by Ned Scharff As the United States begins restoring its historic ties to Cuba, the Free Library of Philadelphia is reaching out as well—by sharing its unique collection of some of the island nation’s nearly forgotten classical music compositions. "Cuba has a priceless musical tradition that is integral to its national… continue reading Resurrecting Cuba’s Forgotten Musical Treasures
By written by Administrator November 7, 2016 1
November is Native American Heritage Month , a great time to read books by and about Native Americans! This month’s book recommendations are by Native authors like Sherman Alexie , Cynthia Leitich Smith , and Joseph Bruchac , who have contributed hundreds of children’s books that feature contemporary, realistic Native children. This… continue reading November 2016 Early Literacy Calendar
By written by Sarah S. November 3, 2016
We here at the Free Library, along with Drexel University, love to celebrate and honor our local partners who are dedicated to promoting high-quality children’s literature and championing children’s literacy. One way we celebrate them is with the Free Library of Philadelphia / Drexel University Children’s Literature… continue reading The 2016 Free Library of Philadelphia / Drexel University Children’s Literature Citation Recipients Are...
By written by Sarah S. November 1, 2016 4
Last year, the Free Library introduced an interactive social media and digital campaign during the month of November in which we encouraged one another to stop hiding the covers of our books and hunching over our Kindles because of presumed embarassment about what we're reading, watching, or listening to. To shed the… continue reading Join the Free Library for #FLPNoShameNovember!
By written by Kate C. October 31, 2016 2
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s IT department has just completed a wireless upgrade throughout all our 53 neighborhood libraries! To paraphrase an old sci-fi show , "We have the technology. We can make it better than it was. Better, stronger, faster." What does that mean for you, our customers? Faster WiFi speeds, easier… continue reading WiFi Upgrades: Better, Stronger, Faster
By written by Administrator October 24, 2016 10
The "King of the Monsters" roars back onto movie screens next week when Shin Godzilla (a.k.a. Godzilla Resurgence ) premieres for a limited-run of U.S. screenings October 11 - 18 . The film is the first new entry in the Godzilla mythos in twelve years from the legendary Toho Studios , who have created 28 films starring the big green… continue reading Monsters as Metaphors: Godzilla Resurgence
By written by Peter SM October 7, 2016
This week marks my one-year anniversary working for the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, the non-profit organization that supports the Free Library. I was hired as the system’s social media manager, to use the digital space to tell the Free Library’s story, to promote its wonderful and far-reaching programs and services, and… continue reading What I've Learned in a Year at the Free Library
By written by Kate C. October 7, 2016
This week, as we join the American Library Association (ALA) in recognizing Banned Books Week , we are reminded that the Free Library of Philadelphia—and all public libraries—serves as a beacon of informational freedom in the communities we serve. Our institution’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire… continue reading Banned Books Week with the Free Library
By written by Kate C. September 26, 2016 2
We’re thrilled to announce that musicians at any skill level, from those just plucking their first notes to virtuosos, will now be able to borrow the tools of the craft from the Parkway Central Library Music Department . Starting September 26, the Musical Instrument Collection (MIC) launches. You’ll be able to check out six… continue reading Opening Notes of Instrument Lending at the Free Library
By written by Perry G. September 21, 2016 10
F. Scott Fitzgerald is now considered one of the nation’s pre-eminent modern novelists and short story writers. During his lifetime, he was best known for his literary depictions of the American Dream in the 1920s, achieving early wealth and fame after publishing his first novel, This Side of Paradise . He and his wife Zelda came to… continue reading The Free Library Celebrates Fitzgerald at 120!
By written by Julie B. September 15, 2016
The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Jazz Project invite you to a third season of free concerts: Mysterious Travelers 3: Internal Investigations . This time we’re turning inward to explore, through sound, the collections that constitute the Parkway Central Library. Every third Monday from September… continue reading Mysterious Travelers 3: Internal Investigations
By written by Perry G. September 14, 2016
September is Library Card Sign-up Month , and we want to make sure you know that securing your very own Free Library of Philadelphia library card is both easy and valuable! You can sign up online , or sign up in person at any of the 54 neighborhood libraries around the city. Anyone who lives, works, pays taxes, or attends school in the… continue reading September Is Library Card Sign-up Month!
By written by Kate C. September 9, 2016 9
I love a graphic novel—and even better I love a graphic novel memoir . There is something so much more intimate about reading the words AND pictures when someone shares her story. Or maybe I’m just a slower reader when it comes to nonfiction … who is to say? Either way, there have been a TON of amazing graphic novels that… continue reading Graphic Novel Memoirs
By written by Rachel F. August 24, 2016
Parkway Central is hosting a Social Justice Symposium for Teens on Monday, August 29th and if you are a high school student who is passionate about your Philadelphia community and care about issues such as racism, inequality, or injustice, then this event is definitely one that you won’t want to miss! In addition to a keynote talk by… continue reading Social Justice Symposium for Teens – Register Now!
By written by Becky F. August 23, 2016 1
How can literacy be used for social change? At the recent International Literacy Association conference in Boston, this question was addressed at an impromptu session for literacy specialists and coaches. Recent tragedies, such as the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, as well as the Dallas police shooting, and the subsequent… continue reading Tackling Tough Topics in Classroom Conversation
By written by Carrie K. July 21, 2016 2
Jerry Pinkney is a rock star. His fans tend to be of the toddler-variety, but he has legions of older die-hard devotees of his work as well—mostly parents, nannies, and a lot of librarians. This week, a new fan is joining the ranks of the Pinkney-heads. (Hmmmm, we may need to work on that name. The… continue reading Jerry Pinkney Day
By written by Chris B. July 19, 2016
An excessive heat warning has been issued for the Philadelphia area for the next few days. Numerous Free Library locations will serve as cooling centers,where residents can get out of the heat and into an air-conditioned space with access to books, computers, wireless internet, and other library amenities. The Free Library locations listed… continue reading Stay Cool at the Library! Extended Hours for Wednesday, July 6 through Friday, July 8
By written by Julie B. July 6, 2016
Update: Thank you for your comments and excitement over the new South Philadelphia Library. We regret the error of leaving out the address and location of the library. This blog post has now been updated with the South Philadelphia Library address and location. We hope to see you there soon! - admin This past Saturday, together with the… continue reading The New South Philadelphia Library Is Now Open!
By written by Administrator June 13, 2016 14
The world is mourning the death of another larger-than-life pop culture icon, hero, and force of sheer nature: Muhammad Ali . The self-described, but no less true, "Greatest of All Time" may have been a worldwide phenomenon, but he also had special Philly-area ties: Ali became the heavyweight champion in 1964 by beating Philly boxer… continue reading Muhammad Ali's Philly Ties
By written by Peter SM June 8, 2016 1
The Free Library’s Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 13 ! Neighborhood libraries will offer programs and activities for all ages, as well as Bingo with a literacy twist for children, and raffles for teens and adults. And yes, the Wonder Kits (8 weeks of awesome activities) are back! From June 13 through August 5, every week there… continue reading Summer Reading 2016 – The Summer of Wonder!
By written by Ann P. May 25, 2016 4
