Join the Adult Literacy Book Club, presented by the Free Library's Languages and Learning Center and the Center for Literacy . Improve your reading skills while reading and discussing interesting books! One of our book club member's commented that they "loved hearing everyone's reactions to the plot, the character… continue reading The Adult Literacy Book Club’s New Book Selection
By written by Phil K. March 5, 2021
It's that time of year again for my annual list of favorite books from the Philbrick Hall Fiction Department at Parkway Central Library . It's been a hard year for a lot of people, and although I usually read around 350 books a year, I struggled to read just over 250 this year. Like before, I leaned heavily on comfort reads, so this… continue reading Dena's Favorite Books of 2020
By written by Dena December 31, 2020
Ah, Thanksgiving. It’s the holiday many of us look forward to in which we can gather with family and friends, eat delicious homemade food, and reflect on all of the things we are thankful for. Along with this holiday also comes the inevitable chatter about "Black Friday" deals, who has them, and who among us will be the brave… continue reading Buy Nothing Day 2020
By written by Kamilah C. November 27, 2020
Join the Adult Literacy Book Club, presented by the Free Library's Languages & Learning Center and the Center for Literacy , by improving your reading skills while reading and discussing interesting books! Don't have a lot of time to read? No problem. The club only covers a few chapters at each meeting so you will have plenty of… continue reading Introducing the Adult Literacy Book Club!
By written by Phil K. November 6, 2020
by Stephanie S - Intern, Languages & Learning Center The Languages and Learning Center supports the individual literacy and learning goals of Philadelphia adults, including resources for Adult Basic Education, language learning, and digital literacy. Do you know an Arabic-speaking adult who needs help learning to… continue reading Free Arabic Literacy Program - Available Virtually Now
By written by Lindsay S. November 2, 2020 1
In these difficult times, the birthday of a beloved book, TV, and movie character from childhood feels like the perfect excuse to curl up within the comfort and safety of nostalgia. And boy do we need it! For so many of us, Winnie the Pooh , Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo were beloved childhood friends who taught us… continue reading It's Winnie the Pooh's Birthday!
By written by Administrator October 14, 2020
"Beginning Readers" are books aimed at those who are just learning to read. They have easy to read text accompanied by illustrations that reinforce reading comprehension. These books are meant to instill a love of reading by introducing new, decodable words and by providing a fun, engaging, and relatable story. The Free Library has… continue reading Books for Emerging Readers | Hello, Hedgehog!
By written by Monica C. October 6, 2020
In this unprecedented time, the Free Library has had a lot of firsts. We pulled together to bring you our first virtual Summer of Wonder with the help of librarians and library staff, camp counselors, teachers, caregivers, activists, and youth from communities across Philadelphia. Our summer artwork was brought to you by a teen artist for the… continue reading Looking Back on the Free Library’s First All-Virtual Summer of Wonder!
By written by Emily S. September 11, 2020
Something I love about storytelling is the way it brings people together. That is the very reason it can be hard to come by in our current world of social distancing. Many storytellers, including some of our wonderful librarians, have moved their storytimes to a virtual space and discovered creative new ways to connect readers to books in all… continue reading Take a Story Stroll and Enjoy a Book in a Brand New Way!
By written by Rachel R. August 3, 2020 1
What are your plans for Father’s Day this year? Even if you’re not able to be out and about, there is something you can do right at home – cozy up and share a good book together! Celebrate as a family with these fun picture ebooks: Hike by Pete Oswald Take to the trails for a… continue reading Stories to Share for Father's Day
By written by Monica C. June 17, 2020
Are you looking for some binge-worthy reading that has nothing to do with the quasi dystopian reality outside your front door? Look no further than the literary comfort food that is the Cozy Mystery! Here is Goodreads' excellent explanation of this beloved genre: Cozies very rarely focus on sex, profanity or violence. The murders take place… continue reading Curl Up with a Cozy Mystery
By written by Kim B. May 29, 2020
You know that feeling of finishing a movie or television show, and not knowing what to do with yourself now that it’s over? We get it! But just because the sequel or next season isn’t out yet, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Let us recommend your next read based on the Netflix television series or movie you loved. … continue reading Teen Book Recommendations Based on Your Favorite Netflix Series and Movies
By written by Megan J. May 22, 2020 1
Although most of us will be staying home this Mother’s Day, what better way to celebrate than by enjoying breakfast in bed and cuddling up to share stories with the ones we love? The Overdrive Kid’s eReading Room has great options for stories about moms and caregivers. Here are a few picture books that adults and kids will love to… continue reading Stories to Share for Mother's Day
By written by Leigh U. May 8, 2020
Are you missing out on the latest issue of your favorite magazine or looking for a way to read today’s copy of the Inquirer without leaving your house? The Free Library is here to help! Our online selection of magazines and newspapers is a great way to stay on top of current events, learn a new skill, or even occupy the kids—all… continue reading Enjoy Online Periodicals from the Comfort of Your Couch
By written by Leigh U. May 1, 2020 1
Today, American novelist Harper Lee would have turned 94 years old. As a lover of novels in general, and To Kill a Mockingbird in particular, I jumped at the chance to write a celebratory blog about Ms. Lee’s work and the lasting impression it has had on me. But then I sat down to write such a blog and I hit a wall. The longer this… continue reading Harper Lee and the Novels That Help Us Remember
By written by Christine M. April 28, 2020 1
We read books for a lot of different reasons; to escape to another world, to learn something new, to be entertained, to invoke emotion. Children read books for the same reasons. I had a middle school patron ask me recently, "I want to read something that makes me sad. I want to cry." Boy, did she ask the right librarian! I read to… continue reading Happy Children's Book Day: Middle Grade Feels!
By written by Mary W. April 2, 2020
The Free Library’s Spring Reading Challenge is active now through May 15! Engage your brain in fun activities, alone or with family and friends. Sign up online, then track your reading journey using the website or the free Beanstack Tracker phone app. The Beanstack Tracker app includes an in-app reading calendar, a timer, and a barcode… continue reading Spring Online Reading Challenge
By written by Shari K. March 24, 2020 3
With the shortest month of the year upon us, how about a book list full of short yet spectacular fiction reads to match? You’ll be sure to whiz through these stories in no time, and the limited page counts (with each title clocking in under a streamlined 220!) in no way limits the literary power contained in these slender volumes. … continue reading Short Books for the Shortest Month!
By written by Alix G. January 31, 2020 1
As the weather changes, there's no better company than reading a good book in a cozy space. Running from November 25 to February 29 , our Winter Reading Challenge invites readers of all ages to register and earn badges as they gather reading minutes, reach reading goals, try out new activities, and write their own book reviews! This year,… continue reading 'Tis the Season for the Winter Reading Challenge
By written by Gennifer R. November 25, 2019 3
Hey, library lovers! Another Banned Books Week is upon us, this year extending from September 22-28, as libraries around the country join forces with the American Library Association (ALA)’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) and the Banned Books Week Coalition in support of our right to read what we want, when we want. This… continue reading Banned Books Week | Celebrate Your Freedom to Read!
By written by Kate C. September 23, 2019
