Ready for some new reads to escape this long, hot summer? Read on for fun and inspiring books to help get you through the dog days of August. Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) To Change a Planet by Christina Soontornvat; illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell Earth spins through eons of time, and then one day humans arrive and they change the… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in August!
By written by Rachel F. August 1, 2022
Are you passionate about serving diverse populations in an urban public library setting? Are you ready for all that Philadelphia has to offer? If so, then please consider this community-focused Librarian position housed within a large, municipal library system—the Free Library of Philadelphia . We expect to hire many librarians (MLS or… continue reading We're Hiring Librarians!
By written by Jenn D. July 25, 2022 1
Chess is thriving! The New York Times recently reported that interest in chess is at a 50 year high, the highest level since the 1972 World Chess Championship between American Bobby Fischer (1943-2008) and Soviet Boris Spassky (1937 - ). Bobby Fischer won the much-watched match, and solidified his reputation as one of the (if not the ) greatest… continue reading International Chess Day is July 20th
By written by Sharyl O. July 20, 2022
Here's one more reason to love July: it's National Ice Cream Month! There's something special about having ice cream in the summer -- a cool, delicious, creamy treat for the hot days of the year. Here are some picture books to get you in the mood for an ice cream treat (not that you needed any encouragement, right?) Ice cream face… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | National Ice Cream Month
By written by Monica C. July 19, 2022
Strawberries are super and sweet to look at and to eat! In this video, Shayna used strawberries as her theme for making handmade cards . What ideas do you have for making cards or stationary? What shapes and colors can you find in different fruits and vegetables? Nourishing Literacy offers food, literacy, wellness, and life skills… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | Let's make strawberry cards with Shayna!
By written by Shayna M. July 15, 2022
The Summer Readers of Philadelphia are on a roll. Just halfway through the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder, we’re more than halfway to our citywide online reading minutes goal! If you’re not signed up yet, it’s not too late! Join the Summer of Wonder online today, and help us reach 100,000 community minutes read by… continue reading Halfway through Summer of Wonder 2022!
By written by Emily S. July 14, 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™. This post was written by Bilingual Early… continue reading Literacy in Early Learning Spaces | How do young children interact with books?
By written by Emily S. July 13, 2022
As the days get warmer in our area, we hope you keep the Free Library in mind as a great place to cool off! Here are a few ways to beat the heat with us (and our friends around the City of Philadelphia!). Borrow a birding backpack from select Free Library locations, and head into the shade of some of the best hiking trails in our area!… continue reading 6 Ways to Keep Cool with the Free Library and in Philly this Summer!
By written by Kate C. July 12, 2022
Lately, transgender and gender non-conforming youth have been a hot topic across the nation. Many people feel confused, even panicked, and it can be hard to tell what claims being made are even true. We've assembled a panel of experts: real parents and professionals who support transgender and gender non-conforming children and adolescents.… continue reading Empathy Versus Misinformation: Transgender Youth Panel Series
By written by Shelley R. July 11, 2022
This July we are exploring summer treats going down the shore, world travel, escaping into sweet love stories, and possibly, battling our own clone! A little something for everyone in the following recommendations of new titles! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) A Day for Sandcastles by JonArno Lawson; illustrated by Qin Leng A busload of… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in July!
By written by Rachel F. July 8, 2022 1
Phew, the summer is heating up! As we all try our best to deal with the rising temperatures in our area, don't forget that the Free Library is a great place to cool off. Check your neighborhood library's hours of operation and available services on our Locations page —we hope to see you this summer for a visit!… continue reading Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer!
By written by Kate C. June 30, 2022
Are you between the ages of 14 and 19? Do you have a passion and commitment for social justice? Are you looking for an opportunity where you can learn, serve your community, and develop/demonstrate your leadership skills? Would you like to earn $400? The Philadelphia City Institute Library is currently accepting applications for its summer Teen… continue reading Free Library Seeking Teen Social Justice Fellows!
By written by Erin H. June 28, 2022
The Pride Flag as we know it today has gone through several iterations since its birth in 1978. It has a long and rich history that started in San Francisco with artist Gilbert Baker, who met a local activist who urged him to create a symbol to represent the gay community. That activist was Harvey Milk, who later became… continue reading The History of the Pride Flag
By written by Kamilah C. June 24, 2022
Celebrate Pride month with these new picture books, where you will find stories of love, family and joy, told with humor and tenderness. And there's more — be sure to check our booklist for additional titles available at your Free Library. Twas the night before pride by Joanna McClintick ; illustrated by Juana Medina A glittering… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Celebrate Pride Month
By written by Monica C. June 22, 2022
Summer is here, and along with the rising temperatures, the Summer of Wonder is heating up! In June, we kicked off Pride Month with a brand new Pride March right here in Philly, and we’re celebrating Pride with the Free Library all month long! June is also the time we honor Immigrant Heritage Month with the theme Looking Back to Move… continue reading Summer of Wonder is Heating Up!
By written by Emily S. June 21, 2022 3
Father’s Day can be celebrated in many different ways – with a day full of activities or as quiet day filled with longing and memories. For all those celebrating Father’s Day, together or apart, here’s a list of picture books to cherish. Daddy speaks love by Leah Henderson ; illustrated by E.B. Lewis -- A… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Father's Day
By written by Monica C. June 16, 2022
The Rosenbach's annual Bloomsday festival is BACK on Delancey Place after a two-year hiatus. Join the celebration on Thursday, June 16 anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. What is Bloomsday? Bloomsday is the day the world celebrates Leopold Bloom’s fictional journey through the streets of Dublin, as imagined in… continue reading Bloomsday is back!
By written by Rosa D. June 15, 2022
The Free Library is celebrating Juneteenth! Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of enslavement in the United States and a time when we come together to celebrate this monumental occasion across the country, within our cities, and with our local communities. On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned from… continue reading Celebrating Juneteenth!
By written by Inaara S. June 14, 2022
The Free Library Board of Trustees will be holding its annual meeting of FY22 on Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. View the upcoming meeting agenda The meeting will be held in-person at Parkway Central Library (1901 Vine Street) in the rooms 405/406/407 on the 4th floor. The Vine Street entrance will be open until… continue reading Free Library Board of Trustees Public Meeting on Thursday, June 16 at 4:00 p.m.
By written by Administrator June 10, 2022
Discovery is an essential component of growth. Discovering aspects of the self and the world all around enables learning, understanding…growth. June is Pride Month and the Pride Movement has had its moments of discovery, too, as it has learned and grown since the days of Stonewall. As always, books and literature have kept pace with… continue reading Page After Page of Pride: 6 Middle Grade Titles for Pride Month
By written by Jeff B. June 10, 2022
