March is Women's History Month and the Free Library Author Events podcast page and YouTube channel have scores of aptly themed book talks. To start you on your way, here are TEN favorites from just this last year. Everything from politics to poetry, history to cooking, memoirs to biographies, and much more. Once you've listened to… continue reading Observe Women’s History Month With the Free Library Podcast

By written by Jason F.    March 13, 2023   

• Podcasts
• Author Events
• Women's History Month

Are you an avid reader of comics, and of the age 18+? The Art Department is stoked to announce an exciting new collection for you to explore: The Philadelphia Comics Collection (PCC) is a living, growing, cutting-edge catalog made up of comics and zines by local artists, and you can take a look at them now! Many of these items are… continue reading The Philadelphia Comics Collection Debuts in the Art Department

By written by Eileen E.    March 10, 2023   

• Art
• Events at the Library
• Comics and Graphic Novels
• Book Clubs

The  Free Library Board of Trustees  will meet on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. View the upcoming meeting agenda   To access the meeting: Join via Zoom link Passcode: 447883 Or Join via telephone: US: +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 879 3146 6770 Passcode: 447883   Public Comment at Board of… continue reading Free Library Board of Trustees Public Meeting on Friday, March 17 at 8:00 a.m.

By written by Administrator    March 10, 2023   

• Board of Trustees

If you’re a teen who likes to read and write fan fiction, or if you know a teen who does, you’re in good company at the Field Teen Center . Fan fiction, also called "fanfic" or just "fic," is fan-created fiction about an existing franchise, like Harry Potter or Twilight , or sometimes even public… continue reading Indulge Yourself: Exploring Fanfic and Fan Culture with Field Teen Center

By written by Yona Y.    March 8, 2023   

• Teens
• YA Literature
• Writing
• Fiction

Like comics? You're going to love this! Our newest electronic resources from ComicsPlus   bring thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from a variety of library-friendly publishers for kids, teens, and adults.  Explore a selection of new and backlist titles from ABDO, Andrews McMeel, BOOM! Studios,… continue reading ComicsPlus is Here!

By written by Sharyl O.    March 7, 2023   

• Teens
• Childrens Books
• Comics and Graphic Novels
• Digital Media
• Anime and Manga

March is National Women’s History Month , and the Free Library’s author events series will feature five related authors who are making history in literary fiction, the business world, medicine, social justice, and more!     Debra Lee | I Am Debra Lee: A Memoir — In conversation with Tamala Edwards, anchor, 6abc… continue reading 5 Upcoming Author Events for Women's History Month

By written by Jason F.    March 6, 2023   

• Author Events
• Women's History Month

Mapping Imagination: The Art of World-Building opens Monday, March 6 on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library and has been extended to run through August 31, 2023. Whether real or imaginary, maps guide travelers, define characteristics of a region, and illustrate values and perspectives.   How did the location of Marvel’s… continue reading Mapping Imagination: The Art of World-Building

By written by Administrator    March 6, 2023    6  

• Exhibitions
• Maps
• Parkway Central
• Children's Literature Research Collection

A sure sign that spring is around the corner is the start of The Philadelphia Flower Show , a tradition that dates back to 1829. After a long winter, it's such a joy to see flowers begin to bloom everywhere. Get ready for some great flower action with informative and entertaining books about flowers and the way they can change the… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Flower Power

By written by Monica C.    March 6, 2023   

• Gardening
• Childrens Books
• Recommendations
• Picture Book Highlights

If you like documentaries, world cinema, or films for kids, we think you will love our latest electronic resource: Access Videos! These  three collections  have no monthly watch limits and include: The Access Videos on Demand: Master Collection has over 44,000 films, documentaries, and how-to-videos. Enjoy titles from Ken Burns,… continue reading New Databases from Access Videos on Demand

By written by Sharyl O.    March 3, 2023    2  

• Databases
• Film
• Digital Media

Summer is on its way, once again. If you will be working with Philly kids at an existing summer camp program, we welcome you to join us in the Summer Camp Challenge! Whether it’s your camp’s first time or third, this program will provide you with all the tools you need to keep your summer camp programming fresh and… continue reading Join the Summer Camp Challenge!

