The Free Library of Philadelphia is home to a myriad of Special Collections. Since mid-March, we have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that those of us who work with the Special Collections, are unable to work directly with the materials we care for.

As curator of the Map Collection, this has given me a bit of separation anxiety since I’m unable to be with the Collection that I spend most of my days with. Fortunately, we have extensive Digital Collections that I can tap into anytime I’m yearning for a little cartographic connection.

Perhaps it’s my need to care for and organize things, as well as spending all this time at home, that’s made me consider what "special collections" are in my direct care at home. In talking with other staff of the Special Collections Division, it seems that we each have unique and personal collections that pepper the shelves and closets of our homes. Enter the idea for #SpecialCollectionsAtHome! 

Every Monday, various Special Collections staff will showcase a personal collection on social media (see links below). In addition, we’ll ask followers to join in the fun and showcase theirs and tag us, so we can appreciate all kinds of different collections.

After you've identified a collection, you could even take it a step further and create your own exhibition at home! Luci Creative has created a list of tips and tricks for bringing your collections to life. Enjoy showcasing your collections!

Free Library Special Collections on Social Media

Children’s Literature Research Collection

• Instagram: @clrcflp

Edwin A. Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music

• Facebook: @FleisherCollection

Map Collection

• Instagram: @freelibrarymaps

Print and Picture Collection

• Facebook: @flppix
• Instagram: @freelibrarypix
• Twitter: @PIX_FLP

Rare Book Department and Theater Collection

• Facebook: @flprarebooks
• Instagram: @freelibraryrarebooks
• Twitter: @GripTheRaven

The Rosenbach Museum and Library

• Facebook: @rosenbachmuseum
• Instagram: @therosenbach