I remember way back in 2016 when the American Eagle Foundation set up a webcam at the National Arboretum in Washington D.C., which is home to a bald eagle couple appropriately named Mr. President and The First Lady. The webcam captured live footage of the couple's nest in anticipation of the hatching of their two eaglets. … continue reading Wildlife Webcams
By written by Allison M. May 6, 2020
The American Library Association (ALA) defines community engagement as "the process of working collaboratively with community members—be they library customers, residents, faculty, students, or partner organizations—to address issues for the betterment of the community." Community engagement is a common theme… continue reading Sharing Skills for Community-Centered Libraries with the American Library Association
By written by Community-Centered Libraries May 6, 2020
This is the 2nd in an ongoing series of self-care blog-posts. I’m not a professional healthcare worker. I’m simply someone that practices self-care in his daily life and for whom self-care is an important element. If you need professional help, please get the help you need. Below are some ways of getting help. I’ve gotten help… continue reading We Don’t Come with Dashboards: Reading Your Internal Gauges
By written by Bryan B. May 6, 2020
Since the COVID-19 crisis shut down libraries, several Philadelphia City Institute staff members have been directly assisting neighbors and community members by helping with food distribution throughout the city. Sheryl Wright, a part-time Library Assistant who has been packing food for seniors at the SHARE Food Program of Philadelphia ,… continue reading Philadelphia City Institute Staff Help with Food Distribution
By written by Erin H. May 5, 2020 1
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in ways big and small. We are all having to adjust to and cope with uncertainty and lingering worries. That is true for children as well. School has moved to online learning and suddenly it’s not possible to be with their friends in person, to play sports, and even to be with their elderly… continue reading Talking to Children About Coronavirus
By written by Monica C. May 5, 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. While Free Library locations remain closed to the public in the interest of public health and safety , we will be sharing… continue reading Edible Alphabet Recipe of the Week: Arroz con Leche
By written by Lindsay S. May 5, 2020 2
While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are temporarily closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still prepare for the test using our Learning Express Library electronic resource. The Learning Express Library is a database that you can access on your computer, tablet, or smartphone with your library card and PIN . This… continue reading Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test on Your Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone
By written by Phil K. May 4, 2020 4
by Dr. Gary Galván In early March 2020, orchestras around the world began contacting the Fleisher Collection to let us know they were canceling concerts for which they had borrowed music. The socio-cultural impact of COVID-19 was upon us, effectively ending concerts for the remainder of 2020. Liveforlivemusic.com and Classic FM are… continue reading Going Under COVID: How the Shows Still Go On
By written by Fleisher Collection May 4, 2020
Many Philadelphians are struggling to feel secure and confident when it comes to controlling personal finances. Especially in these current times of uncertainty, financial empowerment and literacy are vital to achieving goals, maintaining preparedness for unexpected events, and feeling comfortable with your financial status! Through Money… continue reading Money Mondays at the Free Library!
By written by Kalela W. May 4, 2020
For more than 25 years, libraries have been digitizing their collections, and the Free Library has digital collections in abundance—providing the opportunity to browse through roughly 50,000 images or to take a deep dive into the topic of your choice, be it Medieval Manuscripts, Historical Images of Philadelphia , or Pennsylvania German… continue reading Diving into Digital Collections
By written by Janine P. May 1, 2020
by Marija G. , Alyssa V. , and Kalela W. With uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many are preparing for the primaries with a short walk to their mailbox. Deadlines have been postponed, anyone in Pennsylvania can take advantage of mail-in voting! In order to protect the health and safety of all voters, poll workers, and election… continue reading Skip the Polls for the Post Office: Everything You Need To Know About Mail-In Voting
By written by Administrator May 1, 2020
Are you missing out on the latest issue of your favorite magazine or looking for a way to read today’s copy of the Inquirer without leaving your house? The Free Library is here to help! Our online selection of magazines and newspapers is a great way to stay on top of current events, learn a new skill, or even occupy the kids—all… continue reading Enjoy Online Periodicals from the Comfort of Your Couch
By written by Leigh U. May 1, 2020 1
Across Philadelphia, businesses are experiencing unexpected challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic . If you’re currently thinking about entrepreneurship for the first time or you’re an established business owner, the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) has resources to help support your current needs. … continue reading At Home with BRIC: Access Business Resources Anywhere!
By written by Gillian R. April 30, 2020
As we close out April and National Poetry Month, while many of us are in slow-down mode and many others of us are working extremely hard, let’s give ourselves a moment to pause and breathe and hear something good. You may have seen recent articles and comments about the restorative power poetry can have in moments of crisis and… continue reading Listen to Poetry
By written by Autumn M. April 30, 2020
These are scary times, and there is a lot of false information out there, so it’s important to make sure that you are finding answers using reliable resources. Questions about food safety during this crisis have become a hot topic, so here are a few FAQs with answers from credible organizations that you can count on. Please keep in mind… continue reading 5 FAQs for Food Safety During COVID-19 and Tons of Reliable Resources
By written by Caity R. April 30, 2020 1
Let’s face it—these are crazy times. I’m writing at home at this moment, because my library, McPherson Square , is currently closed. Schools have closed. Many businesses are closed, and those that remain open have been working to adapt. We have all been in a period of social distancing for over a month now. Everyone has been… continue reading Self-Care Resources for Families
By written by Bryan B. April 29, 2020 1
The Nourishing Literacy team is thinking of our school student friends, their loved ones, and the incredible community of Philadelphia teachers. We are sending wishes of health and peace during this unusual time in our world. During this time when lots of learning and teaching has transitioned to a virtual format, programs designed to… continue reading Information and Ideas for Youth and Family Remote Learning
By written by Shayna M. April 29, 2020
Do you miss seeing the animals at the Philadelphia Zoo ? I sure do! But guess what? You can still see their penguins anytime through the computer. The Zoo has a live feed called the Penguin Point Camera and it brings you directly to their Humbolt penguin colony – you can see penguins swimming, hanging around with their penguin friends,… continue reading Penguins, Penguins, Penguins!
By written by Monica C. April 29, 2020
by Labonno Islam (Digital Engagement & Communications Specialist) and Juliet Fink Yates (Digital Inclusion Fellow), City of Philadelphia Office of Innovation and Technology Increasing digital access is a key priority in Philadelphia. Various organizations and companies are offering helpful resources during the COVID-19… continue reading Accessing Computers and Digital Resources During COVID-19
By written by Administrator April 28, 2020
Today, American novelist Harper Lee would have turned 94 years old. As a lover of novels in general, and To Kill a Mockingbird in particular, I jumped at the chance to write a celebratory blog about Ms. Lee’s work and the lasting impression it has had on me. But then I sat down to write such a blog and I hit a wall. The longer this… continue reading Harper Lee and the Novels That Help Us Remember
By written by Christine M. April 28, 2020 1
