We have quite an interesting list of new titles for you this month—there’s a re-telling of the Little Mermaid tale, the beginning of a new children’s Native American series, teen and adult fiction that entertain and make you think, the history of housing, and Bill and Ted’s latest movie. You'll find these new titles… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in November!
By written by Paul A. November 2, 2020 2
With the Election right around the corner, making sure that our voices are heard is now more important than ever. Knowing your voting rights allows you to spot, report and block voter disenfranchisement efforts that may occur in your communities on Election Day. In this post, we’ve outlined what you need to know about the Voting Rights… continue reading Know Your Voting Rights on Election Day
By written by Irma Q. October 30, 2020
Howllo Boils and Ghouls!, Welcome back to the Free Library of Phrightadelphia's boo-log, on this most haunted of holidays— Halloween ! Usually, during this time of year, we'd be discussing and dissecting all-things monsters , zombies , ghosts , haunted houses , and the supernatural ... but this accursed year of 2020 has… continue reading Halloween 2020: I Want Candy!
By written by Peter SM October 30, 2020 2
High School selection season is upon us—the window for students to select a Philadelphia School District High School is open now through November 6. The Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) is proud to kick off a new initiative providing virtual support to middle school youth in their high school search. Thanks to the Jump-Start… continue reading The Philly High School Choice Website Is Now Online!
By written by Bryan B. October 29, 2020 2
The fall season is upon us, and along with turning leaves and back-to-school resources, the Free Library is here to help you and your family learn, grow, and play every day. For the Whole Family The Free Library’s Fall Learning Challenge is open to all ages. Fall Learning Challenge If you loved the virtual Summer of Wonder , we’ve… continue reading Fall Programming for Children and Families
By written by Emily S. October 28, 2020
If you do not plan to vote by mail, please plan to vote at the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3 ! Despite COVID-19, many of our neighborhood libraries will again be designated as voting locations. These libraries will be closed for library services on Election Day; they will be open only for voting. Polls are open from… continue reading 37 Free Library Locations to Serve as Polling Places in 2020 Presidential Election
By written by Jenn D. October 27, 2020 3
The Languages and Learning Center supports Philadelphia adults in their individual learning goals, including language learning, basic education, and digital literacy. This fall, all of our programs are taking place virtually . We have several language learning groups starting in the next few weeks with open registration—read below for more… continue reading Join the Languages and Learning Center for Virtual English, Japanese, and Spanish Language Learning!
By written by Lindsay S. October 27, 2020 4
People have had a fascination with haunted houses for centuries. This year, the Torresdale Library has taken their Haunted House online! These spooky places fill us with chills as spirits and ghosts slide through hallways, knocking spoons and plates off kitchen counters, and making our televisions cut to screens of rolling static. Philadelphia… continue reading The Torresdale Library... is Haunted!
By written by Mike F. October 26, 2020
Managing the finances of a small business can be one of the most intimidating and challenging aspects of running a business. If you’re just not that into numbers (like me), it can be difficult to keep a balance between effectively managing your books and projecting for future growth. As a Business Librarian, we specialize in helping… continue reading Business Librarian and Business Owner: Let's Talk Money
By written by Sharontina H. October 26, 2020
Are you getting ready for Halloween? It’s going to be a bit different this year, I know. But what never changes are the books that help us celebrate this fun (and spooky!) holiday. You will have plenty to choose from this mix of all-time favorites and brand new titles. Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins ebook available from Overdrive A… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Happy Halloween
By written by Monica C. October 23, 2020 1
Each October, the Young Adult Library Services Association celebrates TeenTober . It’s a nationwide celebration which "aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round, innovative teen services that help teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library." Of course, we aim to do this every day at the Field… continue reading Check Out All of the Field Teen Center's Virtual Programs and Online Resources This TeenTober!
By written by Kris L. October 23, 2020
A few years back, when I was an Afterschool Program Facilitator ( LEAP Leader) at my neighborhood library, one of the mothers of a student who regularly attended came in and asked if I could help her with some school work. When I noticed the title of the book she was holding, Passing The G.E.D. , I immediately knew I had to help! Why? … continue reading G.E.D. Test Prep
By written by Rich T. October 22, 2020
With Election Day coming up on November 3, it is critical that all citizens are aware of how to make their voices safely and properly heard. This post will cover the basics of mail-in voting and how you can make sure your vote counts by: Applying to vote by mail-in or absentee ballot Properly turning in a mail-in ballot For up-to-date election… continue reading Your Complete Guide to Mail-In Voting
By written by Irma Q. October 21, 2020 1
Like all of you, we’re adapting to the realities of social distancing in the era of COVID-19. And while we can’t gather in the Parkway Central Library ’s auditorium for a new season of Author Events , we can still bring you a host of virtual talks that you can experience—and even participate in—from wherever… continue reading Author Events Fall 2020 Schedule
By written by Author Events October 20, 2020
Are you a renter who has lost income due to COVID-19? You may qualify for rental assistance through the City of Philadelphia's Emergency Rental Assistance Program . Phase 2 of this program is currently accepting applications, and you can apply even if you have previously applied for Phase 1. This program helps both tenants and landlords, by… continue reading How to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance: A Walk-through for Tenants and Landlords
By written by Michael R. October 19, 2020 13
HEY, SIRI! SPELL "DICTIONARY"! In an age where access to the internet is at our fingertips, we oftentimes rely on apps like Siri and AI technologies such as Alexa to provide us with fast and quick answers to our many questions. Have you ever heard of a word and wondered what it means? Well, today would be a perfect day to dust… continue reading Happy Dictionary Day!
By written by Lydia M. October 16, 2020 1
October is Health Literacy Month and certainly in October 2020—health is on everyone’s mind. At the Free Library, "literacy" is one of our favorite words, as it means "being able to understand." Information literacy is the ability to understand how to find and use information. Health literacy is simply the… continue reading Health Literacy Month
By written by Peter L. October 15, 2020
In these difficult times, the birthday of a beloved book, TV, and movie character from childhood feels like the perfect excuse to curl up within the comfort and safety of nostalgia. And boy do we need it! For so many of us, Winnie the Pooh , Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo were beloved childhood friends who taught us… continue reading It's Winnie the Pooh's Birthday!
By written by Administrator October 14, 2020
Need an excuse to satisfy your sweet tooth? We are here to help! Today, October 14, is National Dessert Day , and a great opportunity to break out your favorite dessert of choice. While I truly believe that this year deserves multiple days of observance, it’s always nice to have a solid reason to eat cake on a weeknight. This year,… continue reading Celebrate National Dessert Day in Philadelphia!
By written by Caity R. October 14, 2020
Updated Tuesday, October 20, 2020 12:15 p.m. Spanish and Chinese translations have been added to this blog post. In the real world, small technical details count for a lot. How many checks were never cashed because the person who wrote it forgot to sign it? How many important cards and letters were never delivered because the sender forgot to… continue reading Voting by Mail? Avoid "Naked Ballots"!
By written by Richard L. October 13, 2020 1
