by Amy Ignatow; illustrated by Gwen Millward The schools of Philadelphia were filling up with broken violins, drums, pianos, and more, making it difficult for… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in November!
By written by Rachel F. November 1, 2022 1
We all worry from time to time, and that can be a good thing, especially when it helps us plan and prepare. But sometimes, one can worry too much. For instance, worrying about things that haven't even happened, or worrying about something so much that it affects our daily life. Has this ever happened to you? If that's the case, these… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Dealing with Worry
By written by Monica C. October 31, 2022
General Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022 and many of our neighborhood libraries will again serve as designated voting locations. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.; anyone in line by 8:00 p.m. will be able to vote. Most Library voting locations will also provide Library services on Election Day; a few, however, will be… continue reading 35 Library Locations Will Serve as Polling Places for the November 8, 2022 General Election
By written by Jenn D. October 31, 2022
It’s National First Responders Day! Every day is a great opportunity to honor the people in our community who have dedicated their lives to helping others in times of distress. These people are invaluable to society, and they deserve our recognition and praise. My uncle and his son (my cousin) are current firefighters for Philadelphia and… continue reading National First Responders Day
By written by Kamilah C. October 28, 2022
The Languages and Learning Center (LLC) is excited to introduce the members of our Participant Advisory Board (PAB) to the Free Library community. Our Participant Advisory Board launched in June 2021, inspired by a similar project at the Welcoming Center . The founding board members are a mix of learners and volunteers in the Languages and… continue reading Introducing the Languages and Learning Center’s Participant Advisory Board
By written by Lindsay S. October 27, 2022 1
A few years ago, I had a bit of a crazy thought. In 2020, I considered running for office in my town. I didn’t know how far I should aim. Mayor? Councilwoman? I felt I needed to get involved. I felt some of the decisions that were being made were the result of longstanding relationships and backdoor handshakes. I suppose that is what… continue reading National Civics Day
By written by Kamilah C. October 27, 2022
It's that time of year where staying warm in the comfort of your home sounds so nice. Why not work on getting your next job or learning a new skill from the comfort of your home! Check out upcoming virtual career workshops for jobseekers at the Free Library, brought to you by Full Circle Group and JEVS Human Services!… continue reading Work Towards a New Career with Virtual Career Workshops!
By written by Steven D. October 26, 2022
Fall has begun and that means...it’s pumpkin time! As I walk around the neighborhood, I have started to see pumpkins outside supermarkets and door stoops. Trips to pumpkin patches are being planned, and one can find pumpkins of all sizes and colors at their local food stores. As it happens, here at the Free Library we also have pumpinks… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Pumpkin time!
By written by Monica C. October 24, 2022
It’s the spookiest time of the year again, and the Free Library is getting in on the action! Read on for ways to celebrate the Halloween season with us at every age. This year, trick-or-treating in Philly will fall on Monday, October 31st, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Not sure where to go to show off your creepy costumes and collect your sweet… continue reading This is Halloween at the Free Library!
By written by Emily S. October 24, 2022
Do you have teens in your life who will be attending high school in Philly next year? They’ve got options. It is time for High School choice selection! The Philadelphia High School system is large, diverse, and has much to offer. Finding the right fit is key! The Free Library of Philadelphia’s LEAP team wants to help you find a high… continue reading It's Time for High School Choice!
By written by Emily S. October 13, 2022
Reading Promise Week, where Philly celebrates reading, is this week! You can join in the all ages fun at book block parties celebrating young readers at events citywide during the week of October 10-17, 2022, organized by Read By 4th, Philadelphia’s Early Literacy Movement. Sounds interesting, right? More information on all that’s… continue reading Celebrating Reading Promise Week With Books That Promise A Good Read
By written by Jeff B. October 12, 2022
Philadelphia proudly joins the many cities and states around the nation who have chosen to officially recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in lieu of Columbus Day . This cultural shift seeks to recognize the harm done by colonization and to illuminate and honor the continued history of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas. In… continue reading Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day in Philadelphia!
By written by Emily S. October 7, 2022
What Will Your Reading Promise Be? The Free Library and Read By 4th invite your family to join us for Reading Promise Week , October 10-16! This weeklong in-person event series serves as a catalyst for the Reading Promise initiative. Participating families pledge to read and create together, talk it up, champion school success, and protect… continue reading Join Us for Reading Promise Week | October 10-16
By written by Emily S. October 6, 2022 2
Do you want to learn a new language for career advancement, to speak to new acquaintances, feel more comfortable when traveling to a foreign country, understand foreign movies, or just exercise your brain? Our Mango Languages database can help! With over 70 languages to choose from, including English, Mango’s got it covered. It’s… continue reading Learn a New Language with Mango Languages
By written by Sharyl O. October 5, 2022 6
The Nonprofit Job Fair returns to Parkway Central Library on October 13 and the Business Resource and Innovation Center staff have the resources to help you make a great first impression! Use these tools to learn what makes job seeking in the nonprofit and social impact sectors unique. If you are a first-time… continue reading Get Ready for the Nonprofit Job Fair!
By written by Caitlin S. October 5, 2022
Decorative gourd season is in full swing and the Free Library has some treats to share with you, like these new titles coming to our shelves this fall! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda The Day of the Dead is a happy day when Mar’s family gathers together. There are favorite dishes to… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in October!
By written by Rachel F. October 3, 2022
Welcome to Banned Books Week 2022! From September 18-24, we will be delving into the most challenged titles of the past year. The Office for Intellectual Freedom , a project of the American Library Association, compiles this list annually to raise awareness about censorship in libraries and schools. It has been a difficult year for the… continue reading Banned Books Week | Close to Home
By written by Emily S. September 22, 2022
As we continue to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and reflect all all the wonderful things libaries can be, it's time to celebrate another important library holiday— Banned Books Week ! Beginning yesterday and extending through Saturday, September 24, this annual American Library Association… continue reading Banned Books Week | Why We Participate
By written by Kate C. September 20, 2022
