In 1973, author Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) wrote The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man , a comical fantasy novel about a housecat who is magically transformed by his wizard-owner into a human. The story is everything you'd expect from Lloyd Alexander: it's funny, sweet, a little cheeky, and features a cat. Lloyd Alexander… continue reading The Human Who Was Amazed by "The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man"
By written by Chris B. May 31, 2023
The Free Library of Philadelphia has some wonderful resources for people researching the history of children's literature in America. With just a library card , several databases are available to help you learn more about the creators of your favorite children's books. Something About the Author is a biographical examination… continue reading Profiles in Literature
By written by Chris B. April 25, 2023
Written by Lewis Shaw, who conducted extensive research in the Art Department as part of a Friends Select School Senior Internship Project. The following is a continuation of a previous blog post on the topics of Surrealism and Gender. Leonora Carrington grew up in the UK as the daughter of a rich couple whose wealth was built on the textile… continue reading A Continued Discussion on the Topics of Surrealism and Gender
By written by Administrator November 10, 2021
Updated Tuesday, December 7, 2021 Sherry L. Howard is a Philadelphia-based art collector and researcher who primarily focuses on local African American art and artists. She writes about her experience in the world of art auctions on her blog, Auction Finds , and in her new book, Art with Heart: How I Built a Sweet Collection by… continue reading African American Art Collecting and Research with Philadelphia Author Sherry Howard
By written by Alina J. November 3, 2021
The New Deal, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s political experiment to pull the United States out of the Great Depression, created programs for relief for the unemployed and economic recovery and reform. Evidence of some of these programs can still be found across Philadelphia. Make your own WPA poster at the library October 13 or… continue reading Explore the New Deal’s Legacy Across Philadelphia
By written by Laura S. October 5, 2021
by Laura S. and Caitlin G. It’s been ninety years since the crisis of the Great Depression inspired the New Deal’s government investment and aid. But it’s not just history. The country is again facing a choice: What do we owe our neighbors? What does our country owe us? The Great Depression was a national crisis that affected… continue reading For the Greatest Number: The New Deal Revisited
By written by Administrator August 31, 2021 4
When Frank Stephens, Jr., passed away in March at the age of 89, many mourned the loss of a friend and colleague. Others were hearing about Frank for the first time. And it was an opportunity for all of us at the Free Library to learn more about his important work and a legacy that has shaped our institution for decades. Frank Stephens, Jr.,… continue reading Frank Stephens, Jr.: A Free Library Legacy
By written by Administrator May 11, 2021 3
What do books and objects from 800 years ago have to do with our present-day concerns? An exhibition taking shape online and in the Rare Book Department 's William B. Dietrich Gallery uses objects from the distant past to illuminate enduring topics like how we practice religion, interact with our government, earn income, build… continue reading "Medieval Life" Comes to Parkway Central
By written by Janine P. September 2, 2020
In addition to offering patrons ever-growing Digital Collections , dozens of research databases , and a rich variety of genealogic resources , the Free Library and the Special Collections Division deliver an exceptional customer experience by digging a little deeper into our archives for special requests. Late in 2019, we received the following… continue reading Finding "Nonno"
By written by Fleisher Collection June 17, 2020
For more than 25 years, libraries have been digitizing their collections, and the Free Library has digital collections in abundance—providing the opportunity to browse through roughly 50,000 images or to take a deep dive into the topic of your choice, be it Medieval Manuscripts, Historical Images of Philadelphia , or Pennsylvania German… continue reading Diving into Digital Collections
By written by Janine P. May 1, 2020
Preservation Week is an annual celebration that began in 2012 with the American Library Association and is celebrated in libraries, museums, and households around the country. The theme for this year is Preserving Oral Histories , and it's a fantastic reminder to examine your own family's heritage through objects and personal items that… continue reading Celebrate Preservation Week at the Free Library!
By written by Chris B. April 27, 2020
Archives shield us from a world saturated with fake news and misinformation. But what are archives? How are they different from libraries? Where are they? How do they work? How are they used? Are they free to use? Can anyone use them? These questions and many more will be answered in this year's Design in the Archives , to… continue reading Design in the Archives: A Free Evening of Fun and Learning for All Ages!
By written by Joe S. October 21, 2019
While riding on the El one afternoon, as the train wobbily drifted into 46th Street Station, I noticed a handful of people standing around in a vacant lot off to the side of the tracks and then I actually gasped when I realized that the people were statues. They appear to depict people from the 1940s or 1950s, either just standing around or… continue reading Strange Statues and a Discovery in Parkway Central Library's Art Department
By written by Briana G. March 29, 2019 3
Who was Herbert Crowley? And why did he almost fade into obscurity after exhibiting critically acclaimed work at the start of the 20th century? Crowley was part of the very influential 1913 New York Armory Show and he went on to create an impressively varied body of work that ranged from elaborately detailed drawings of fantastic… continue reading Herbert Crowley: A Visionary Artist Rediscovered
By written by Alina J. October 29, 2018
You’ve heard the adage that “All politics is local”, but the real, hidden story of American life is documented in the rich and mostly lost bounty of local television programming . For every regional program like Philly’s Bandstand that became a nationwide hit as American Bandstand , there are thousands of farm reports,… continue reading Input and the Extraordinary Marion Stokes
By written by Violet L. September 14, 2018 10
Philly Theatre Week , presented by Theatre Philadelphia, is a 10-day celeration of the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant theatre regions in the nation. With over 75 events taking place, there's bound to be something to spark your interest. While many are, of… continue reading Philly Theatre Week and a Look at Philadelphia Theatre History
By written by Karin S. February 9, 2018
Ferdinand never wanted to be a fighting bull, so he's right at home here in the Free Library... John Cena stars as the big-hearted bull in the animated adaptation opening in theaters today, but did you know the film is based on The Story of Ferdinand , a children's book that just celebrated its 80th birthday last year? Written by… continue reading Ferdinand: The Bull Is In The House (or at least the library!)
By written by Caitlin G. December 15, 2017
Come join us in the Rare Book Department for our newest exhibition, where you will discover a world of books big, small, round, long, clay, flat, wearable, and more! As you make your way through Big and Small, Books for All , you will discover that looks can be deceiving. You may not be able to tell what is inside a book—or if it is even… continue reading Big and Small, Books for All: An Exhibition Open Now in the Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library
By written by Grace D. November 2, 2017
Over three previous concert seasons at the Parkway Central Library , veteran and up-and-coming Philly musicians have explored some questions. What has the Great Migration meant to music in Philadelphia? What happens if librarians commission composers to write music inspired by resources culled from Parkway Central’s subject departments?… continue reading Mysterious Travelers Tunes Up for Its Fourth Season of Free Jazz Shows with the Philadelphia Jazz Project!
By written by Perry G. September 13, 2017
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Book Department has on display an exhibition of original drawings and published works of Robert Lawson. The Department has a large collection of Mr. Lawson’s drawings and first editions of his books thanks to a generous gift from Frederick R. Gardner, a rare book dealer and avid… continue reading Not Just for Children: the Art of Robert Lawson
By written by Caitlin G. February 28, 2013 2
