Dick Levinson joined the Free Library of Philadelphia about 15 years ago as a Community Relations Specialist. He was the first employee of Central Senior Services , working part-time and producing compelling public programs for seniors, which remains a key part of his mission. Having hosted so many lauded and interesting programs, we wanted to… continue reading Central Senior Services Programming: A Look at What Keeps It Thriving

By written by Joe S.    July 14, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Central Senior Services
• Free Library Staff
• Parkway Central
• Interview

Juneteenth is a powerful celebration of freedom, resilience, and putting the "unity" in community. The Free Library is proud to honor this important day with a series of vibrant cultural events for all ages. From storytelling and crafting events to cooking classes and live music, the library offers something for everyone to… continue reading Juneteenth at the Library: Freedom, Culture, and Community

By written by Administrator    June 10, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Holidays
• Community

Summer is the perfect time to explore the world around us, to play and be active, and to learn about new things for fun! This summer, students entering grades 2–6 will have the chance to enjoy all the best parts of summer while learning about five different health scientist careers with GSK and the Franklin Institute ’s Science in… continue reading Be a Health Scientist with Science in the Summer!

By written by Kayla H.    June 2, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Childrens Programs
• Science
• Summer
• STEM

Join the Newspapers and Microfilm Center on Thursday, May 29, at 6:00 p.m.  as we explore the vital role that local journalism plays in our communities. We’ll be screening News Matters , a powerful documentary by Brian Malone, following the efforts of journalists at The Denver Post as they fight to preserve their newsroom after… continue reading News Matters: Why Local Journalism is Crucial to Democracy

By written by Lillian L.    May 28, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Databases
• Film Screenings
• Parkway Central
• Newspapers

This June, the Free Library of Philadelphia celebrates Pride Month with events, programs, and resources that amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories. Everyone is welcome and everyone belongs at the Free Library. We value the LGBTQ+ community and remain committed to providing high-quality programs, services, and materials by and… continue reading Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with the Free Library

By written by Administrator    May 22, 2025    1  

• Events at the Library
• LGBTQ
• Neighborhood Libraries
• Free Library of Pride

Join us at Haddington Library  on Monday, June 2, at 3:30 p.m.  for Ready, Set, Rainbow ,  a fun and inclusive  Pride Month  event for families with children ages 3 to  10. This free event features Ants on a Log , a musical duo known for playful songs with thoughtful messages, and Brittany Lynn , Guinness World… continue reading Celebrate Pride with Ready, Set, Rainbow at Haddington Library!

By written by Dylan R.    May 21, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Family Programs
• LGBTQ
• Music
• Free Library of Pride

What is your favorite summertime activity in Philadelphia? Do you hike through Wissahickon Park? Do you spend all day at your local Parks and Rec. swimming pool with your friends? Do you read new books at your neighborhood library? Whether you keep it local or jetset to places near or far,  Summer of Wonder  with the Free Library has… continue reading Discover, Explore, Create: Summer of Wonder 2025!

By written by Administrator    May 19, 2025    2  

• Events at the Library
• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading

There’s a new club starting up at Parkway Central Library ! Please welcome the  Vinyl Record Listening Club ! What does your club do? We are going to get together, listen to, and discuss vinyl records! We’ll have a different theme or aspect of music we’re looking at each month. Attendees can bring their own records… continue reading Now Spinning: Join the Vinyl Record Listening Club

By written by Jane L.    May 19, 2025    2  

• Events at the Library
• Music
• Parkway Central
• Community

Don’t miss this chance to connect and learn about exciting job opportunities! Join us at the Kingsessing Library  on Wednesday, May 21 , from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  for a fantastic opportunity to explore job openings from various employers. This in-person event is your chance to meet potential employers face-to-face,… continue reading Southwest Philly Job Fair on May 21 at Kingsessing Library

By written by Shelley R.    May 7, 2025    2  

• Events at the Library
• Careers
• Job Fairs
• Neighborhood Libraries
• Job Seekers

Have you ever thought about working for the City of Philadelphia, but don’t know where to begin, thought you had to know someone to be considered, or didn’t think you would qualify?  Join the City of Philadelphia’s  Office of Human Resources  (OHR) for an upcoming information session to learn more about civil… continue reading Start Your Career with the City of Philadelphia!

