From May 2nd to May 8th, the country will be celebrating Children's Book Week , an annual celebration that promotes the joy of reading to children and young people. The event began a little over 100 years ago when Franklin K. Matthiews, the librarian of the Boy Scouts of America began a mission to promote higher standards in children's… continue reading Children's Book Week & the Free Library
By written by Chris B. May 3, 2022
Are you a creative, engaged student who is passionate about writing, reading, performing, and experiencing poetry? Are you equally passionate about working with your peers and other students to bring more poetry to Philadelphia? If so, apply to become the 2022-2023 Youth Poet Laureate! The Youth Poet Laureate of Philadelphia serves as a leader… continue reading Are You Philadelphia’s Next Youth Poet Laureate?
By written by Kris L. May 2, 2022 3
It's Jewish-American Heritage Month. Jewish-Americans have a rich and storied history and culture of our own. Many things we think of as chiefly Jewish are actually distinctly Jewish-American: From Bagels and Lox to the Conservative, Renewal, and Reconstructionist movements that have found their homes in synagogues around the country.… continue reading Jewish-American Heritage Month 2022
By written by Shelley R. May 2, 2022
We have a little something for everyone in these new titles coming to the Free Library of Philadelphia this May! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country by Kelly Yang From creating beautiful music like Yo-Yo Ma to flying to outer space like Franklin Chang-Díaz; from standing up to injustice… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in May!
By written by Rachel F. May 2, 2022
You’ve most likely noticed when you visit your neighborhood library, all the books intended for school age children have a “j” label placed on the spine (sometimes “j” with a number if the subject of the book is factual). But why “j,” you might reasonably ask, when “k” – for kids… continue reading Four Young Ladies Show Courage
By written by Jeff B. April 26, 2022
It's the eve of the 20th season of One Book, One Philadelphia , and the opening event is tomorrow, Wednesday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m., featuring a conversation with Quiara Alegría Hudes—the author of the One Book 2022 featured title, My Broken Language —and Lilliam Rivera, the… continue reading The One Book, One Philadelphia Kickoff Is Upon Us!
By written by Nell M. April 26, 2022
Written by Isabel S. April 23 marks the day that we traditionally celebrate William Shakespeare’s birth and deathday, though neither of those occasions are confirmed to have actually been on the 23rd. Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, so historians estimate his actual birth was a few days before that. The same holds true for his… continue reading Rosemary for Shakespeare
By written by Administrator April 25, 2022
Every day is a good day to learn about how you can take care of the Earth and put that knowledge into action. I think one of the reasons some people have trouble acknowledging holidays like this is because the environmental issues we are experiencing are far too large and too global. While this is true, there are things that you can do as… continue reading Happy Earth Day!
By written by Kamilah C. April 22, 2022
In the summer of 2019, my fiancée and I spent one weekend volunteering for the Special Olympics in New Jersey. He volunteered for the organization back when he is college and a couple of times since then. The thought had been on his mind to return to the Special Olympics. This time, he wanted to bring me along. The event had… continue reading It's Volunteer Recognition Day!
By written by Kamilah C. April 20, 2022
Just in time for spring cleaning, N. C. Wyeth's The Old Woman Tost Up in a Basket is back on display in Up Above: Thinking About the Skies in Parkway Central Library. Creating and researching an exhibition is always an enjoyable and engaging experience, but the information we provide in our exhibition labels has to be brief. Most… continue reading Up Above: Thinking about the "Little Old Lady Tost Up in a Basket"
By written by Chris B. April 19, 2022 2
It’s never too late to take personal inventory and check in with yourself. How is your mental health? When was the last time you drank some water or ate a fully balanced meal? Can you remember the last time you inhaled and exhaled with intention? Do you have a quiet place nearby where you can decompress? When was the last time you visited… continue reading April is Stress Awareness Month
By written by Kamilah C. April 11, 2022
In 2026, the country will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. All eyes will be on Philadelphia as we recognize the historic events that occurred here in 1776. The Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to be a part of PHILADELPHIA250 , the nonprofit organizing the City of Philadelphia’s 250th, and its growing… continue reading Get Ready: 2026 Starts Now!
By written by Janine P. April 8, 2022
Spring symbolizes resurrection. The awakening from Winter into new birth, new spirit, new possibilities. During April 2022 - Jazz Appreciation Month , Philadelphia Jazz Project in collaboration with the Free Library of Philadelphia's Music Department are featuring three amazing shows, two of which are at the Parkway Central Library! Big… continue reading Enjoy Philly Celebrates Jazz Month at the Free Library!
By written by Perry G. April 8, 2022
“La poesía es un espacio de libertad/ Poetry is a space of freedom”. Carlos José Pérez Sámano, Mexican poet and writer Poetry explores the language and its limitations. It’s a way to get closer to reality. The poet invents diverse forms of expressions. The words, phrases, and sentences weave visual… continue reading The lyrical speaker: Finding your own voice through poetry!
By written by Mary Marques April 7, 2022
by Spencer Duncan, Digital Equity Vista at the Office of Innovation and Technology Helping Philadelphians get access to devices is a key goal in Philadelphia’s Digital Equity Plan . Experts say that “insufficient access to large-screen devices—desktops, laptops, or tablets—can have negative consequences for people of all… continue reading Find free or low-cost laptops and computers
By written by Administrator April 7, 2022 3
April showers, as they say, bring May flowers, and we’ll be very glad to see them this year! But what else does April bring? It’s National Poetry Month , and there are so many ways to celebrate poetry! Get to know Philadelphia’s current Poet Laureates , including the award-winning poet and scholar Airea D. Matthews and Youth… continue reading In April, Every Day Is a Poem!
By written by Emily S. April 6, 2022 2
It should come as no surprise that libraries are one of my favorite places in the whole wide world! Wherever I go, I always have to check out the local public library! I always feel welcomed and lucky to be in a place filled with books. But what do you do when there are no libraries near you? Thank goodness for traveling… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | National Bookmobile Day
By written by Monica C. April 6, 2022 1
Ah, Spring, that magical season when a young person's mind turns to thoughts of friendship, feelings, and free verse. No wonder April is Poetry Month! Here in Philadelphia, the days are getting longer, the temperatures are getting warmer; buds, birds, and blooms begin to appear and creativity begins to stir in many minds. There are more… continue reading Novels-In-Verse Recommendations for Poetry Month
By written by Jeff B. April 5, 2022
"We are books. We are these vessels of information, stories, inspiration, love." — Mieka Moody, librarian and One Book selection committee member Reflecting on 20 years of the One Book, One Philadelphia program, we are truly so excited for what will come in the next decades, including what we'll be reading and all the ways… continue reading Watch 20 Years of One Book, One Philadelphia
By written by Brittanie S. April 5, 2022
It’s one of our favorite weeks of the year— National Library Week ! This year's theme is "Connect with your Library," celebrating libraries as places to connect to technology as well as with media, programs, classes, ideas, and most importantly, with each other. Founded in 1958, this annual celebration is a time to… continue reading Happy National Library Week!
By written by Kate C. April 4, 2022
