The Eighth Wonder of the World roars, stomps, and swings his way into a new film this weekend with Kong: Skull Island , a modern-day retelling of the King Kong mythos and the second installment in a much larger planned cinematic MonsterVerse . Needless to say, my Saturday-Afternoon-Monster-Movie-Double-Creature-Feature-UHF-Watching Inner Child… continue reading Man vs. Monster? Kong is King!
By written by Peter SM March 10, 2017
Much of the Free Library's ability to create and incubate cutting-edge programs and services is thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. One of the most long-standing and giving supporters has been the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation , which has provided invaluable support to the Free Library… continue reading Hats Off to the Knight Foundation for Its Support of the Free Library
By written by Shahadah A. March 8, 2017 1
Mackenzie, Holbrooke, and British Music Coming into Its Own Josef Holbrooke (1878–1958) . Pantomime Suite (Ballet from Pierrot and Pierrette) (1908) Alexander Mackenzie (1847–1935). Scottish Concerto for Piano and Orchestra (1897) Holbrooke . The Girl I Left Behind Me , Symphonic Variations (1908) Two British composers populate this… continue reading Discoveries from the Fleisher Collection: Mackenzie, Holbrooke, and British Music Coming into Its Own
By written by Fleisher Collection March 3, 2017
Happy Women’s History Month ! All throughout the month of March, we’re joining in the nationwide celebration of the vital role of women throughout American history. We hope you’ll join us for one (or more!) of the following inspiring events across the Free Library system: Monday Poets Monday, March 6, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Free… continue reading Women’s History Month at the Free Library
By written by Kate C. March 3, 2017
OverDrive , one of our most popular Digital Media platforms for accessing ebooks and digital audiobooks, recently made some changes to their mobile apps. These changes should make your digital reading experience go more smoothly. In addition to fixing some minor bugs, changes include: The "Choose a format" drop-down on the Loans page… continue reading Updates to OverDrive Mobile Apps
By written by Jamie W. February 28, 2017 4
You'll have to excuse me today, I'm a little tired after watching this weekend's wild awards ceremonies. And no, I don't mean The Oscars (although, #envelopegate would get my vote for "Best Dramedy"!). I'm referring to The Golden Rasberry Awards, or The Razzies as they are affectionately (and sarcastically)… continue reading Best of the Worst: The 2017 Razzie Awards
By written by Peter SM February 27, 2017
The Art Department of the Free Library of Philadelphia maintains a collection of artist files going back to the 19th century. Our artist files are folders that include article clippings, gallery announcements, artist statements, exhibition catalogs, and other ephemera related to artists and art subjects with a focus on the Philadelphia area.… continue reading Art Department Celebrates Black History Month with African American Artists from Philadelphia
By written by Alina J. February 23, 2017
The Academy Awards, also referred to as the Oscars, will be broadcast on Sunday, February 26. This is the biggest night of the year in my household. We host a party every year and have a blast with trivia, bingo, costume contests—and the biggest contest of all—Oscar Picks! The person who picks the most winning movies gets to take… continue reading The Academy Awards: Bingo, Ballots, and Books!
By written by Jen W. February 22, 2017
Earlier this year, J. Matthew Catron, a Library Assistant in Phibrick Hall at Parkway Central Library came to the Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department with a pitch: to bring Dr. Sheena Howard and her film Remixing Colorblind , on the relationship between race and education, to the Free Library. We agreed wholeheartedly, as it is… continue reading Reflections on Education and Race
By written by Sarah M. February 16, 2017
The Free Library is happy to host Philadelphia Performances for Autism (PPA) on Saturday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m. in Parkway Central Library's Children's Department . Philadelphia Performances for Autism (PPA) is an interactive classical music-based concert series with a focused mission to provide free, high quality,… continue reading Philadelphia Performances for Autism (PPA)
By written by Leanne F. February 15, 2017
Looking for something heartfelt and inspiring to read while supporting a worthy cause this Valentine's Day? Check out Love is Love , a 162-page graphic novel from IDW Publishing and DC Comics , honoring the victims, supporting the survivors, and celebrating the LGBTQ community affected by the senseless Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando,… continue reading Love is Love
By written by Peter SM February 14, 2017
Although I think that one never needs an excuse for wanting a good happily-ever-after, I’m happy to take any chance I get to recommend some great romance books. Personally, I find it comforting to know that however uncertain the real world might be, It is guaranteed that if I pick up a romance book I can count on a happy ending. So in… continue reading Dive into Dena's Romance Picks for Valentine's Day!
By written by Dena February 10, 2017 2
Emphasizing the diversity and individuality expressed on the Autism Spectrum was one of the main themes that came out of the One Book, One Philadelphia panel discussion hosted at the South Philadelphia Library last Wednesday entitled "Exploring Myths and Facts about the Spectrum." Author Mark Haddon deliberately avoids diagnosing his… continue reading #OneBookWednesday: Exploring Myths and Facts about the Autism Spectrum
By written by Will T. February 8, 2017
Get HYPE Philly is a city-wide initiative for youth development, funded by GSK and brought to youth by several organizations including The Food Trust and the Free Library of Philadelphia. At Parkway Central Library and the North Philadelphia libraries, Get HYPE Philly is primarily known for Food Education. Basically, we show up, we cook, and we… continue reading What's the HYPE?
By written by Khyra L. February 8, 2017 2
It’s February, cupid is dusting off his bow and arrow, and those chalky-but-delicious conversation hearts are lining supermarket shelves. With love already in the air, we thought it would be a great time to channel those lovey-dovey feelings and find out why you love your local library, whether it’s a Free Library location or… continue reading #LoveTheLibrary: What Do You Love About YOUR Local Library?
By written by Kate C. February 1, 2017 24
With a longstanding commitment to promoting new, noteworthy, and overlooked works, the Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music has engaged in musical diplomacy as an integral part of its history. During the Great Depression, Edwin Fleisher, Collection curator Arthur Cohn, and head librarian Franklin H. Price were able to interest the… continue reading How the Fleisher Collection Engages in Musical Diplomacy with Cuba
By written by Gina B. January 31, 2017
On January 28th, we will celebrate the Year of the Rooster at the Free Library! We invite you to explore storytimes, cultural programs, and arts & crafts activities throughout Philadelphia . Chinese New Year is a fifteen-day celebration which starts on the new moon. On Chinese New Year, people participate in traditional activities such as:… continue reading Celebrate the Year of the Rooster at the Free Library!
By written by Jenny C. January 26, 2017
Our libraries have a full lineup of programs and activities this February to celebrate the rich intellectual and cultural contributions made by the African American community. We have everything from performances and special guests to dance workshops and cooking programs scheduled for this year's Black History Month celebration!… continue reading How Will You Celebrate Black History Month?
By written by Jennifer W. January 24, 2017 3
On Saturday, February 11, 2017, Parkway Central Library welcomes back the United Way and the Campaign for Working Families for our second annual Free Tax Prep & Resource Fair . Community organizations will be available to connect tax filers to local, state, and national resources that help individuals and families to grow their financial… continue reading Tax Time at the Free Library of Philadelphia
By written by Adam F. January 19, 2017 8
His wasn’t an auspicious beginning and his end remains shrouded in mystery... 208 years ago today, Edgar Allan Poe was born to actors David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe, in Boston Massachusetts. By the time he was three years old, Poe was an orphan. Taken into the home of John Allan, a wealthy merchant living in Richmond, Poe… continue reading Celebrate Poe's Life with Our Rare Book Collection
By written by Allison F. January 19, 2017 1
