Read, Baby, Read is a Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy development among infants and young toddlers under two years old. We work with 12 participating libraries across Philadelphia to reach caregivers of all ages, providing resources that support early literacy skills, language development, and purposeful play. In… continue reading Read, Baby, Read Presents Early Literacy Ideas: Shapes!

By written by Sarah J.    July 14, 2021   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Childrens Books
• Early Literacy
• Read Baby Read

Each year, the Free Library celebrates the "Dog Days of Summer" with a social media campaign, inviting our community members to post pictures of their dogs who love to read and tag them with #FLPDogDays ! This year, the Parkway Central Children’s Department is bringing Dog Days to real life on Saturday, July 17, from 10:30 a.m.… continue reading Bring Your Furry Friend to Free Library Dog Day, Featuring Author-Illustrator Sarah Jacoby!

By written by Becky S.    July 14, 2021   

• Childrens Programs
• Childrens Books
• PAWS Read to a Dog

Since 2019, the Holmesburg Library's Book Club has met biweekly to discuss great modern literature, nineteenth-century classics, and historical nonfiction, to name just a few genres. Not even the pandemic could stop the book club from meeting as we continued to discuss via phone! The Holmsburg Library Book Club meets virtually every two… continue reading 10 Great Reads from the Holmesburg Library Book Club

By written by David K.    July 13, 2021   

• Recommendations
• Literature
• Virtual Programs
• Book Clubs

Summer is here, and we know you’re ready for some fun! Whether you’re looking for outdoor, in-person programs or virtual adventures, the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder has got you covered. Last summer, we learned how to keep cool without AC and to make DIY ice cream ! Read on to find out what’s in store for this… continue reading Summer of Wonder | Program Highlights for Families

By written by Emily S.    July 13, 2021   

• Summer Reading
• Virtual Programs

Did you know that July is Anti-Boredom Month ? If your job or class schedule has eased up for the summer and you find yourself with some extra time on your hands, check out these ways to beat boredom and keep busy with the help of the Free Library!   Attend an In-Person Outdoor Event or Log On to a Virtual Event Since the start… continue reading Beat Boredom with the Free Library in July

By written by Kate C.    July 12, 2021   

• Events at the Library
• Free Library Staff
• Library Card
• Library Resources
• Virtual Programs

Up from the depths and onto your screen, it's... Shark Week ! The Discovery Channel's annual feeding frenzy of shark-related media kicks off its 33rd year with shows featuring comedian Tiffany Haddish ( Tiffany Haddish Does Shark Week ), rapper Snoop Dogg ( Sharkadelic Summer 2 ), musician Brad Paisley (Brad Paisley's Shark… continue reading Are You Ready for Shark Week?

By written by Peter SM    July 9, 2021    1  

• Television
• Film
• Pop Culture
• Nature

by Breshay Woods, Culinary Literacy Center Intern Edible Alphabet  is a free English Language Learning (ELL) program offered by the Free Library's  Culinary Literacy Center.  Our mission is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking projects. For the time being, all Edible Alphabet classes… continue reading Edible Alphabet Recipe of the Week: Hummus and Flatbread

By written by Lindsay S.    July 9, 2021    1  

• Culinary Literacy
• Cooking
• English Language Learners
• Languages and Learning
• Edible Alphabet

Inspired by June’s Pride month and our LGBTQIA+ community members, we are celebrating the Rainbow Pantry again! Check out previous blog posts for more ideas on keeping and using colorful kitchen staples. This round, we are exploring ways to create our own cabinet, fridge, and freezer pantry items from scratch! Red A few strawberries will… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | The Rainbow Pantry... from Scratch!

By written by Shayna M.    July 8, 2021    2  

• Artists Books
• LGBTQ
• Culinary Literacy
• Recipes
• Cooking

Back in 2014, I wrote a blog post suggesting books that can help kids feel comfortable playing in the water. Some of us have no problem getting in the water from the get-go, while others need a little time and encouragement, and that is perfectly fine! Here are some new books to add to the list. Have fun reading (and later splashing in the… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Fun in the Water!

By written by Monica C.    July 7, 2021   

• Childrens Books
• Recommendations
• Summer
• Picture Book Highlights

This July we are celebrating America, we’re making wishes, we’re gaming, we’re walking the red carpet, we’re learning about the relationship between plants and brains, and we’re exploring race and policing—a little something for everyone in the following recommendations of new titles!   Young Children… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in July!

