O’Reilly for Public Libraries provides tens of thousands of e-books, audiobooks, and on-demand courses focused on the latest developments in technology, personal finance, and business culture. Everything is available for simultaneous use, which means no waiting. Filter your search results by level, user rating, or format. … continue reading O'Reilly for Public Libraries
By written by Tyler S. August 12, 2025
Join us for new sessions of our Federal Employee Transition Workshops at the Free Library. Come together with fellow federal workers for a workshop aimed at updating resumes, leveraging LinkedIn and other job search tools, and networking to help transition to your next rewarding role. Leaving a federal government role can be both a daunting and… continue reading Federal Employee Transition Workshops: Back by Popular Demand
By written by Administrator August 11, 2025
The Free Library offers a variety of homework help solutions for students of all ages. The Literacy Enrichment After-School Program ( LEAP ) , available throughout the school year, offers free drop-in homework assistance and curriculum-enriching programming for students in grades K–12. And with a library card ,… continue reading Free Homework Help With Your Library Card
By written by Bridget G. August 11, 2025 4
One brisk March day on our lunch break, my friend Chris and I saw a lifeless feathered body in a storm grate on the street. The bird wasn’t a typical city bird — it had a very long bill and a beautiful mix of brown, gray, and black feathers. It was an American woodcock, a bird that nests in young forests, not the corner of 22nd… continue reading Why Do Birds Collide With Buildings?
By written by Laura S. July 28, 2025 1
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) The Marvelous Now by by Angela DiTerlizzi A magical friend called The Marvelous Now shares the wonders of mindfulness and the serenity of living in the present moment.… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in August
By written by Rachel F. July 28, 2025
More books are written by and for trans and nonbinary people than ever before, and the Free Library wants YOU to read them with us! Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for a virtual citywide book club for trans and nonbinary adult readers. Each month, we will read books written by trans and nonbinary authors and… continue reading Join the Trans By Trans Book Club
By written by Flan P. July 16, 2025 12
Dick Levinson joined the Free Library of Philadelphia about 15 years ago as a Community Relations Specialist. He was the first employee of Central Senior Services , working part-time and producing compelling public programs for seniors, which remains a key part of his mission. Having hosted so many lauded and interesting programs, we wanted to… continue reading Central Senior Services Programming: A Look at What Keeps It Thriving
By written by Joe S. July 14, 2025 2
Five Free Library locations are offering children and youth aged 18 and under ready-to-eat meals this summer: Haverford Library , Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library , McPherson Square Library , Oak Lane Library , and Queen Memorial Library . No IDs are required for youth to receive a free meal. Meals must be eaten on-site. Dates… continue reading Library Locations Acting as Student Meal Sites
By written by Administrator June 30, 2025
The Edwin A. Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music , in partnership with Play on Philly (POP), is thrilled to announce the second installment of our Edwin A. Fleisher Scholarship! We love this partnership because POP echoes Edwin Fleisher’s original concept in 1909 of assisting young Philadelphians with their musical education… continue reading Second Fleisher Collection Scholarship Awarded to Philadelphia Tubist, Keith Holmes
By written by Gillian R. June 27, 2025 2
The Free Library is pleased to announce the graduation of 13 patrons from the Digital Skills Program, taught by Beyond Literacy . This eight-week course covers computer and internet basics, and students must pass assessments in eight topics to complete the program. This week, the 13 graduates will join 75 graduates in celebrating their… continue reading Beyond Literacy Honoring Digital Skills Graduates from Five Libraries
By written by Lu F. June 25, 2025 2
Explore something new with one of these titles coming to the Free Library in July! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) A Sky that Sings by Anita Sanchez Mia, a blind girl who enjoys identifying birds by their distinctive calls and songs, leads her aunt on a bird-listening adventure through the park. Mia and her tía are spending a sunny… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in July
By written by Rachel F. June 24, 2025 1
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Special Collections is excited to present a free catalog of items that can be used to supplement Dungeons and Dragon s and other tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs)! Each in-game item was inspired by a real-life object in the Library's Special Collections. Check out the Oddities and Wonders: A… continue reading Oddities and Wonders: A Selection of Unusual Artifacts for TTRPG Players
By written by Kelly D. June 24, 2025 4
Attention teens aged 14–19! Are you passionate about social justice? Are you looking for a unique learning and service opportunity? Philadelphia City Institute Library will be holding a Teen Social Justice Fellowship program this fall, and you could be a part of it! We will select three Philadelphia teenagers between the ages of… continue reading Seeking Teen Applicants for the 2025 Social Justice Fellowship
By written by Administrator June 23, 2025
The Free Library is proud to announce the implementation of Homosaurus , a linked data vocabulary of LGBTQ+ terms. Homosaurus enhances LGBTQ+ discoverability within the catalog by offering patrons a broader range of search terms. In the catalog, we use the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) controlled vocabulary to… continue reading Incorporating Homosaurus Into the Free Library's Catalog
By written by Clint F. June 23, 2025
Being Black and LGBTQ+ means navigating multiple dimensions of identity, each with its own unique set of challenges and triumphs. For some, the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and Black communities is a rich legacy of resilience, culture, and community that has shaped generations. It means embracing the complexity of love, identity, and… continue reading Black and Queer: 10 Powerful Reads at the Crossroads of Identity
By written by Dr. Guy Sims June 18, 2025
The Free Library is thrilled to welcome the community back to its recently renovated and reopened branches: Lawncrest Library , Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library , Kingsessing Library , and Frankford Library ! After much anticipation, each of these branches has been thoughtfully modernized to include improved ADA accessibility features,… continue reading Welcoming You Back to the Free Library's Improved Branches!
By written by Administrator June 17, 2025 15
What do the TTRPG (tabletop role-playing game) community and the LGBTQ+ community have in common, besides long acronyms? It turns out, a whole lot; there is a significant overlap between the two communities! Tabletop role-playing games, or TTRPGs, are cooperative, narrative-based games typically played with a group. They involve… continue reading Rolling for Identity: The Intersection of TTRPGs and LGBTQ+ Communities
By written by Kelly D. June 17, 2025 1
The Go Birds: Appreciating Our Avian Friends exhibition is on view in the Second Floor West Gallery at the Parkway Central Library from June 2 – August 30, 2025 . Birds have long captivated humankind with their graceful flight, unique plumage, and enchanting songs. Adapting to natural and built… continue reading Go Birds: Appreciating Our Avian Friends - An Exhibition from Special Collections
By written by Kelly D. June 16, 2025
Queer people and video games have gone hand-in-hand since the days of Pac-Man . Who among us hasn’t made their Sims get gay married? Or dreamt about rescuing Princess Zelda from the clutches of evil? Or built the perfect village on Animal Crossing ? Thankfully, the Free Library of Philadelphia is home not just to books, but video… continue reading Pride in Video Gayming
By written by Collin K.-H. June 16, 2025
The Free Library is pleased to announce that the Rare Book Department in Parkway Central Library will reopen to the public on Monday, June 16 , following the successful completion of a major renovation and HVAC replacement. This essential upgrade provides better climate control to support the long-term preservation of our… continue reading The Rare Book Department Reopens on Monday, June 16
By written by Administrator June 13, 2025
