![James Baldwin in Hyde Park, London. Photograph by Allan Warren. [CC BY-SA 3.0]](https://libwww.freelibrary.biz/images/blog/FLPBlog/resized/James_Baldwin_37_Allan_Warren.jpg)
Celebrate 100 years of James Baldwin (August 2, 1924 – December 1, 1987) with selections from across the Free Library’s collections highlighting Baldwin’s work, influence, and legacy. On display outside the Social Science and History Department at Parkway Central Library , Love and Revolution: James Baldwin Speaks to Our Time… continue reading Love and Revolution: James Baldwin Speaks to Our Time
By written by Grace D. August 19, 2024 2
Dr. Seuss wrote in Oh, the Places You'll Go , "Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened." The end of summer break may be just around the corner, but don’t feel sad! There is much to look forward to at the Free Library of Philadelphia throughout the school year, including incredible… continue reading Back to School Fun and Opportunities Abound for Philly Students
By written by Free Library Foundation August 19, 2024 2
Languages and Learning is the Free Library of Philadelphia's department for adult education support, connecting patrons seeking Adult Basic Education, English Language Learner, and World Language support to the appropriate resources. Spanish is the first language of many Philadelphia residents; according to census data , over 150,000… continue reading New Spanish Language Novels in the Free Library's Catalog
By written by Betsy M. August 19, 2024 1
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: Social Science and History
By written by Ben R. August 15, 2024
The Edwin A. Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music is excited to announce the gift of three complete performance sets for works by Russian-born Chinese national composer Aaron Avshalomov to the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. The three orchestral works are Concerto for Violin in D , Symphony No. 2 , and Hutungs of Peking .… continue reading Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music Gifts Avshalomov Works to China
By written by Gillian R. August 9, 2024
While working in the newspaper business in the 1830s, Herbert Ingram noticed that newspaper circulation increased when a newspaper included an illustration. Ingram found the first newspaper that subordinated the text to pictures, the Illustrated London News , which featured high-quality engraving. You can view some of these… continue reading Highlights of the Illustrated London News
By written by Hal T. August 7, 2024
Languages and Learning is the Free Library of Philadelphia's department for adult education support, connecting patrons seeking Adult Basic Education, English Language Learner, and World Language support to the appropriate resources. It is important to use a learner-focused approach when working with adult learners. Teachers of children and… continue reading New Adult Learning Books in the Free Library's Catalog
By written by Betsy M. August 6, 2024 3
Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love! Per WHYY and Pew Charitable Trusts’s 2024 State of the City report, "immigrants now make up the largest percent of Philadelphia’s population since the 1940s" (15.7% or 1,550,000 residents, to be exact). If you were born in another country and want to connect with other new… continue reading Helpful Resources for New Americans at the Free Library
By written by Free Library Foundation August 6, 2024 4
Every Tuesday this August, the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library will host a film series for Black August facilitated by cinéSPEAK . Learn a little bit about the curators below, and see what films they chose: Ingrid Raphaël is a filmmaker, educator, and multi-disciplinary artist whose work explores image… continue reading Meet the Curators: Black August Film Series with cinéSPEAK
By written by Administrator August 5, 2024
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: Interlibrary Loan
By written by Administrator August 5, 2024
The City of Philadelphia provides public funds for the operations of the Free Library, considered one of the most important educational and cultural institutions in the city. However, many of the incredible resources, programs, and services offered to millions across the city would not be possible without the support of the Free Library of… continue reading Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation FAQs
By written by Free Library Foundation August 1, 2024 1
![A target of COINTELPRO, Angela Davis ended up on the FBI’s Most Wanted List but was acquitted of all charges in 1972. [Credit: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture]](https://libwww.freelibrary.biz/images/blog/FLPBlog/resized/angela-davis-wanted.jpg)
On August 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. , the Free Library's Social Science and History Department will host a discussion by Dr. Kelly Harris of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Africana Studies about the history of the FBI's Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO), in recognition of Black… continue reading COINTELPRO: A Black August Discussion
By written by Sabrina W. July 29, 2024
The summer season is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to introduce your little one to what will soon become one of their favorite activities: swimming! Did you know you can begin formal swimming lessons for your baby as young as three months? Yes, it’s true! Aside from reducing their risk of drowning, swimming can… continue reading Swim, Baby, Swim!
By written by Kimberly G. July 29, 2024
Ready for some new reads to escape this long, hot summer? Read on for fun and inspiring books to help get you through the dog days of August. Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Beach Hair by Ashley Woodfolk; illustrated by Nina Mata At the beach, everyone has beach hair. There’s twisty and twirly hair, flossy and glossy hair, hair… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in August
By written by Rachel F. July 26, 2024
This summer, the Free Library of Philadelphia is excited to announce the return of the Revolution at the Library program, in partnership with the Museum of the American Revolution . This partnership includes engaging and educational programming that will bring the captivating stories and artifacts of the American Revolution to life for… continue reading Revolution at the Library Programming Returns
By written by Brianna V. July 25, 2024
![San Diego Comic Con [Credit: Gage Skidmore]](https://libwww.freelibrary.biz/images/blog/FLPBlog/resized/san-diego-comic-con.jpg)
Earlier this year, I was invited to join a panel discussion at San Diego Comic-Con, which will take place next week from July 24–28. San Diego Comic-Con is among one of the largest pop culture conventions (New York’s is bigger, but it’s not as good). It began in 1970 and has consistently reached the San Diego… continue reading Comic Con 2024: Conspiracy Theories and Propaganda Throughout Pop Culture
By written by J. Matthew C. July 24, 2024
Photography is a powerful outlet for expression and creativity in young people. Teens aged 12–18 can explore their abilities as photographers at the Kensington and Lillian Marrero branches of the Free Library this summer, where Photography Without Borders will host three fun, hands-on classes in the coming weeks. Photography Without… continue reading View Life Through the Lens: Photography Without Borders at the Free Library
By written by Anthony T. July 23, 2024
Are you an inventor, small business owner, or non-profit looking to better understand how to protect your business or invention? Do you want to learn what type of intellectual property will best fit your business? The BRIC and Patent and Trademark Resource Center are offering a free Intellectual Property Workshop that introduces… continue reading Free Workshop: Intellectual Property Basics at the Free Library
By written by Lonnie J. July 23, 2024 1
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the United States has an upcoming election . Have you ever wondered how the election system works here in Philadelphia? You can learn about it at one of three upcoming programs hosted by the Free Library. The Philadelphia City Commissioners will answer your questions,… continue reading Your Vote, Your Voice at the Free Library
By written by Ben R. July 18, 2024 1
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 resources,… continue reading Library Department Highlights: Field Teen Center
By written by Yona Y. July 17, 2024 1
