If you’re looking for some seasonal gift ideas or just something to take your mind off of the holiday frenzy, check out the following new titles that will transport you to a world away. You’ll find all these and mushc more in December at a neighborhood library near you. Young Children (Up to 2nd Grade) Baby Says by John… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in December!
By written by Paul A. November 30, 2018 1
We are excited to announce that Literacy Lab has returned for the 2018-2019 school year. Literacy Lab, previously piloted as the Sunday Literacy program during the 2016-2017 school year, provides small group literacy instruction for students in 1st to 3rd grade who struggle to read on grade level. The Literacy Lab program will consist of Read… continue reading Literacy Lab Returns for 2018-2019 School Year
By written by Elizabeth K. November 29, 2018 3
On Tuesday, October 30, Parkway Central Library ’s Skyline Room was abuzz with the cheers of sixth graders, the sound of buzzers and music, and the roar of applause. The cause? A "Book Battle," a Jeopardy-style literature trivia competition that tested students’ knowledge and understanding of a book that they’d all… continue reading This Sixth Grade "Battle" Was One for the Books!
By written by Jess P. November 28, 2018
by Kile Smith While this is our first-ever podcast, Discoveries is actually entering its 17th year of broadcasts. In the fall of 2002, the Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music at the Free Library of Philadelphia launched Discoveries from the Fleisher Collection as a monthly program to "uncover the unknown, rediscover the little-known,… continue reading The Fleisher Collection Debuts a New Music Podcast!
By written by Fleisher Collection November 27, 2018
Our first cohort of staff members participating in the Skills for Community-Centered Libraries training recently learned about and explored team roles and dynamics. Staff reflected on their own strengths and what attributes they bring to a team. Are they great at keeping everything running smoothly? Do they enjoy providing in-depth… continue reading Skills Training for Community-Centered Libraries: Building Your Library Team
By written by Community-Centered Libraries November 6, 2018 1
In this city of neighborhoods, exciting new programs focused on cultural, artistic, and civic engagement for adults are happening in communities all across Philadelphia and now being implemented by the Free Library’s new Division of Cultural and Civic Engagement (DCCE) . Many of us know that our 54 neighborhood libraries have consistently… continue reading Division of Cultural and Civic Engagement Brings Adult Programs to Neighborhood Libraries
By written by Kate C. October 26, 2018
Summer is over, fall is in full swing, and the weather is beginning to turn cold. Some days it almost feels like it’s winter already! That’s when we start thinking of warm comfort food, something hearty and tasty to fill our tummies and make us feel better—something like… stew! Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora is just what… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Thank You, Omu!
By written by Monica C. October 23, 2018
On Friday Oct 26 from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. , the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is throwing itself a wild block party to celebrate 100 years of culture and learning along Philadelphia’s patch of Elysium. The Parkway Central Library ’s contributions to this cultural rager come in the forms of not only stage and social dance, but… continue reading Don't Miss the Parkway Soiree!
By written by Adam F. October 22, 2018
The Free Library was founded with the goal of helping Philadelphians achieve personal enlightenment, and has continuously evolved to reach this goal in an ever-changing city and world. To further this bedrock goal, we have created the Division of Cultural and Civic Engagement , a new office that aims to enrich the public life of Philadelphia… continue reading Introducing the Division of Cultural and Civic Engagement!
By written by Kate C. October 22, 2018 1
What do food and books have in common? I can certainly name three things: They are organic, can grow mold, and can be preserved. Those three things were key elements to a lesson taught to third grade students on a recent class trip to the Parkway Central Library . The Culinary Literacy Center (CLC) and the Rare Book Department collaborated… continue reading What Do Food and Books Have In Common?
By written by Paul M. October 17, 2018
Today we kicked off the annual One Book, One Philadelphia reading period with the announcement of the 2019 featured selection. You’re invited to jump into the 17 th season of this citywide book club by reading Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward , the National Book Award-winning author of Salvage the Bones . With interlocking layers,… continue reading One Book, One Philadelphia is Here!
By written by Brittanie S. October 16, 2018
The Skills for Community-Centered Libraries initiative – a series of trainings meant to build community engagement capacities among staff – launched on October 2, so it’s a good time for The Free Library of Philadelphia’s community organizing team to share what exactly we mean by community engagement. A common definition… continue reading Defining Community Engagement and Outreach
By written by Community-Centered Libraries October 11, 2018
Throughout history there are duos that are stronger together than they are separate: Peanut Butter and Jelly Hall and Oates Movies and Popcorn Thelma and Louise… continue reading Pizza and Beer Day!
By written by Liz A. October 9, 2018
October 10 marks the opening of an exhibition that analyzes Philadelphia's growth across more than three centuries, presenting more than 80 rare and revelatory prints, photographs, documents, and maps from the Free Library's Special Collections and Research Departments . Philadelphia:The Changing City will be on view in the… continue reading Philadelphia: The Changing City - An Exhibition from Special Collections
By written by Janine P. October 9, 2018
Did you know that nearly a third of library users visit the Free Library of Philadelphia to look for a new job or learn new skills? This revealing finding was reported in the Free Library’s December 2017 Impact Evaluation Report . We supports job seekers with computers and internet access, résumé assistance, job fairs, and… continue reading The Paschalville Partnership: Catalyzing a Community-Led Future
By written by Annette M. October 3, 2018
The Free Library’s popular rooftop beer garden series, Brews & Views , held in conjunction with Brûlée Catering , is headed back to the Parkway Central Library for a four-day run in October. On October 23, 24, and 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and October 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., join us on the Skyline Terrace… continue reading The Free Library’s Rooftop Beer Gardens Are Back!
By written by Kate C. September 28, 2018
In our ongoing series of blog posts highlighting our awesome staff throughout the Free Library of Philadelphia, today we take some time to speak with Marvin DeBose - Haverford Library Branch Manager & Adult Teen Librarian. Marvin has been on the "In the Margins Book Review & Award Committee (ALA-ASCLA - LSYC)" for four years.… continue reading Meet Your Library Staff: Marvin DeBose - Haverford Library Branch Manager & Adult Teen Librarian
By written by Administrator September 18, 2018 2
You’ve heard the adage that “All politics is local”, but the real, hidden story of American life is documented in the rich and mostly lost bounty of local television programming . For every regional program like Philly’s Bandstand that became a nationwide hit as American Bandstand , there are thousands of farm reports,… continue reading Input and the Extraordinary Marion Stokes
By written by Violet L. September 14, 2018 10
If you ever indulged yourself in a marinated lamb taco from South Philly Barbacoa, then you are aware of Chef Cristina Martinez. She will be featured in the upcoming season of the Netflix documentary series, Chef’s Table . Martinez will be the first Philadelphia chef to be featured on the award-winning series, whose newest season… continue reading Marginalized Voices Being Heard: from Cristina Martinez to Welcoming Week Kick Off
By written by Paul M. September 13, 2018
September is National 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 take this opportunity to highlight some of the more unconventional but equally wonderful items you can borrow! These items can be checked out… continue reading Library Card Signup Month | You Can Get WHAT at the Free Library?
By written by Kate C. September 10, 2018 3
