Blog Articles
The Experience Pass program is currently paused. We are investigating options to restart the pass in the future. Philadelphians ages 18 and above can use their Free Library card to check out FREE… continue reading Announcing the Experience Pass—Your Key to Free Philadelphia Museums, Attractions, and More!
By written by Jamie B. December 2, 2019 37
What is ‘Black Friday,' and why do we do it? I did some digging... "In 1621, colonists invited Massasoit, the chief of the Wampanoags, to a feast after a recent land deal.… continue reading Did You Know?: Black Friday was Born in Philly
By written by Brittanie S. November 29, 2019
As the weather changes, there's no better company than reading a good book in a cozy space. Running from November 25 to February 29 , our Winter Reading Challenge invites readers of all ages… continue reading 'Tis the Season for the Winter Reading Challenge
By written by Gennifer R. November 25, 2019 3
" If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday" Pearl S. Buck Putting the contents of libraries and museums on the web makes wonderful, hidden art accessible. The… continue reading The Free Library's New Center for Digitization | Sharing Treasures Through Technology
By written by Iryna G. November 25, 2019
Marisa McClellan is a food writer, canning teacher, and dedicated farmers' market shopper who lives in Center City Philadelphia. She is the author of Food in Jars: Preserving in Small Batches… continue reading Serve Up This Apple Cranberry Jam at Your Harvest Feast!
By written by Liz A. November 20, 2019
While reading There There — Tommy Orange ’s award-winning novel and the 2020 One Book, One Philadelphia featured selection—I was repeatedly struck by how many references Orange… continue reading #OneBookWednesday | Some History and Terms from There There
By written by Clare F. November 13, 2019
Squash is one of those wonderful, hearty foods that last throughout the colder seasons, and comes in many intriguing shapes and sizes. It serves as a point of literary intrigue, a cultural… continue reading The Pumpkin on the Plate
By written by Gennifer R. October 30, 2019
One of my favorite poetry presses recently printed out bookmarks that said: "Who needs poetry?" This question was a little tongue in cheek, but I think, in earnest, a valid question.… continue reading Poetry Comes to the Free Library This Fall
By written by Hannah B. October 28, 2019 1
If Blk Girl Soldier by Jamila Woods has been your anthem for the past few years... then you might be ready for the following booklist! Feeling telepathic? Step into this selection of *Black Girl… continue reading Black Girl Magic
By written by Gennifer R. October 23, 2019
by Peter SM and Dena H. Imagine stepping into an alternate universe where not everything is as it seems, animals—known as dæmons —can talk and act like humans, and a mysterious… continue reading His Dark Materials Screenings and Scavenger Hunts!
By written by Administrator October 21, 2019 1
There’s a new book in town! This morning, in partnership with the Office of the Mayor, the Free Library announced the title of the 2020 One Book, One Philadelphia featured selection. Are you… continue reading Announcing the 2020 One Book, One Philadelphia Selection!
By written by Hannah B. October 17, 2019 1
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month , and while we all know that a library card grants you instant access to a treasure trove of books, DVDs, and audiobooks from our catalog , we wanted to… continue reading Library Card Sign-Up Month | You Can Get WHAT at the Library?!
By written by Kate C. September 27, 2019
The Free Library’s Instrument Lending Collection turns 3 today and, like any sociable Libra, it stands out in its ability to attract and entertain. What’s changed? There’s been… continue reading The Free Library Toasts Three Years of Instrument Lending with Free Drum Workshops!
By written by Perry G. September 26, 2019 4
Another year, another Banned Books Week ! Each year the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the Most Challenged Books in order to… continue reading Banned Books Week | LGBTQ+ Tween and Children's Edition
By written by Rachel F. September 26, 2019
Hey, library lovers! Another Banned Books Week is upon us, this year extending from September 22-28, as libraries around the country join forces with the American Library Association (ALA)’s… continue reading Banned Books Week | Celebrate Your Freedom to Read!
By written by Kate C. September 23, 2019
We are deeply grateful to Mayor Kenney for increasing the Free Library’s budget this fiscal year. The increase allowed the Free Library to hire additional staff and will ensure that all… continue reading Welcome Back: Six Day Service Returns to All Free Library Locations for the First Time Since 2014!
By written by Jenn D. September 17, 2019 5
The work of two scholars has led to the astounding discovery that a Shakespeare First Folio housed in the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Book Department likely belonged to English poet… continue reading Free Library to Display Rare Shakespeare First Folio Now Believed to Have Belonged to John Milton
By written by Kaitlyn F. September 16, 2019 5
September is Adult Education Month and the Free Library is excited to announce the launch of the Languages and Learning Center at Parkway Central Library , a center dedicated to supporting the… continue reading Announcing the Languages and Learning Center!
By written by Liz A. September 16, 2019 1
The Culinary Literacy Center has been cooking up summer fun for youth over the last five years through the Summer Thyme Cooks program. This past summer, the Nourishing Literacy team piloted… continue reading Summer Thyme Camp In Review
By written by Shayna M. September 10, 2019
All throughout Library Card Sign-Up Month , we're sharing library card fun facts and information about the ways you can use a Free Library card. From books, movies, and DVDs to musical… continue reading Library Card Sign-Up Month | "Unlock a World of Possibilities Today"
By written by Kate C. September 5, 2019 3