For this month's Digital Media Spotlight , we are celebrating Black History Month and the lives and achievements of African Americans in film, music, literature, and other multimedia, all available through our Digital Media Portal. Film Hoopla Hoopla's curated movies for Black History Month this year include many thought-provoking… continue reading Digital Media Spotlight: Black History Month
By written by Peter SM February 24, 2020
Note: all remaining AARP Tax Prep events have been cancelled. Do you shudder at the thought of April 15 and wring your hands during the annual financial ritual? You are not alone. Taxes are complicated and the rules to change from year to year. To ease your tax anxiety, we’ve compiled a listing of free tax preparation at the Free Library… continue reading Don't Panic! Get Free Tax Filing Help from AARP!
By written by Abbe K. February 21, 2020
I know its Black History Month, and we have a ton of programs and resources to share and celebrate, but February always makes me think of the title of N.K. Jemisin’s award-winning collection of stories, How Long ‘til Black Future Month? This got me thinking about sharing some of my favorite Afrofuturism YA-ish titles,… continue reading Visions of Black Future Month During Black History Month
By written by Rachel F. February 21, 2020
Please note: All Census Champion Trainings from now until March 30 have been cancelled. Do you want to work toward a better future for our city? Are you a trusted member of your community, who other people look to for information? Are you 18 years of age or older and interested in a temporary job with a flexible schedule—one that… continue reading 2020 Census: Get Involved at the Free Library!
By written by Clare F. February 20, 2020 1
On Thursday, February 20 , David W. Young will appear at Parkway Central Library to discuss his book, Battles of Germantown: Effective Public History in America . Many Philadelphia residents are familiar with the annual reenactment of the historic 1777 Battle of Germantown—a loss for the Continental Army under the command of George… continue reading What is "Public History", Anyway?
By written by Nina C. February 19, 2020
Have you been on the lookout for children’s books with little faces like the ones you love? This booklist offers ten of our favorite children’s books, from Coretta Scot King Book Award winners to magnificently illustrated picture books, all in honor of our young black boys. Whose Knees are These by Jabari Aseem Whose knees… continue reading Black History Month | A Boys Booklist for Toddlers!
By written by Gennifer R. February 19, 2020 1
During Black History Month, the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement (OBME) is hosting a series on Black Generational Wealth , in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) . These weekly economic empowerment events being held throughout February will aim to supply the tools… continue reading Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap and Building Up Black Generational Wealth
By written by Peter SM February 18, 2020 2
Ah those intense feelings of first love and sexual awakening – how heady and confusing and exhilarating! In ye olde school times when I was growing up, any books (or movies or television shows) showing teens in love and having sex always showed the characters facing DIRE consequences – like pregnancy or even death(!) Or they had to… continue reading Consent is Romantic!
By written by Rachel F. February 14, 2020
It’s our valentine to the city we love: We’ve gone fine-free! That’s right: As of today, the Free Library of Philadelphia no longer charges fines for overdue materials! The new policy, which was passed by the Board of Trustees in December 2019 and put into effect February 14, 2020, has also removed all historic overdue… continue reading Say Goodbye to Overdue Fines at the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. February 14, 2020 30
***Updated 3:45 p.m. March 4, 2020: Due to the evolving nature and recommendations about the COVID-19 coronavirus, parts of this post may be out of date. For the latest information from the Health Department, please visit their COVID-19 coronavirus page .*** Usually, the time between December and February is known as peak Flu season , and this… continue reading Everything You Need to Know About the Coronavirus
By written by Administrator February 13, 2020 2
As part of our ongoing series of blog posts highlighting our awesome staff throughout the Free Library of Philadelphia, today we take some time to speak with Faith Smallwood, an Administrative Assistant at the Regional Operations Center (ROC). The ROC, located at the intersection of 34th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, is a state-of-the-art,… continue reading Meet Your Library Staff: Faith Smallwood - Regional Operations Center
By written by Kate C. February 13, 2020
Magnificence sometimes appears in the most commonplace observations. In the poetic celebration of self and nature, Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration is a series of young brown girls admiring the many different browns in their environments and in their own images. "Deep secret brown...playfully beckoning me / through my… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Brown: A Deep and Varied Joy
By written by Jeff B. February 12, 2020 2
I am a Monopoly lover! This celebrated board game became popular in the 1930s after it was patented by Philadelphia inventor Charles B. Darrow , who lived on W. Hortter St. in the West Mt. Airy area of Philadelphia. Mr. Darrow was out of work and hoped to generate some income by selling the game. He didn’t have a sudden flash of… continue reading Happy Inventors Day for Monopoly Lovers!
By written by Sharyl O. February 11, 2020
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The Free Library cares about digital inclusion, equity, and access, and has expanded beyond the walls of our 54 neighborhood libraries to partner with area nonprofits, providing free access to technology and programming to increase the digital skills of community members in areas that need it most. In anticipation of announcing our… continue reading Communal and Cultural Growth at the Village of Arts and Humanities
By written by Connor P. February 10, 2020 1
While this Sunday, February 9, marks the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony, it was recently revealed by a Gallup Poll that in 2019— more people went to the library than the movies ! Is it any coincidence that the majority of this year's Oscar-nominated films are adaptations from books? Well, yes and no. Ever since the invention of film,… continue reading Oscars 2020: from Book Adaptation to Academy Award Nomination!
By written by Peter SM February 7, 2020
This blog post is in honor of Charles Dickens' birthday. The prolific Victorian author of "epic stories" like Oliver Twist and David Copperfield , was born on Portsea Island off England's south-central coast on February 7, 1812. Dickens loved to celebrate his birthday by sharing a sumptuous dinner with his… continue reading Spotlight on Special Collections: When Dickens Met Poe
By written by Mharlyn M. February 7, 2020
Back in 2018, Denene Milner, children’s book writer and publisher, wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times lamenting the scarcity of children’s books that "celebrate the humanity and everyday experiences of black children and families." She has a point. The demand has always been there. And so has the reality… continue reading Celebrating Everyday Experiences of Black Children and Families
By written by Monica C. February 6, 2020 6
Attention teens in Northeast Philly! It's time to rediscover the Northeast Regional Library ! The Everything Teen Center is a brand new section of the library just for teens, ages 12 to 19. Located on the second floor, the ETC is a cozy spot to chat with friends, read, study, check out titles from our Young Adult collection, or attend… continue reading Introducing the Everything Teen Center at Northeast Regional Library!
By written by Peter L. February 5, 2020 2
On February 11 , the Culinary Literacy Center and One Book will bring together panelists who reflect a range of involvement in Philadelphia’s commitment to economic justice, food education and land sovereignty, and cultural foodways and traditions. We’ll hear from Jena Annise (J.A.) Harris, a Black, Queer, Femme, Chef and Organizer… continue reading One Book Food and Community Conversation
By written by Hannah B. February 5, 2020
Please Note: The Treasury Department has moved the IRS deadline for filing taxes from April 15 to July 15. All taxpayers and businesses will now have additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties. Tax Form Changes and Where You Can Get Them January 27, 2020, marked the start of the new tax season. Besides the annual… continue reading Tax Season 2020: What's New, What's Changed, and Everything Else You Need to Know!
By written by Marija G. February 4, 2020