By written by Rachel F.    July 6, 2021   

• Recommendations
• Monthly New Titles

Over the past year and a half, Free Library staff  worked hard every day to bring  virtual events right to your living room while our library buildings remained closed due to the pandemic... but did you know we recently added outdoor in-person event offerings to our schedule?  That's right—from storytimes to yoga… continue reading Enjoy Free Library Outdoor Events This Summer!

By written by Kate C.    July 6, 2021   

• Events at the Library
• Free Library Staff

by Labonno Islam (Digital Engagement & Communications Specialist) and Juliet Fink-Yates (Digital Inclusion Fellow), City of Philadelphia  Office of Innovation and Technology The City of Philadelphia recognizes that access to the internet will remain critical for families and individuals as we begin to recover from the pandemic.… continue reading Get Connected to These Free Internet Access Programs and Resources!

By written by Administrator    July 2, 2021    6  

• Tech
• Digital Literacy

You got some change? Bring it out Don’t just stand there Playing a poor man’s game Change jingles in your pocket Like the dangling shackles Stuck in my ear, hurting my soul — from “Jukebox,” by Andre’a Rhoads, 2021-2022 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate The Free Library of Philadelphia is delighted to announce… continue reading Andre’a Rhoads Named the 2021-2022 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate

By written by Administrator    July 1, 2021    2  

• Poetry
• Philadelphia Poet Laureate

What is it like to be a tree? Trees grow tall and strong, they create shade and provide protection, they connect to the world and to each other, offering us food and comfort. Can we be like trees? Can a tree be a special and unique friend? The books below might have the answer!   Be a Tree! written by Maria Gianferrari; illustrated by… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Trees

By written by Monica C.    June 30, 2021   

• Childrens Books
• Recommendations
• Picture Book Highlights

by Breshay Woods, Culinary Literacy Center Intern Edible Alphabet  is a free English Language Learning (ELL) program offered by the Free Library's  Culinary Literacy Center . Our mission is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking projects. For the time being, all Edible Alphabet classes… continue reading Edible Alphabet Recipe of the Week: Black Bean Burgers

By written by Lindsay S.    June 29, 2021   

• Culinary Literacy
• English Language Learners
• Languages and Learning
• Edible Alphabet

The City of Philadelphia has declared a Heat Health Emergency beginning at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, June 29. It will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, or longer if conditions merit an extension. Seven  neighborhood library locations will serve as designated cooling centers with extended… continue reading Seven Free Library Locations to Serve as Cooling Centers During Heat Health Emergency

By written by Jenn D.    June 28, 2021    2  

• Cooling Centers
• Neighborhood Libraries

During Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of those who have immigrated to the United States and their descendants. As Guerline Jozef explains , "I look around me, and I only see three very distinct groups of people in America. I see the Native Americans. I see the descendants of slaves who were… continue reading Staff Spotlight on Jade Cintron Baez | Immigrant Heritage Month

By written by Emily S.    June 28, 2021   

• Free Library Staff
• Immigrant Heritage

Between Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, block parties, and—let’s be honest—any day with decent weather, Philadelphia loves a cookout. With so many opportunities this summer to come together outdoors, it’s a perfect time to diversify your menus and improve your diet with some new dishes. Besides being versatile,… continue reading What’s Cooking, Grilladelphia?!

By written by Lane    June 25, 2021    1  

• Recommendations
• Culinary Literacy

Join the Adult Literacy Book Club, presented by the Free Library's Languages and Learning Center and Beyond Literacy . Improve your reading skills while reading and discussing interesting books! Don't always have a lot of time to read? No problem. The club only covers a few chapters at each meeting so you will have plenty of time to… continue reading The Adult Literacy Book Club's Latest Book Selection

By written by Phil K.    June 24, 2021   

• Reading
• Seniors
• Literacy
• English Language Learners
• Virtual Programs
• Book Clubs

And we are back to my favorite season of the year ! There’s so much to do when the weather is warm, when sunshine lasts long through the day, and there’s all kinds of things to be done outside: playing, exploring, swimming, camping, and hiking—or just going for a nice walk and sitting down under a tree to read a book. Here are… continue reading Picture Books Highlights | Summer=Outdoors!

By written by Monica C.    June 24, 2021   

• Childrens Books
• Recommendations
• Picture Book Highlights