Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a strongly celebrated day in Philadelphia. People of all ages come together to support their communities and uplift the values of MLK’s civil rights leadership during this nationally recognized Day of Service. To celebrate, volunteer, sign up for a project, or step into a workshop that promotes long-term… continue reading MLK Day of Service | When the Youth Lead
By written by Gennifer R. January 15, 2020
It's almost time for the One Book, One Philadelphia kickoff! On January 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Parkway Central Library we will officially launch our 18th season of One Book, One Philadelphia . This event will include a reading and conversation with There There author Tommy Orange and 6ABC’s Tamala Edwards. This is not Tommy… continue reading #OneBookWednesday | It's Almost Time for the One Book, One Philadelphia Kickoff!
By written by Hannah B. January 15, 2020 1
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stands with one arm stretched high above his head, waving to the crowd, with a broad smile on his face, as the legendary Philadelphia civil rights attorney and firebrand Cecil B. Moore stands to one side in the background and King's long-time friend and mentor, Rev. Ralph Abernathy stands to the… continue reading Reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Visit to Philadelphia: A Personal Account
By written by Mharlyn M. January 14, 2020 2
In preparation for a special Free Library event taking place this Wednesday, January 15 at Lovett Library , today we'll be looking at the history and architecture of Mt. Airy. The neighborhood has a fascinating history, along with many fabulous houses, structures, and landmarks. Who designed and built these houses, and created what we know… continue reading Neighborhood Beginnings: 11 Things You Should Know About Mt. Airy
By written by Administrator January 13, 2020 6
For Hollywood, the time spanning November through March is known as "film awards season" . Between the People's Choice Awards , Golden Globe Awards , the Oscars , the Golden Raspberry Awards , as well as everyone's best-of and year-end lists, there is no shortage of movies to discuss. It's also during this time… continue reading Newest Additions to the National Film Registry
By written by Peter SM January 10, 2020
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 next Free… continue reading Digital Inclusion, Equity, and Access | Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Hot Spot
By written by Lu F. January 9, 2020
On Wednesday, January 22, Tommy Orange will join us in Philadelphia for the One Book, One Philadelphia Kickoff , which launches eight weeks of more than 130 events exploring the themes in his novel There There . Below are some featured events that you definitely won’t want to miss: On Wednesday, January 29, the Rosenbach Museum will host… continue reading #OneBookWednesday | One Book 2020 Event Highlights
By written by Brittanie S. January 8, 2020
As we head into the roaring '20s, let’s look forward to the Spring 2020 Free Library Author Events schedule , highlight a few of our guests, and offer up some other important details... Tickets go on sale to the public today, Wednesday, January 8 at 10:00 a.m. As per our usual M.O., our schedule is replete with a vast variety of… continue reading Spring 2020 Author Events Preview
By written by Author Events January 8, 2020
Philadelphia is a wellspring of inspiring young people, with our innovative communities and the creative spirit of the city bringing out the best in many of our young leaders. Today, we would like to give back! Have you been thinking about the significance of our youth in Philadelphia? How can we celebrate their efforts and honor their bright… continue reading Y is for Youth
By written by Gennifer R. January 7, 2020
The United States has counted its population every 10 years since 1790, and in 2020 we will do so again with a Census . Why does the country undertake this challenging count? Well, it's mandated by the U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) AND it helps determine how BILLIONS of dollars in federal funds are allocated to states, cities,… continue reading Census 2020, Your Community, and You: Information and Employment Opportunities
By written by Jenn D. January 6, 2020 5
Are you passionate about serving diverse populations in an urban public library setting? Are you a librarian with a Master's Degree? If so, please consider these community-focused librarian positions housed within a large, municipal library system consisting of 54 neighborhood libraries . Each location has its own unique vibe and connection… continue reading We are HIRING Librarians!
By written by Jenn D. January 3, 2020 1
Edible Alphabet is a free English language learning program offered to adults by the Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center . The mission of the program is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking and library projects. Students learn vocabulary and grammar, as well as practice listening, speaking, reading, and… continue reading Food Insecurity, English Language Learning, and Community Conversations in North Philadelphia
By written by Lindsay S. January 3, 2020
A new year and decade has arrived; time to take stock of where we are and begin anew. May we suggest some inspirational children’s titles, and a new book by Martha Stewart to help you organize your home and your life? No? Then how about ignoring it all with escapist fiction or a movie? Read below for this month's new recommended… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in January!
By written by Paul A. January 2, 2020
It's that time of the year again! Working in the Fiction Department of the Parkway Central Library means that I am always surrounded by excellent books to read. I read over 330 this year, and in narrowing it down to my top 30 published in 2019, I realized that once again I leaned hard into guaranteed happily-ever-afters and fantastic… continue reading Dena's Favorite Books of 2019
By written by Dena December 30, 2019 9
For over 50 years, Mae’s Millinery (definition: "the art of hat-making") was a fixture in Philadelphia, a destination for women from up and down the East Coast in search of the perfect hat. Now Mae’s is once more a destination as part of the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s permanent… continue reading A History Minute: Who was Mae Reeves and Why is She in the Smithsonian?
By written by Administrator December 26, 2019 5
Following an early dismissal on Wednesdays, students from a local middle school pack the floor of the McPherson Square library . With students flocking in prior to regularly scheduled afterschool activities, the LEAP Maker Mentors, Bryan and Ev, asked the students how they prefer to spend their free time at the library. The youth voted on a… continue reading Robots? Where? McPherson Square!
By written by Khyra L. December 19, 2019
Here at the Culinary Literacy Center , cookies are a constant – over the years, we’ve offered science-based approaches to the sweet treat; a hands-on opportunity to make and taste a favorite family cookie recipe now in our Special Collections ; and an introduction to community building through baking featuring delicious cookie bars… continue reading Learn to Make Delicious Meshabek on National Bake Cookies Day
By written by Suzanna U. December 18, 2019
"The wound that was made when white people came and took all that they took has never healed. An unattended wound gets infected. Becomes a new kind of wound like the history of what actually happened became a new kind of history. All these stories that we haven’t been telling all this time, that we haven’t been listening to,… continue reading #OneBookWednesday | Intergenerational Trauma
By written by Hannah B. December 18, 2019
Hey everyone, it’s that time of year again – time for a new installment in the Star Wars movie universe! I’ve written before about my Star Wars excitement (that I’m sure you share!): Back in 2015, it was about getting back up to speed before The Force Awakens ... In 2017, I was really into the Women of Star Wars .… continue reading New Star Wars Teen Fiction to Read Before The Rise of Skywalker!
By written by Rachel F. December 16, 2019
We are pleased to announce that South Philadelphia Library has been designated a Zone of Peace by the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia . This title is granted to both religious and secular institutions "working to address the root causes of violence and make us safer in the communities where we live, work, and play."… continue reading South Philadelphia Library Designated a Zone of Peace
By written by Link R. December 16, 2019 1