By written by Emily S.    March 3, 2023    5  

• Childrens Programs
• Summer Reading
• Read by 4th
• Youth Services

Spring is the season of growth and renewal. Do your new goals include getting a new job, pivoting to a new field, or learning some new skills?  Check out upcoming virtual career workshops for jobseekers at the Free Library, brought to you by Full Circle Group and JEVS Human Services! Workshops taught by Full Circle… continue reading Spring Into a New Career With Free Virtual Career Workshops

By written by Steven D.    March 1, 2023   

• Business Resource and Innovation Center
• Job Seekers
• Languages and Learning
• Virtual Programs

Here in the northern hemisphere, the month of March is known for its changeable nature — predictable unpredictability, you might say! After all, it is the start of spring, a season of thaw and mud, of growth and new beginnings. What a perfect time of year to usher in new ways of thinking about the past, present, and future. That’s… continue reading Women’s History is for Everyone, Especially Kids and Teens

By written by Emily S.    March 1, 2023   

• Recommendations
• LEAP
• Women's History Month
• Read Baby Read
• Youth Services

What is Overdrive? Overdrive is the Free Library of Philadelphia’s portal to thousands of e-books, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines that you can read for free using your Free Library of Philadelphia library card. In April 2023, the OverDrive app , which accesses Overdrive e-books , e-audiobooks , and e-magazines on your phone, tablet,… continue reading The Overdrive App is Being Replaced with Libby

By written by Sharyl O.    March 1, 2023    15  

• Databases
• Ebooks
• Reading
• Childrens Books
• Digital Media
• Audiobooks

March is Women's History Month , and the Free Library is excited to spend the month celebrating!  Women's History Month as we know it today began as a celebration of Women's History Week. Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28, which designated the week of March 7, 1982, as Women's History Week. For the next five years, it… continue reading It's Women's History Month at the Library!

By written by Kate C.    March 1, 2023   

• Women's History Month

This March, we're celebrating Women's History Month by exploring titles created by and featuring women! Our children's titles feature adventure and inspiration, while our teen and adult selections focus on complicated choices and bravery. There's something for everyone this month! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade)… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in March!

By written by Rachel F.    February 28, 2023   

• Recommendations
• Women's History Month
• Monthly New Titles
• New Titles

The City of Philadelphia in conjunction with the Free Library administered the title of Youth Poet Laureate to Telicia Darius in September 2022. This civic position recognizes an exceptional poet who also demonstrates a commitment to the power of poetry to engage and inspire people throughout Philadelphia's neighborhoods. The City of… continue reading "La femme noir" by Philadelphia's Youth Poet Laureate, Telicia Darius

By written by Administrator    February 27, 2023   

• Poetry
• Black History Month
• Black Authors
• Black Women Authors
• Philadelphia Poet Laureate

Did you know? This year, February 27 is National Polar Bear Day. A day to celebrate and learn about polar bears is always a good day! A great place to start is right here at the library — we have many books about these amazing bears. Learn where they live, what their day is like and what challenges polar bears face in their own… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | National Polar Bear Day

By written by Monica C.    February 27, 2023   

• Childrens Books
• Recommendations
• Picture Book Highlights

The Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department strives to offer engaging and informative programs that touch on the wide variety of topics included within our collection of materials. Our upcoming program, The Message of Swami Vivekananda: An Interfaith Reading Group  is the first program we’re offering in 2023. We believe… continue reading Explore the Message of Swami Vivekananda With Our Interfaith Reading Group

By written by Alex B.    February 21, 2023   

• Events at the Library
• Reading
• Religion
• Spirituality

It’s Black History Month and the Free Library has an extensive archive of podcasts and videos to help you celebrate a diverse range of writers working in politics, fiction, food, poetry, religion, memoirs, sports, and much more. Here’s curated list of eight author events that feature some leading Black voices and viewpoints —… continue reading Celebrating Black Voices with the Free Library Podcast

By written by Jason F.    February 16, 2023   

• Podcasts
• Author Events
• Black History Month
• Black Authors
• Black Women Authors

One Book, One Philadelphia is a signature project of the Free Library of Philadelphia that promotes literacy, library usage, and civic dialogue by encouraging the entire greater Philadelphia area to come together through reading and discussing a single book.  From April 20–June 22 , dozens of free-to-the-public events, discussions,… continue reading Announcing the 2023 One Book, One Philadelphia Selections

By written by Bridget G.    February 15, 2023    5  

• Events at the Library
• One Book, One Philadelphia
• Reading
• Free Library Announcements