By written by Administrator    May 7, 2025    2  

• Events at the Library
• Careers
• Neighborhood Libraries
• Job Seekers

On Friday, May 30, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. , Parkway Central Library 's Field Teen Center will host their Second Annual Alternative Prom ! This year's theme is Spellbound: A Night in the Enchanted Forest . Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with magic, music, and memories! Teens ages 12–18 are invited to enjoy an enchanted… continue reading Get Spellbound at the Field Teen Center’s 2025 Alternative Prom!

By written by Bridget G.    April 28, 2025    1  

• Events at the Library
• Music
• Parkway Central
• Teens
• Dance

This spring and summer, the Free Library is buzzing with opportunities to connect with nature, dig into gardening, and explore the great outdoors — no special gear or experience required! From borrowing a fully stocked Birding Backpack to joining expert-led bird walks in city parks, it's easy (and free!) to enjoy nature… continue reading Experience Nature in the City at Your Library!

By written by Bridget G.    April 25, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Environment
• Family Programs
• Neighborhood Libraries
• Nature

The  Business Resource and Innovation Center  is proud to welcome award-winning inventor, author, entrepreneur, and Philadelphia native  Andrea Rose  to the Free Library of Philadelphia on Saturday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m.  for a free presentation of her  Inventing to Win® workshop ! If you are an inventor or… continue reading Learn from Award-Winning Inventor Andrea Rose with Inventing to Win® Workshop

By written by Jordan C.    April 23, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• Patent and Trademark
• Business Resource and Innovation Center
• Business

The Ants on a Log Library Tour is coming to many neighborhood Free Library locations  this spring, bringing feel-good, fun live music for the whole family! Ants on a Log plays music for children and other childlike people. Their award-winning music centers positivity, social justice, and silliness and has been featured widely in national… continue reading Enjoy Free Concerts for Kids and Families With the Ants on a Long Library Tour

By written by Administrator    April 21, 2025    1  

• Events at the Library
• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Music
• Neighborhood Libraries

Join us on Saturday, April 12, 2025 , for the Third Annual printPHILLY! Print Fair . Organized by the Philadelphia Print Consortium, printPHILLY! celebrates the diversity and richness of Philadelphia’s printmaking community. This one-day fair is FREE and open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Parkway Central Library… continue reading The Third Annual printPHILLY! Fair Moves to Parkway Central Library!

By written by Laura S.    April 8, 2025    1  

• Art
• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• Printmaking
• Print and Picture Collection

The Free Library Workplace Department provides programming and resources to help you through your job search or career transition. Here is a collection of resources from the Free Library and beyond for job-seeking support.   Federal Employee Transition Workshops at the Free Library Join fellow federal workers for a workshop aimed at… continue reading Resources for Displaced Federal Workers and Job Seekers

By written by Sandy M.    April 1, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Workplace
• Business Resource and Innovation Center
• Job Seekers
• Virtual Programs

Philly Career Launch sessions will take place in April and May at various library and community locations throughout Philadelphia. Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you stuck in a low-paying job or want a better employment situation? Here’s your chance to take hold of your future. Join us for a Philly Career… continue reading Join Philly Career Launch for Our Career Exploration Workshops

By written by Administrator    March 31, 2025    7  

• Events at the Library
• Careers
• Neighborhood Libraries
• Job Seekers
• Philly Career Launch

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.    March 14, 2025    1  

• Events at the Library
• Family Programs
• Languages
• Parkway Central
• Storytime

Philadelphia is now home to more than 20 rarely seen marker drawings by novelist Kurt Vonnegut  thanks to the efforts of local art collector, Heather Rose. Kurt Vonnegut’s artwork, like his writing, invites us to reflect on the human condition with acerbic satire and penetrating depth. His visual art, characterized by its simple yet… continue reading Now on Display: Kurt Vonnegut Jr. As a Visual Artist

By written by Administrator    March 14, 2025   

• Exhibitions
• Art
• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• Literature

Questions about Medicare? Unsure about your benefits? Turning 65 soon? Attend  Medicare Mondays  to learn more about your options and find the best plan for you! Medicare Benefits Advisor Courtney Bell will be on hand at Parkway Central Library 's Senior Services Department to answer your questions about Medicare Advantage,… continue reading Discover Your Options With Medicare Mondays

By written by Bridget G.    March 6, 2025   

• Events at the Library
• Central Senior Services
• Healthcare
• Parkway Central
• Seniors