On Tuesday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m. the Social Science and History Department will screen Abortion and Women's Rights 1970 , the first documentary made in the U.S. about the struggle for reproductive rights. Following the 28-minute film, there will be a panel discussion about the film, its historical context, and its relevance to… continue reading Abortion and Women's Rights 1970: Film Screening and Panel Discussion

By written by Ben R.    January 16, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Film Screenings
• History
• Social Justice
• Interview

On a recent winter day, Sheryl Oring found her childhood library cards and the memories came flooding back. For Oring, the local library was a refuge: a place for kids to feel safer and dream with fewer interruptions. As a fellow library kid and current library worker, I know the power libraries can have on us — but… continue reading Secretary to the People: Activating Democracy With Art

By written by Suzanna U.    January 15, 2025    2  

• Exhibitions
• Art
• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• Politics

With the internet at our fingertips, learning about the people who make our media has become much easier. Sometimes, we learn things we wish we could un-learn. The betrayal feels so personal. How can the stories that inspire and comfort us be created by people who cause harm? Can we still enjoy a piece of media if we don’t support the… continue reading When Your Favorite Creator Does Something Terrible

By written by Yona Y.    January 14, 2025    1  

• Hot Topics
• Social Media
• Social Justice
• Pop Culture
• Fantasy Literature

January 19 marks the 215th birthday of poet and author Edgar Allan Poe . Poe lived in Philadelphia from 1838 to 1844, when he published his most famous poem, "The Raven." To commemorate the anniversary of Poe’s birth, fellow Philadelphia writer Susan DiPronio will present her one-act play, "Poe-sers" on… continue reading Mark Edgar Allan Poe's 215th Birthday with Live Theater at the Library

By written by Des J.    January 7, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• Theatre
• Edgar Allan Poe
• Author Birthdays

It's the 13th annual list of my favorite books — the 2024 edition! This year I leaned quite heavily into my three favorite genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance. I also seemed to zero in on joyful books. But don’t worry — there are still some dark fantasy/horror books as well as a smattering of historical fiction… continue reading Dena's Favorite Books of 2024

By written by Dena    December 31, 2024    1  

• Ebooks
• Reading
• Recommendations
• Catalog
• Audiobooks

Check out some new titles for the New Year! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) We Are Lion Dancers by Benson Shum Celebrate Lunar New Year with the lion dance, bringing good luck and fortune to all. In this story designed to engage early readers, charming characters combine with simple text, lively illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor to help… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in January

By written by Rachel F.    December 30, 2024   

• Recommendations
• Catalog
• Monthly New Titles
• New Titles

As we come to terms with the results of our Spotify Wrapped lists, the Free Library is again wrapping up our year with the most circulated items of 2024! While it may feel like it snuck past us, it was an incredibly eventful year at the Free Library of Philadelphia and certainly worth looking back upon. This year,… continue reading The Top Titles Checked Out from the Free Library in 2024

By written by Bridget G.    December 30, 2024    1  

• Recommendations
• Catalog
• New Titles
• Free Library Announcements

What did we read in 2024?  From "Most 2024" to "Terrible Schools and Awesome Adventures," Parkway Central Children’s Department has all the extremely specific book awards you never knew you needed!   Cedar (he/him) - Library Assistant   Cedar's Awards Retellings of Fairytales, Folklore, and Other… continue reading The Central Children's Department's Book Awards of 2024

By written by Administrator    December 19, 2024   

• Parkway Central
• Childrens Books
• Recommendations

We are pleased to reintroduce NoveList Plus , a longtime favorite electronic resource among book lovers. NoveList Plus is a database designed to help readers (or listeners) find their next books or audiobooks based on the titles, authors, genres, or themes they already enjoy. It provides recommendations for all ages: 0–8, 9–12,… continue reading Find Your Next Great Book with NoveList Plus!

