This year going back to school looks very different than ever before. No school buses, no first day back at school, no new classrooms, no field trips, etc. At least, not yet. It will take some adjusting, for sure. But through these uncertain times, there is something that will always be there for you: books. Books can be your constant… continue reading Picture Books Highlights | Books and Reading
By written by Monica C. September 10, 2020
Edible Alphabet is a free English Language Learning (ELL) program offered by the Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center . The mission is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking projects. For the time being, all Edible Alphabet classes are being run virtually in the interest of public health and safety .… continue reading Edible Alphabet Recipe of the Week: Veggie Mac and Cheese
By written by Lindsay S. September 10, 2020
2020 has brought many changes to the United States, including changes to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Free Library stands with immigrants and is here to support the information needs of all Philadelphia residents with resources about citizenship and naturalization . On Wednesday, September 23, the Languages… continue reading Immigration and Citizenship Resources from the Free Library
By written by Lindsay S. September 9, 2020 1
We have good news to share! Following the guidance of public health officials, the Free Library is now expanding our available services at some of our locations to include several in-building resources. You can now visit several libraries to: Use computers, wireless internet, and printers Utilize grab-and-go holds pickup inside the… continue reading Available Services are Expanding at the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. September 8, 2020 4
The Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the appointment of Leslie M. Walker as the Interim Director of the Free Library. This appointment comes after a month-long search process conducted by a committee of Free Library staff, Trustee members, Foundation Board members, and a City… continue reading Leslie M. Walker Named Interim Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia
By written by Administrator September 4, 2020 8
We at the Free Library love to shout to the mountaintops about all that libraries can do for their communities, and while we may not always be as comfortable asking our patrons to do something for us, this request is urgent—today and through September 30, we need your help to make sure that every Philadelphian, every Pennsylvanian, and… continue reading 2020 Census: Tell All Your Friends and Neighbors!
By written by Adam F. September 4, 2020
2020 Summer of Wonder poster In December, the Free Library and the design team at Mighty Engine put out a contest call for artwork from high school students. Deyania Sanders’ art teacher encouraged her to submit. Now, she’s the artist behind 2020’s Summer of Wonder. I’m so glad to meet you. This Summer of Wonder… continue reading An Interview with Deyania Sanders, the High School Artist Behind This Year's Summer of Wonder
By written by Emily S. September 4, 2020 8
Edible Alphabet is a free English Language Learning (ELL) program offered by the Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center . The mission is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking projects. For the time being, all Edible Alphabet classes are being run virtually in the interest of public health and safety .… continue reading Edible Alphabet Recipe of the Week: Vegetarian Jambalaya
By written by Lindsay S. September 3, 2020 1
The Business Resource and Innovation Center’s (BRIC) free business resources are accessible anywhere! That means you can conduct business research at your leisure from the comfort of your home. So grab your cat, a hot beverage, and your business plan template . It’s time to get your research on! Whether you’re currently… continue reading At Home with BRIC: Creating a Competitive Analysis
By written by Gillian R. September 3, 2020
Hello to our friends of all ages! The Nourishing Literacy team is in the process of creating a series of printed learning materials and we would be thrilled to include your artwork! Call for Artwork Community Coloring Books and Activity Workbooks are the tools that we are currently creating. In the future, some of the art submissions will be… continue reading Call for Artwork: Nourishing Literacy Series of Printed Learning Materials
By written by Shayna M. September 2, 2020
What do books and objects from 800 years ago have to do with our present-day concerns? An exhibition taking shape online and in the Rare Book Department 's William B. Dietrich Gallery uses objects from the distant past to illuminate enduring topics like how we practice religion, interact with our government, earn income, build… continue reading "Medieval Life" Comes to Parkway Central
By written by Janine P. September 2, 2020
The new school year starts this week throughout Philadelphia and whether students will be attending school in-person and / or virtually, the Free Library is ready to help with resources and programs to help make the school year a success. Here are some of the many ways the Free Library can help students soar into this September and succeed all… continue reading Back to School Resources and Programs for Students
By written by Valerie S. September 1, 2020 1
Our recommendations for this month include kids' end of summer and back to school books, plus fictional and true stories about the struggle to belong and simply survive. Young Children (Up to 2nd Grade) I Got The School Spirit written by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Murphy Summer is over, and this little girl has… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in September!
By written by Paul A. September 1, 2020
¡hurra! 万岁 hoan hô! Ура! hourra! hooray! الصيحة! Let’s celebrate! The Free Library now offers access to ebooks and audiobooks in seven world languages: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, French, Haitian Creole, and Arabic. Through our OverDrive platform, we have created two new specialized eReading Rooms of Spanish… continue reading Hurra! Hourra! Hoan Hô! | ebooks in 7 Languages
By written by Jamie B. August 31, 2020 1
If I had to sum up 2020 so far in one word, it would be... bogus . Or, maybe we're just stuck in one of the darkest timelines ? Either way, we could all use some pure escapism right now, and if anything can take you away from all the awfulness in the world and transport you to some place / space positive—if only for a couple… continue reading Bill and Ted Face the Music \m/
By written by Peter SM August 28, 2020
September is Library Card Sign-up Month , and we just wanted to remind you that securing your very own Free Library of Philadelphia library card is both easy and so worth it! Normally, during non-COVID times, you can sign up either online or in-person at any of our 54 neighborhood libraries , but while our buildings are still closed… continue reading September is Library Card Sign-up Month!
By written by Kate C. August 28, 2020 37
Beginning readers are books aimed at those who are just learning to read. They have easy to read text accompanied by illustrations that reinforce reading comprehension. These books are meant to instill a love of reading by introducing new, decodable words and by providing a fun, engaging, and relatable story. The Free Library has just what you… continue reading Books for Emerging Readers | Snail and Worm by Tina Kügler
By written by Monica C. August 27, 2020
You already know that the Free Library offers vital early literacy programs, afterschool programming, and world-class civic and cultural programming – but did you know that we are also an approved Educational Improvement Organization in the state of Pennsylvania? Please consider supporting the… continue reading Support the Free Library through the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program!
By written by Rebecca G. August 27, 2020
Last week, we completed our first Virtual Edible Alphabet English 4-week course and it was a great success! Twenty participants from around the world (Burundi, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Italy, Iran, Ivory Coast, Japan, Pakistan, Syria, and Taiwan) joined us on a video call to cook, practice English, and… continue reading Edible Alphabet Recipe of the Week: Persian Kotlet
By written by Lindsay S. August 26, 2020
Have you heard the news? OverDrive has acquired the RBdigital platform . For Free Library users, this means that on September 8, 2020, RBdigital content will move to OverDrive. The RBdigital website and application will eventually be retired. For now, this change will only affect RBdigital audiobook content. Digital magazines will still be… continue reading Big Changes are Coming to RBdigital
By written by Jamie B. August 26, 2020 24
