It's Thanksgiving week! In the spirit of the holiday, here are some local Thanksgiving-related community events, including turkey drives, giveaways, and free Thanksgiving meals for seniors, families in need, and people experiencing homelessness. Note that many of these are first-come, first-served events and some require registration… continue reading Local Thanksgiving Meals and Giveaways for Those in Need

By written by Bridget G.    November 25, 2024    4  

• Community Events
• Holidays
• Community
• Social Services

November is National American Indian Heritage Month, also known as Native American Heritage Month . While different single-day observations began across the country early in the 20th century, it was in 1990 when President George H.W. Bush signed a joint resolution designating the month. Subsequent presidents have issued similar proclamations… continue reading Native American Heritage: Language Resources

By written by Meredith M.    November 14, 2024    1  

• Languages
• History
• Native American
• Languages and Learning
• Indigenous Peoples

On December 16 at 6:00 p.m. at Parkway Central Library , the Social Science and History Department will host Bob Weinberg, Professor of History and International Relations at Swarthmore College. Weinberg is the author of the new book Jews Under Tsars and Communists . He will explore anti-Jewish visual imagery from the late Tsarist era to the… continue reading The Dehumanization of Jews in Russian and Soviet Cartoons

By written by Hal T.    November 13, 2024   

• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• History
• Author Events
• Religion

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation supports the Free Library of Philadelphia as a center for learning and opportunity in every neighborhood, for every Philadelphian. With the holiday season just around the corner, we would like to take a moment to show our gratitude and share what we are most thankful for at the Free Library of… continue reading What We Are Thankful for at the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation

By written by Free Library Foundation    November 12, 2024   

• Holidays
• Support
• Nonprofit

Podcasting has exploded in popularity since 2006, when just 11% of Americans over 12 were familiar with the medium. Now, that number is over 67%, with 45 million people that enjoy podcasts at least once a month. New podcasts are always emerging because of their wide accessibility and DIY potential, but there’s more to podcasting than… continue reading Learn to Start Your Own Podcast with "Podcasting 101"

By written by Anthony T.    November 8, 2024   

• Events at the Library
• Podcasts
• Digital Learning
• Literature

Children’s Book Week, a “celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading,” was established in 1919 and is “the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country,” as noted by Every Child a Reader . Taking place biannually in the spring and fall and administered by the Children’s Book… continue reading Read by 4th and Children's Book Week: Ensuring Our Children Become Strong Readers

By written by Free Library Foundation    November 1, 2024   

• Family Programs
• Childrens Books
• Early Literacy
• Read by 4th
• Nonprofit

In 1994, Congress designated National Family Literacy Day on November 1 to encourage learning beyond the classroom and across generations. This observance aims to strengthen family bonds through shared learning experiences and aligns closely with the Free Library’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire… continue reading Celebrate National Family Literacy Day with Free Library Resources

By written by Anthony T.    October 31, 2024   

• Family Programs
• Literacy
• Read by 4th
• Library Resources
• Read Baby Read

The Map Collection ,  Print and Picture Collection , and  Children's Literature Research Collection have joined together to create a new exhibition in the West Gallery on the Second Floor of Parkway Central Library . The exhibition, entitled  Telling Tales: From Oral Tradition to Art  focuses on four subgenres of… continue reading Telling Tales: From Oral Tradition to Art

By written by Nora R.    October 30, 2024    3  

• Exhibitions
• Art
• Parkway Central
• History
• Special Collections

General Election Day is  Tuesday, November 5, 2024 , and 30 of our neighborhood libraries will serve as designated voting locations. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Remember: anyone in line by 8:00 p.m. can vote — so stay in line! Most Library voting locations will also provide patron services… continue reading 30 Libraries Will Serve As Polling Places for the November 5, 2024 Election

By written by Administrator    October 29, 2024   

• Politics
• Neighborhood Libraries
• Voting and Elections

We are grateful for these new titles arriving on our shelves this fall!   Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) At Our Table by Patrick Hulse This is a fresh and inclusive portrayal of Thanksgiving that celebrates sharing, community, family, food, and respect for America's first inhabitants. There are countless ways we celebrate and… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in November

By written by Rachel F.    October 28, 2024   

• Recommendations
• Catalog
• Monthly New Titles
• New Titles

Every Sunday in households across the United States, families gather around the television to watch the most popular sport in the country: football. It has become like a religion for those who watch football from home and enjoy the spectacle in person. Tailgates, barbeques, and cookouts have become ritualistic routines that unite families… continue reading Flying High: History of Football in Philadelphia

By written by Chris M.    October 28, 2024    1  

• Parkway Central
• Sports
• History of Philadelphia

Our Closet In Your Neighborhood  returns to  Parkway Central Library on Thursday, November 7, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Room 108. Our Closet In Your Neighborhood is a mobile program that provides free groceries, clothing, and social services to under-resourced communities in an environment where all children,… continue reading Free Groceries, Clothing, and Social Services at Parkway Central on November 7

By written by Bridget G.    October 24, 2024   

• Community Events
• Parkway Central
• Social Services

Are you a true crime fan who listens to every new episode from your favorite investigative podcast? Do you enjoy sitting on your couch with a true crime book or watching endless reruns of Dateline ? Join us at The Vidocq Society: Solving Cold Case Homicides event on Monday, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Fox Chase Library . T he Vidocq Society , a… continue reading The Vidocq Society: Solving Cold Cases Through Collaboration

By written by Brianna V.    October 23, 2024   

• Events at the Library
• Recommendations
• Neighborhood Libraries
• History of Philadelphia

Join us for a fantastic opportunity at the Parkway Central Library to explore entry-level job openings from various employers. The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC)  will be hosting The Workplace and PA CareerLink Entry Level Job Fair at the library on  Wednesday, November 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00… continue reading Entry-Level Job Fair at Parkway Central Library on November 6 [SOLD OUT]

By written by Jordan C.    October 22, 2024    2  

• Job Fairs
• Business Resource and Innovation Center
• Business
• Job Seekers

Since  Parkway Central Library  opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections available are impressive, but some patrons may not be familiar with all of them. To promote these… continue reading Department Highlights: Music

By written by Jane L.    October 21, 2024    1  

• Fleisher Collection
• Music
• Parkway Central
• Departments

In the heart of West Philadelphia, a powerful partnership has formed between Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library and The People’s Fridge , working together to combat a critical issue: food insecurity. This partnership reflects an innovative approach to supporting community needs while promoting mutual aid and fostering a culture of… continue reading Beyond Books: How a West Philly Library Is Addressing Food Insecurity

By written by Brianna V.    October 18, 2024    5  

• Health
• Community
• Neighborhood Libraries

Did you know that you can get a free, professional headshot done at the library? Every first and third Thursday of the month from 1:00–3:00 p.m. , the Free Library's Business Resource and Innovation Center hosts free headshot sessions. Read on to get all the details and answers to your questions about the headshots program. Who are… continue reading Get Free Professional Headshots Done at the Library!

By written by Birch M.    October 16, 2024    22  

• Parkway Central
• Business Resource and Innovation Center
• Business
• Library Resources
• Job Seekers

The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at Parkway Central Library is excited to announce a series of workshops in partnership with the 30 by 30 Financial Literacy Campaign effort, each presented by professionals with expertise in their field. Why is financial literacy important? These skills can help you make informed decisions… continue reading Master Your Money With These Financial Literacy Workshops

By written by Jordan C.    October 10, 2024    2  

• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• Financial Literacy
• Business Resource and Innovation Center
• Business

On October 17, the Newspapers and Microfilm Center will host a screening of Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project . Stokes was a Philadelphia activist, librarian, public-access television producer, and secretly, an archivist of over 30 years of TV. During the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, she started taping. She didn’t stop recording until… continue reading Marion Stokes Saved Everything

By written by Charlie B.    October 9, 2024   

• Archives
• Film Screenings
• Television
• Newspapers
• History of Philadelphia

On Thursday, October 10 , in the Fourth Floor Skyline Room at Parkway Central Library , the Social Science and History Department will host Jon Grinspan , curator of political history at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.  Grinspan will be in Philadelphia to discuss his latest book,… continue reading A Smithsonian Curator on the Lead-Up to the U.S. Civil War

By written by Ben R.    October 8, 2024   

• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• History
• Author Events
• Politics