By written by Tyler S.    December 18, 2024    3  

• Databases
• Reading
• Recommendations
• Catalog

A Kwanzaa Keepsake by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, author of High on the Hog , is an invitation to honor, connect, create, and cook. Besides the cooking, it may move you to gather family recipes to pass down as gifts, collect food to donate to those in need, or hand-make cards and gifts for your people. A Kwanzaa Keepsake has recipes… continue reading A Kwanzaa Keepsake: Celebrating with New Traditions and Feasts

By written by Aurora S.    December 17, 2024   

• Holidays
• Recipes
• Cooking
• Black Authors
• Black Women Authors

December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month! To celebrate, Languages and Learning , the adult learning department of the Free Library, is highlighting some of the resources available with your library card . Learning a new language can open up a whole new world, regardless of age. Some advantages include cultural enrichment,… continue reading Learn a Foreign Language With Our Electronic Resources

By written by Meredith M.    December 11, 2024   

• Languages
• Volunteers
• Digital Learning
• Library Resources
• Languages and Learning

There are over 50 Free Library locations in neighborhoods across Philly, and everyone has a favorite, along with fond memories of Author Events ; One Book, One Philadelphia ;  special exhibitions ; and incredible initiatives and programs that serve the community. Whether you are an entrepreneur taking advantage of the Business… continue reading Giving Back With the Free Library Foundation

By written by Free Library Foundation    December 9, 2024    1  

• Support
• Nonprofit

The Free Library Board of Trustees will be holding its second meeting of FY25 on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in person in Rooms 405/406/407 at Parkway Central Library , 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. View the upcoming meeting agenda. Public Comment at Board of Trustees… continue reading Free Library Board of Trustees Public Meeting on Friday, December 13 at 8:00 a.m.

By written by Administrator    December 6, 2024   

• Board of Trustees

Greetings from the Trans by Trans Book Club folks! Are you looking for recommendations based on our recent reads? Check out these book club read-a-likes. *Note - Not all titles are written by trans authors about trans people.   Recommendations if you liked Thirty Names of Night   A Natural History of Transition (2021) by Callum Angus… continue reading Discover Queer-Friendly Reads Recommended by the Trans by Trans Book Club

By written by Flan P.    December 6, 2024   

• LGBTQ
• Recommendations
• Catalog
• Free Library of Pride
• Book Clubs

December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month! Maybe you’re looking for something to do over your winter break or already thinking about your 2025 goals. There’s never a bad time to start your language-learning journey. To celebrate, Languages and Learning , the adult learning department of the Free Library, is highlighting… continue reading Celebrate National Learn a Foreign Language Month With Languages and Learning

By written by Meredith M.    December 3, 2024    1  

• Languages
• Recommendations
• Volunteers
• Library Resources
• Languages and Learning

The Rare Book Department , located on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library , is closed as of November 4th, 2024 for the installation of a new HVAC system.  Climate control is of the utmost importance for our Special Collections . Library materials that are stored, used, and exhibited in environments whose conditions fall outside… continue reading Temporary Closure of the Rare Book Department

By written by Allison F.    December 2, 2024   

• Parkway Central
• Rare Book Department
• Children's Literature Research Collection
• Theatre
• Special Collections

It’s almost time to bundle up warm and join the Free Library for festive storytimes at the Christmas Village in LOVE Park! Every year, LOVE Park is transformed into an authentic German-style outdoor holiday market, presented by Bank of America. With sparkling lights, delicious food, hot beverages, and unique vendors, there’s warmth… continue reading Holiday Cheer for Children and Families

By written by Kayla H.    December 2, 2024    1  

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Holidays
• Sundays on Stage
• Storytime

There’s a lot to explore this December with a mix of new titles coming to the Free Library's shelves!   Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Wake Up, Moon! by Lita Judge A playful squirrel defies bedtime, delighting in a playful snow romp with forest friends, until drowsy eyes and sleepy yawns signal the time for a cozy rest. Older… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in December

By written by Rachel F.    December 2, 2024    1  

• Recommendations
• Catalog
• Monthly New Titles
• New Titles

Few individuals better encapsulated the highs and lows of the Golden Age of Hollywood than the Mankiewicz brothers. Filmmakers Herman (1897–1953) and Joe (1909–1993) are the subjects of the Free Library’s upcoming program Scripting The Movies: The Mankiewicz Brothers in Hollywood , which will occur virtually on Friday,… continue reading Learn About the Mankiewicz Brothers’ Impact on Hollywood With “Scripting the Movies”

By written by Anthony T.    November 27, 2024    2  

• Central Senior Services
• Film
• History
• Virtual Programs

Fancy yourself as a do-it-yourself handyman or looking to pick up a new skill? Want to dive into the world of electronics and repair the wire in your mouse, or salvage your favorite keyboard? Look no further! Join the Free Library's Science and Wellness Department and learn how to solder at Making Connections: A Basic… continue reading Learn the Art of Soldering at the Library

By written by Brianna V.    November 26, 2024   

• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• DIY
• Crafts and Hobbies
• Science and Wellness