October is LGBTQ+ History Month. These historians show that gender and sexual diversity have always been a part of the fabric of humanity. For many, LGBTQ+ history begins in 1970, when seemingly all the gay and transgender people appeared in our realm from another dimension. With the increased acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in society, we now have… continue reading New Titles Perfect for LGBTQ+ History Month
By written by Shelley R. October 16, 2025
Want to get a Free Library card , but unsure how to go about it? Look no further for everything you need to know about becoming a patron of the Free Library of Philadelphia! Who is eligible for a Free Library card? Anyone who lives, works, pays taxes, or goes to school in Philadelphia — or anyone who is a Pennsylvania state resident!… continue reading How To Get a Free Library Card
By written by Administrator October 14, 2025 1
The Free Library of Philadelphia is expanding its six-day service by adding Saturday hours at seven additional neighborhood library locations . By October 18, 2025, a total of 39 libraries will be open and accessible to the public on Saturdays. "Libraries are vital community hubs. By expanding our hours, we’re ensuring that more… continue reading Additional Saturday Hours Roll Out at Neighborhood Libraries
By written by Administrator October 9, 2025 1
Join us at Parkway Central Library for a special storytime series celebrating the many languages of Philadelphia! Each storytime in this series will be bilingual, highlighting different languages spoken in the city . These storytimes are intended for children aged six and under and their caregivers. They will be held in Montgomery… continue reading Languages of Philadelphia: A Bilingual Family Storytime Series
By written by Bridget G. October 6, 2025 1
Free college prep workshops are returning to the Free Library for Fall 2025! Field Teen Center hosts these FREE workshops in partnership with The Alexander Advantage and College Thoughts. This series will cover everything from essay and resume writing to financial aid and scholarships to get you college-ready.… continue reading Register in Advance: Free College Prep Workshops Coming This Fall
By written by Yona Y. October 6, 2025
Leaving a federal government role and embarking on a new career journey is an understandably daunting experience. With the right tools and strategies, you can position yourself for a successful transition that acknowledges your federal experience and aligns with your future career goals. Here are the highlights of what we covered in our recent… continue reading Tips and Resources for Federal Workers in Transition
By written by Administrator October 6, 2025
The Free Library Music Department and Consonant Collective team up to bring lathe-cut vinyl records to the masses! A new program is dropping at Parkway Central Library : DIY Discs: Cut Your Own Vinyl Record workshops. This series of 12 workshops will run through August 2026. These workshops will be held… continue reading Cut Your Own Vinyl Record With DIY Discs!
By written by Jane L. October 6, 2025 1
Join the Northeast Regional Library for a sweeping introduction to South Asia. This five-part series, taking place late October to early December, introduces the history and culture of one of Asia’s most enduring and strategic regions: South Asia. Comprising the states of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka,… continue reading An Introduction to South Asia Lecture Series at Northeast Regional Library
By written by Rebecca R. October 1, 2025
The Penguin Random House Banned Wagon is coming to Philadelphia for Banned Books Week and will make stops at Northeast Regional Library on Friday, October 10, and Parkway Central Library on Saturday, October 11. The Banned Wagon's last stop at Parkway Central will culminate in the Banned Book Fest ! The Banned Wagon will highlight a… continue reading Join the Banned Wagon for Banned Book Fest!
By written by Katrina W. September 30, 2025
These new titles are coming to the Free Library in October! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Día de Muertos by Jacque Jours Discover the meaning of Dia de Muertos and learn how children all around the world celebrate this festival. Pancho and his family are inviting you to celebrate with them! Join in as they prepare in the lead-up to… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in October
By written by Rachel F. September 30, 2025
The Community Quilt Circle Workshops , featuring Colombian textile artists Nicolle Valencia and Shanise Barona, are a three-part workshop happening on Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Lillian Marrero Library . Starting September 25 and ending October 9, these free community workshops will serve as a safe space for… continue reading Add to Our Community Quilt for Hispanic Heritage Month
By written by Saloua A. September 29, 2025
The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Zoo are collaborating again to present the annual Animal Tales series at Charles L. Durham Library . On the second Tuesday each month from October 2025 through May 2026, a Philadelphia Zoo representative will visit Charles L. Durham Library for a storytime… continue reading Popular Animal Storytimes Return to Charles L. Durham Library
By written by Christina B. September 29, 2025
The Academy of Natural Sciences and the Free Library of Philadelphia are old friends. For over 100 years, they have existed across from each other on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, educating and entertaining Philadelphians. In celebration of the relationship between the Free Library and the Academy of Natural Sciences, the… continue reading The Academy of Natural Sciences Free Pass Program Returns
By written by Joe S. September 26, 2025 3
Join the Northeast Regional Library on Wednesday, October 22, at 3:30 p.m. for an afternoon of discovery with Daniel Seddiqui, widely known as the "Most Traveled Person in American History." Seddiqui is a multi-time international bestselling author, inspiring keynote speaker, and educational and travel entrepreneur. His… continue reading Meet The Most Traveled Person in American History
By written by Rebecca R. September 25, 2025
Latinx comics and graphic novels are important because they provide authentic representations of diverse Latinx identities, cultures, and experiences often overlooked in mainstream media. They challenge stereotypes and amplify voices that address issues like immigration, identity, and social justice. Through powerful storytelling and visual… continue reading Latinx Comics and Graphic Novels in the Catalog
By written by Dr. Guy Sims September 24, 2025
Since 2002, the Field Family Teen Author Series has been connecting Philadelphia school students with authors of young adult books. This year is no different, with an exciting lineup of authors ready to speak to local students. Each event in the series is attended by students who have received a free copy of the author’s book and consists… continue reading Students Meeting Authors: The Field Family Teen Author Series Is Back!
By written by Erin H. September 22, 2025
The flag of Ecuador hangs along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway’s Avenue of Flags just outside the Free Library of Philadelphia. Nearly 3,000 miles south, the same tricolor with its condor flies over Quito, the world’s highest capital, at an elevation of 9,300 feet. In June 2025, that rarefied air carried the sound of two important… continue reading Musical Homecomings: Lost and Found in the Andes
By written by Fleisher Collection September 19, 2025 1
The heart of Philadelphia will beat to the rhythm of Latin American stories this fall! Join us for the 7th Edition of the Latin American Book Fair , a vibrant celebration of literature, art, music, and culture — now for the first time at the iconic Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts , a landmark on the Avenue of the Arts. This annual… continue reading Celebrate Latino Stories and Culture at the Latin American Book Fair!
By written by Mary Marques September 16, 2025
Bibliotele is a free streaming service, available with your library card, designed for the Latino community. Think of it as a space where culture, learning, and entertainment meet, all in Spanish. Exclusive Streaming Content Bibliotele’s library is packed with films, series, documentaries, and theater productions that you… continue reading Discover Bibliotele With Your Library Card
By written by Tyler S. September 16, 2025
The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the 2025–26 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate : Rashawn Dorsey , a senior at Academy at Palumbo High School! He was selected from a competitive pool of applicants by the Poet Laureate Governing Committee and will succeed Malaya Ulan, who served as the 2024–25 Youth… continue reading Rashawn Dorsey is the 2025–26 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate
By written by Yona Y. September 15, 2025
