Howdy! I am a Free Library of Philadelphia Library Card. Since I am an important part of the Free Library of Philadelphia system, that is the F-L-P, you can call me Flippy for short.

I am but one of hundreds of thousands of Library cards that Philadelphians across the city use in their neighborhood libraries on a regular basis. Although I am small and tiny, I am such a mighty and powerful tool!

Through me, you are able to access the Free Library’s entire catalog, digital media portal, and our online databases for which we were awarded "Best Library Digital Resources" by Philadelphia Magazine in 2020.

Moreover, whenever you would like to access Wi-Fi or free public computers, you can visit any one of the 54 Free Library locations.

For any Philadelphian that lives, works, pays taxes, or attends school in the city of Philadelphia, I am an incredible resource through which you can access free services and learn so many new things. Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a Free Library card!

Did you know that September is Library Card Sign-Up Month? If you don’t have one already, I want to encourage you to get your Free Library card today! It is free and easy to get one online, in person, or by submitting a paper application.

Want to learn more about all the exciting things you can do with a Free Library card? Let me share with you all the things I did in just one week...

My schedule is inspired from some of the wonderful events happening at the Free Library from Sunday, September 26 through Saturday, October 2. To learn more about events near you, check out the Free Library's events calendar.
 

Sunday

I have been searching for new Middle School book recommendations, so I prepared for Middle-Grade Monday, Walnut Street West Library's virtual program where Ms. Echo will share new book recommendations on Instagram, and will even do a first-page read-aloud.

To ensure I could begin reading one of Ms. Echo’s recommended books right away, I wanted to make sure I completed my homework. I used the Free Library’s Homework Help Online database and was able to connect with a tutor. 

When you use your library card, you're able to get live, online access to a tutor every day from 10:00 a.m. to 12 midnight for K–12, college, and adult students. Homework Help Online can help you with your core school subjects, as well as with ACT, SAT, GED, and AP test preparation. You can even get help studying for your U.S. Citizenship Test.

Monday

I joined Mr. Rich outside for some baby songs during Roxborough Library’s Read, Baby, Read event in the morning. I was so inspired that I accessed BookFlix, a digital literacy resource for grades PreK–3, that pairs animated stories with nonfiction ebooks to build a love of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the story video for Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson.

If you want to find innovative ways to develop your love of reading, make sure to use your library card to check out our Digital Media featured databases. You’ll be able to access resources like Overdrive, EBSCOhost, Freading, Gale ebooks, and TumbleBooks that have extensive ebook and audiobook offerings.

Tuesday

This year, I’ve decided to be more engaged in important policy decisions happening in government that affect me, my family, my neighbors, and my city. So, I decided to register to vote at Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library.

Along with learning more about the upcoming elections, I wanted to increase my knowledge of U.S. History. By using the U.S. History In Context database, I took this chance to learn about the American Indian Movement started in 1968 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to organize for the civil rights and liberties of Indigenous peoples. You can use your library card to access various online databases and learn more about so many different topics.

Wednesday

I am searching for help with my career. I visited Northeast Regional Library’s CareerLink Job Search Help event to get help rewriting my résumé and to improve my job search process.

I began the Job Search Strategies course on LinkedIn Learning. I was able to watch videos that taught me how to manage the job search process, learned some job search tips, and found helpful strategies to post my résumé online. When you use your library card, you can access different courses that cover a range of business, technology, and creative topics.

I am so excited to use my new skills and search through the Free Library’s job seeker resources. If you're also searching for career training opportunities in Philadelphia, make sure to check out the Free Library's Career Training Database.

Thursday

I have always wanted to learn a new language. I participated in a Virtual Beginner Japanese Learning Circle with other adults interested in learning Japanese and better understanding Japanese art, culture, traditions, and customs. We began our study of Japanese by exploring the Free Library’s Mango Languages database. I am already getting better with my grammar and speaking skills! Soon, I plan to browse Overdrive’s World Languages eReading Room to check out books in Japanese so that I can expand my vocabulary and read captivating books. If you’re learning a new language, make sure to use the Free Library’s language resources to your advantage. You may even want to visit our Languages and Learning Center.

Friday

I visited the new exhibition, For the Greatest Number: The New Deal Revisited, now on display on the third floor of Parkway Central Library. I browsed the Free Library’s digital collections related to the exhibition, containing artwork, books, maps, models, musical instruments, and photographs. I continued my own research into the New Deal by finding peer-reviewed articles on JSTOR. There are so many unique ways that you can learn more about a subject by using any one of the Free Library’s databases!

Saturday

Excited about the fall season of Author Events, I watched a video of Rita Dove’s visit earlier in the month where she discussed her new poetry collection, Playlist for the Apocalypse: Poems. Wanting to engage with Dove’s past works, I checked out a few of her poetry collections from the Free Library's catalog.

Whoo! It’s been a busy week for me!

If you don’t already have a library card, make sure to get your Free Library card today and begin using our incredible resources! Not sure if you have a Free Library card or maybe you signed up for one a long time ago but can't find your info? Please visit our website for account assistance.

Keep learning more about what’s happening at the Free Library by staying connected through our social media channels.

What are your favorite ways to use your Free Library card? Let us know in the comments below!

This article was written by Inaara S., in collaboration with Lydia M.