The Free Library is happy to announce that we've launched our new Online Catalog ! As we mentioned on the blog and throughout social media last week, our goal was to help make our catalog more user-friendly, encourage exploration, and offer better customer service throughout your online experience. With new features that include a… continue reading Introducing The Free Library's New Online Catalog!
By written by Peter SM June 24, 2015 3
Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835 and grew up poor in Scotland. When he was 12 years old his father moved the family to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, where young Andy got a job as a bobbin boy in a textile mill. He wanted to educate himself but he couldn't pay the $2 subscription for a local library, and he certainly… continue reading The Carnegie Libraries of the Free Library: Past, Present and Future
By written by Kim B. June 11, 2015 3
It's new comic book day across the United States today and you can flip through some new comics without even leaving your house to head down to your local comic shop. Hoopla , one of our most popular Digital Media resources here at Free Library, already boasts a catalog of more than 300,000 movies, TV shows, music albums, and audiobooks.… continue reading Hoopla Makes A Splash (Page), Now Offering Comic Book Downloads!
By written by Peter SM May 20, 2015 1
The Print and Picture Collection is pleased to announce PIX Open Call , our 2015 call for entries for juried two-person exhibitions. Area artists are invited to enter this open call, juried by photographer David Graham and printmaker Shelley Thorstensen. The deadline for application is June 5, 2015. We will have two Two Person Shows,… continue reading Now accepting entries for PIX Open Call
By written by Laura S. April 22, 2015
Happy Women's History Month! Anyone who has any contact with children is aware of the incredible popularity of Disney’s Frozen . One of the movie’s appeals is the strong female characters, sisters named Anna and Elsa, who save themselves in the end instead of being saved by a prince. If you’re ready to take a break from… continue reading Great Books for Strong Girls
By written by Sarah S. February 26, 2015 1
Over the past year, the Free Library—along with The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre and many other partners throughout the city—has been celebrating the Year of the Bard: Shakespeare at 450 , with fun programs, unique performances, and engaging exhibitions. (Have you stopped by to see our latest, Born of the Bard: Works Inspired by… continue reading Celebrate the Grand Finale of the Year of the Bard: Shakespeare at 450
By written by Michelle S. November 20, 2014
*** Update - 11/1/2017 - Our Hoopla policies have changed. So that we can bring you more content on more platforms, we have changed the number of checkouts per person to 4 titles a month (any combination of movies, TV, audiobooks, ebooks, or graphic novels). Regular readers of this blog will doubtless be aware that the Free… continue reading Stream Movies, TV, Music, and Audiobooks Free with Hoopla!
By written by Jamie W. July 28, 2014 53
[all photos courtesy Philadelphia Jazz Project and Alexis Simmons of Gypsi Life Photography ] On Monday July 21st, eleven stunning performers treated an audience of nearly 200 jazz fans to a unique glimpse into the artistic process of an emergent community of working female musicians. The Philadelphia Jazz Project , who organized the event,… continue reading DivaNation Showcase
By written by Adam F. July 25, 2014 1
It's summer time and that means time to get in the water! Some kids are very comfortable playing in the pool right from the start, while others need a little encouragement getting their little feet in the water and enjoying the experience of getting wet and learning to swim. These wonderful books are a great way to help children… continue reading Splish, Splash! Fun with Water!
By written by Monica C. July 15, 2014 1
Now that you've been properly introduced, get ready for some fun. The "King of Bad Taste", "Sultan of Sleaze", and "Pope of Trash" (allegedly coined with affection and admiration by William S. Burroughs ) will be (dis)gracing us with his pleasure this evening for a SOLD OUT Author Event (on Friday the 13th, no… continue reading Friday Five: John Waters
By written by Peter SM June 13, 2014
With William Shakespeare’s 450 th birthday just around the corner on Wednesday, April 23 , the Free Library is set to is set to celebrate Shakespeare's big day with programs throughout the city, and we hope you'll join us! From a big birthday bash at Parkway Central Library to children's programs and engaging lectures,… continue reading Celebrate Shakespeare's 450th Birthday with Us!
By written by Michelle S. April 21, 2014
As you may know from the buzz around the libraries, this April marks the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth. And while Will may be celebrated for his comedies, tragedies, historical plays and sonnets, the Wadsworth Library decided to honor his ability to throw some serious shade. Yes, insults can be hurtful in real life. But… continue reading Shakespearean Smackdowns!
By written by Chris B. April 9, 2014
bardolatry n. idolatry or excessive admiration of William Shakespeare 1 There is an exhibition going on in the Rare Book Department right now that you really need to see. It’s called “Shakespeare for All Time” and it contains some of the rarest treasures in the Free Library’s collection. “He was not for an age but… continue reading Bardolatry in the Rare Book Department
By written by Janine P. April 9, 2014
To celebrate Women's History Month, Wadsworth Library's Children's area is focusing on one very popular woman: Cinderella. Cinderella is more than a quick bedtime story or Disney movie. The story of a young woman who is abused by her family and eventually finds happiness runs through the oral traditions of many cultures. Many of… continue reading Cinderella Around the World
By written by Chris B. March 25, 2014 10
SIDE A - The Words : News You Can Use Last year at tax time we detailed some " Tax Filing Tips " for our fellow Philadelphians. This year, we're happy to report that the many high quality options for getting your taxes done for free have gotten better and apply to more people. Households making up to $95,000 a year or… continue reading Fresh for 2014: Tax Season Mix Tape
By written by Adam F. February 6, 2014
In keeping with the spirit of our The Year of The Bard celebration, we've published a new online exhibition and accompanying timeline to our website celebrating 450 years' worth of Shakespearean delight! The online exhibition is broken up into a number of sections, starting with Shakespeare's birth and childhood in… continue reading Through The Years with William Shakespeare
By written by Peter SM February 5, 2014
Today, in the lobby of the Parkway Central Library , the Free Library of Philadelphia, in partnership with The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre and numerous other cultural organizations from around the region, kicked off the Year of the Bard: Shakespeare at 450 --a year packed full of engaging, enlightening, and entertaining programs and events… continue reading Celebrate William Shakespeare During the Year of the Bard
By written by Michelle S. January 8, 2014
Did you know? October is National-Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month , so if you’re thinking of adding a new furry member to your family, now is the perfect time to do it. Of course, bringing a dog home is a big commitment, and one that should not be taken lightly. But if you and your family are ready for it, adopting a dog from a… continue reading Go, Dog, Go!
By written by Monica C. October 2, 2013
With the fall season upon us, students, their teachers, and their principals have recently returned to school. In the School District of Philadelphia, each of those groups face immense uncertainty about the future . As do students and educators across the United States and Mexico . Despite these myriad challenges, librarians want to… continue reading What students (and often their teachers and their principals) don’t know about research and an enriching liberal education
By written by Adam F. September 18, 2013 1
This weekend, the sci-fi robots vs. colossal monsters of Pacific Rim will be stomping all over movie screens and battling at the box office. Director Guillermo del Toro, no stranger to fantastical cinematic creations ( Cronos , Pan's Labyrinth , and the Hellboy movies), has gone back to the Saturday afternoon b-movies of his youth for… continue reading Friday Five: Monster Movies
By written by Peter SM July 12, 2013 2
