Was there a saint of love? Despite myths surrounding the "real" Saint Valentine , this holiday likely owes its origins to Medieval English poet Chaucer . At a time of growing romance around ideas of forbidden courtly love, he penned a poem that referenced the yet-to-be-consecrated holiday with the following line: "For this was on… continue reading Who Was the Saint of Valentine's Day?
By written by Emily S. February 14, 2022
by Nathalie Marquez, Language and Learning Center Intern The Languages and Learning Center has launched the Leamos! ( Let’s Read! ) literacy program, with both virtual and in-person classes , to teach Spanish-speaking adults how to read and write in Spanish. The program is completely free and consists of 43 self-paced instructional… continue reading Leamos! (Let’s Read!) Literacy Program
By written by Administrator February 11, 2022 1
Are you a fan of comic book characters such as Marvel Comics' Black Panther or DC Comics' Black Lighting ? These Black superhero comics gained renewed popularity in recent years as a result of blockbuster movies and TV series. Did you know before 1957, Black writers, illustrators, and cartoonists could not work for White comic book… continue reading Early Black Comic Book Writers, Illustrators, and Newspaper Cartoonists
By written by Sandy M. February 10, 2022 1
Can you guess what one of the world’s favorite foods is? It’s pizza! Whether you bake it your own, eat it in a restaurant by the slice (or the whole pie!), or buy it frozen from a supermarket—pizza is a popular choice worldwide. There are all kinds of pizzas, and that’s one of its charms: thin or thick crust, with all… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | National Pizza Day
By written by Monica C. February 9, 2022
by Germaine Ingram On Sunday, February 13, at 6:00 p.m., live on YouTube , I’ll be in conversation with the tap/jazz aficionado and irrepressible raconteur Hank Smith on his every-so-often show Hangin’ with Hank . We’ll kick back and chat about the research I’ve been doing, for the past three decades, on Louise Madison… continue reading Hangin’ with Hank: Imagining Louise
By written by Administrator February 8, 2022
Black History Month is a time to illuminate the past, to remember past trials and tribulations, and to celebrate the contributions of Black people in this country. The theme of this year’s celebration is Health and Wellness, an appropriate focus in the era of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and a prime opportunity to address the… continue reading Celebrate Health and Wellness this Black History Month Throughout Philadelphia
By written by Emily S. February 7, 2022
It may be chilly outside, but the Free Library has some titles to warm you up this month! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Hey You!: An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black by Dapo Adeola This book addresses—honestly, yet hopefully—the experiences Black children face growing up with systemic racism, as well as providing hope… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in February!
By written by Rachel F. February 4, 2022
Araminta (Minty) Ross was born a slave in March 1821. As a free woman, she was reborn under the name of Harriet Tubman. As the conductor of the Underground Railroad, Harriet was named the Moses of her people. Harriet Tubman got the nickname of "Moses" after the prophet Moses in the Bible , who led his people to freedom. Following the… continue reading Harriet Tubman’s Legacy
By written by Mary Marques February 3, 2022
Today is the 36th annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) , started in 1974 by the Women’s Sports Foundation . The purpose of the foundation is to provide support, resources, and communities for young girls and women in the world of sports. They also are passionate about promoting the physical, mental, and… continue reading National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD)
By written by Kamilah C. February 2, 2022
This February, the Free Library is proud to commemorate Black History Month , honoring the triumphs and achievements of Black Americans throughout U.S. history and celebrating Black history, culture, and heritage. Black History Month offers all of us an opportunity to learn more about the significant contributions of Black Americans, including… continue reading Celebrating Black History Month at the Free Library
By written by Inaara S. February 1, 2022 1
Happy Lunar New Year! 2022 is the Year of the Tiger . While we wait for the big day, which this year falls on February 1, how about we read some books with this beautiful and fearsome animal as a character? In these stories, tigers are protective, playful, adventurous, legendary, and good friends. Board Books Mama Tiger, Tiger Cub by… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Year of the Tiger
By written by Monica C. January 31, 2022
January 28 is National LEGO Day! LEGO books are almost as numerous as LEGO blocks. You may have even seen some on your neighborhood library shelves – the books, I mean! Guides on How-To? Check! Books showcasing creative and beautiful builds? Check! Books set in any universe you can think of (LEGO Harry Potter, LEGO Star Wars, LEGO DC,… continue reading Happy National LEGO Day!
By written by Jeff B. January 28, 2022
Librarians, educators, and children’s book lovers have long-anticipated this year’s crop of Youth Media Award winners ! Chosen by the American Library Association, the 2022 award-winning titles were announced on Monday, January 24 during the first installment of a new virtual conference, LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience .… continue reading 2022 Youth Media Award Winners
By written by Emily S. January 27, 2022
It's that time of year again—Tax Season. But don't fret, the Free Library is here to help you make sense of it all! 2021 IRS Tax Return Updates Besides the annual inflation adjustments and increased standardized deduction that taxpayers can expect when filing their 2021 tax return, the Internal Revenue Service has provided a few… continue reading Important Information to Help You File Your Taxes This Year!
By written by Marija G. January 27, 2022
February 2, 2022, will mark the centennial of the publication of James Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses . Constructed as a modern parallel to Homer’s Odyssey , Ulysses takes place over the course of a single day in Dublin, Ireland, on June 16, 1904. While it is regarded as one of the finest… continue reading Ulysses at 100
By written by Rosa D. January 26, 2022
In the Path of Islam, in collaboration with Al-Bustan Seed of Culture, are excited to announce the return of the well-received, virtual, free Arabic conversation classes this February and March. Students will practice the sounds and letters of the Arabic language and will be introduced to basic grammar, common vocabulary, and… continue reading Free Virtual Arabic Language Programs Return in February and March!
By written by Joe S. January 25, 2022 3
Did you know that January is National Hobby Month ? From baking bread in mass quantities to perfecting our puzzle skills, many of us have used these unorthodox past two years to find new things we enjoy doing in our downtime! Are you looking for your next hobby? Let the Free Library help! By checking out an instrument from our … continue reading Find a New Hobby with the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. January 21, 2022 2
Another year, another stack of superhero stories, fascinating biographies, funny books, and extraordinary illustrated tales that defy classification! While not necessarily a "Top 10" (especially since I selected 21!), and definitely not in any order of greater or lesser importance, the following are just 21 really cool, fun,… continue reading 21 Great Graphic Novels and Comics from 2021
By written by Peter SM January 19, 2022
Most of us are familiar with the artwork created by the Works Progress Administration: the striking photography, the murals in state buildings and post offices, the posters, and the public sculptures, but fewer are aware of the work done by the writers and authors who produced that work. The WPA relief programs were widely criticized as… continue reading The Federal Writers' Project American Guides
By written by Nina C. January 18, 2022
Today, the Free Library welcomes Mr. Kelly Richards as its new Director . Prior to this appointment, Kelly served as the Muskegon Area District Library Director in Michigan and Michigan Library Association President. He brings with him almost three decades of library experience. He began his career in library services in the Las Vegas Clark… continue reading Q&A with New Free Library Director, Kelly Richards
By written by Administrator January 14, 2022 15
