The news these days is filled with stories about the economy ramping up as businesses reopen and people return to work after a year and a half of pandemic-imposed shutdown. The best news is there are a record number of job openings, making this an interesting time to think about your career journey. If you’ve experienced job disruption… continue reading Launch Your Career with Philly Career Launch
By written by Annette M. July 27, 2021 5
Yes, it’s that time of the year again, to head to the beach (or a heavily air conditioned reading nook) and dive into some fun reading! Here are some new and newish books that are perfect for giving yourself a mental vacation: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship alone, not knowing who he is or why… continue reading Summer Reading with Dena!
By written by Dena July 26, 2021
After the postponement of the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the torch will be lit once again this year as the rescheduled Summer Games will take place in Tokyo, Japan starting today, Friday, July 23, and run through Sunday, August 8 . This Summer Olympic Games, the 29th held since 1896, will feature over 11,000 athletes competing… continue reading Local Athletes Competing in the Summer Olympics
By written by Peter SM July 23, 2021 1
Broccoli is a delicious, nutritious flower! With its different textures, vibrant green color, and good flavor, broccoli can ignite ideas both in and out of the kitchen. Blanching is a way to quickly cook vegetables in hot water. This technique makes vegetables colorful and tender, while still keeping them crisp. Broccoli is a great vegetable to… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | Broccoli Has Flower Power!
By written by Shayna M. July 23, 2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has studied the impact of loneliness and social isolation on American seniors and the results are deeply disturbing. Extensive studies of the subject reveal that social isolation of older adults significantly increases their risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival… continue reading Central Senior Services Joins Moore College of Art to Fight Social Isolation During Pandemic
By written by Richard L. July 22, 2021
Summer is for get-togethers—the perfect time for vacations, celebrations, and family reunions. This is especially true this year, as the pandemic postponed many events, so getting together now is even sweeter. Is your family planning a reunion? Whether it's in your backyard, in a park, or in a different city, we hope you have fun… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Family Reunions
By written by Monica C. July 21, 2021
The Free Library of Philadelphia has for years offered the Homebound program as well as email , chat , and text reference services for those who can't access their local library in person, but amidst the COVID-19 pandemic a new option was launched in the form of a brand new call center ! In June of 2020, making it… continue reading Spotlight On the Free Library Call Center
By written by Administrator July 20, 2021 3
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! From access to books and other materials to computers and wireless internet access, our libraries currently offering in-person services are here for you, and we're working to… continue reading Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer with the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. July 19, 2021 1
Recognize and represent our city for its contributions to the popularization of ice cream in the US! And be sure to join us at the Haddington Library on Friday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m. for a demonstration, tasting, and celebration . Water ice may very well be the frozen treat that brings nationwide attention to Philadelphia, but we are actually… continue reading Philly Versus the World: A Battle Over Ice Cream
By written by Lane July 16, 2021
Summertime is here and the Free Library is offering incredible outdoor and virtual programming! This July marks the second summer we’ve spent during the COVID-19 pandemic and as we gather safely to celebrate this spectacular season of summer fun, this is also a time to celebrate our outstanding Free Library staff who have been offering… continue reading Q&A with Christina Holmes | Children's Summer Programming at Blackwell Regional Library
By written by Inaara S. July 16, 2021 2
It’s beach time! Grab your bathing suits, towels, sunscreen, and go to the beach. Here are some books to get you in the mood for some sand, sun, and fun! Board Books Beach Baby written by Laurie Elmquist ; illustrated by Elly Mackay A gentle, poetic lullaby for babies, filled with memories from a perfect day playing on the beach.… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Let's Go to the Beach!
By written by Monica C. July 15, 2021
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
