Blog Articles
There are many things associated with Friday the 13th, including horror films, bad luck, phobias ( paraskevidekatriaphobia ). Historians believe that Friday the 13th comes from the number 13 being… continue reading Friday the 13th
By written by Christina P. October 13, 2017
Author Martha Freeman recently visited the Free Library of Philadelphia and entertained nearly 400 students with stories about her career and her writing process. While visiting the library,… continue reading Five Questions with Children's Author Martha Freeman
By written by Chris B. October 11, 2017
The Philadelphia Colored Directory , a handbook of religious, social, political, professional, business activities of the Negroes of Philadelphia, was compiled by R. (Richard) R. (Robert) Wright,… continue reading The Philadelphia Colored Directory of 1910 Recently Scanned and Available for Download in Our Digital Collections
By written by Renee G. October 6, 2017 5
Saturday, October 7, 2017, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Johann Stamitz (1717–1757). Symphony in B–flat for Strings Stamitz . Concerto for Flute (Oboe) and Orchestra in C Stamitz .… continue reading Discoveries from the Fleisher Collection: The Symphony’s Declaration of Independence
By written by Fleisher Collection October 4, 2017
by Anne Schuster Hunter This month, Philadelphia celebrates one of the biggest “new finds” in old music: German composer Georg Philipp Telemann. A big party to celebrate… continue reading Philadelphia Salutes Long-Lost Music Hero with Telemann 360º
By written by Fleisher Collection October 2, 2017
We've spent the past week here on the blog celebrating Banned Books and the f READ om to read whatever you want—banned, challenged, or not. If there's one thing possibly more… continue reading From Banned to the Big Screen: Banned Book Adaptations
By written by Peter SM September 29, 2017
If you were to view the most frequently challenged or banned books each year, you may notice that 5 of the 10 most challenged books are usually children’s books. In 2016, This One Summer by… continue reading Children’s Banned Books: from Nudity to the Occult to LGBTQ+
By written by Mary W. September 28, 2017
Worm bins and books alike inspire curiosity! During the summer, Get HYPE Philly! set up compost bins at neighborhood libraries , filling them up with scraps of raw fruits and vegetables, soil… continue reading Get HYPE Philly!: From Bookworms to Earthworms
By written by Khyra L. September 27, 2017 3
Banned books—more like the best books , am I right? Some of the most frequently challenged books (at least according to the American Library Association’s list of Frequently… continue reading Young Adult (Best!) Banned Books
By written by Rachel F. September 26, 2017
For our inaugural partner spotlight we spoke with April Robinson, Outreach & Admissions Specialist from Philadelphia Job Corps . Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training… continue reading Introducing Workplace Partner Spotlights! This month: Philadelphia Job Corps
By written by Gillian R. September 25, 2017
It has been more than 150 years since Octavius Catto may have slipped on a sack overcoat that hung by his front door, pushed a well-worn felt pocket hat over his parted hair, stepped out into the… continue reading Following Octavius V. Catto’s Footsteps
By written by Administrator September 25, 2017 13
Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read and brings national awareness to censorship of literature. This week puts a spotlight on books that have been challenged or whose access has been… continue reading Celebrating—That's Right, Celebrating!—Banned Books Week
By written by Amy H. September 25, 2017
On Sept. 26, 2017, the fence will come down and a new statue will be unveiled: the first new City Hall statue since 1923 and the first of an African American on any city-owned public… continue reading A History Minute: Octavius V. Catto - Philadelphia's Forgotten Freedom Fighter
By written by Administrator September 22, 2017
The walls of the newly-remodeled 21st Century Libraries just got even prettier! We can't wait to invite you inside later this autumn to see the libraries for yourselves. A big THANK YOU is due… continue reading "Public Libraries for the People": A Gift of Four Original Prints by Amos P. Kennedy, Jr.
By written by Shahadah A. September 21, 2017 1
Over three previous concert seasons at the Parkway Central Library , veteran and up-and-coming Philly musicians have explored some questions. What has the Great Migration meant to music in… continue reading Mysterious Travelers Tunes Up for Its Fourth Season of Free Jazz Shows with the Philadelphia Jazz Project!
By written by Perry G. September 13, 2017
In the autumn of 2016, we were tasked with a fascinating challenge: create a bold and welcoming exhibition that would discuss the history of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. On the surface, this… continue reading Corridor of Culture: 100 Years of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
By written by Laura S. September 8, 2017
Summer absolutely flew by and it’s now time to get back into a new school year. If you’re wondering how you’ll cope with all of the assignments and homework coming your way, the… continue reading Back to School Resources for Teens at Parkway Central and Beyond!
By written by Kris L. September 7, 2017
We didn’t think we could love poetry any more than we already do here at the Free Library … but we were wrong. The City of Philadelphia Poet Laureate program —which has… continue reading The Free Library Welcomes the Philadelphia Poet Laureate Program
By written by Julie B. September 7, 2017 2
This year the Free Library of Philadelphia is participating in Welcoming Week: Connecting Neighbors, Serving Communities , taking place September 15 through 24, with a variety of cultural events… continue reading Welcoming Week 2017: Connecting Neighbors, Serving Communities
By written by Mary Marques September 6, 2017 1
Is everyone ready for the start of another school year? At the Free Library of Philadelphia, we spent the last few weeks of our summer brushing up on the wonderful online resources available… continue reading Start Your School Year Off Right with These Free Online Resources!
By written by Rachel F. September 6, 2017