by Dr. Gary Galván In early March 2020, orchestras around the world began contacting the Fleisher Collection to let us know they were canceling concerts for which they had borrowed music. The socio-cultural impact of COVID-19 was upon us, effectively ending concerts for the remainder of 2020. Liveforlivemusic.com and Classic FM are… continue reading Going Under COVID: How the Shows Still Go On
By written by Fleisher Collection May 4, 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
Across Philadelphia, businesses are experiencing unexpected challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic . If you’re currently thinking about entrepreneurship for the first time or you’re an established business owner, the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) has resources to help support your current needs. … continue reading At Home with BRIC: Access Business Resources Anywhere!
By written by Gillian R. April 30, 2020
As we close out April and National Poetry Month, while many of us are in slow-down mode and many others of us are working extremely hard, let’s give ourselves a moment to pause and breathe and hear something good. You may have seen recent articles and comments about the restorative power poetry can have in moments of crisis and… continue reading Listen to Poetry
By written by Autumn M. April 30, 2020
The Nourishing Literacy team is thinking of our school student friends, their loved ones, and the incredible community of Philadelphia teachers. We are sending wishes of health and peace during this unusual time in our world. During this time when lots of learning and teaching has transitioned to a virtual format, programs designed to… continue reading Information and Ideas for Youth and Family Remote Learning
By written by Shayna M. April 29, 2020
“Earthrise,” taken by astronaut Bill Anders in 1968, was the first widely published image of our planet from outer space. It helped spark the environmental movement in the United States. On April 22, 1970—exactly 50 years ago—the first official Earth Day was celebrated in the United States. Today, it’s observed by… continue reading Could Every Day Be Earth Day?
By written by Clare F. April 22, 2020
We miss being with our library friends for in-person visits, but until our neighborhood libraries open again, we’re excited to bring you some of your favorite offerings online! That’s right, our staff has taken to a variety of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Crowdcast, and Zoom! – to bring you some of your… continue reading Find Online Events with Our New Virtual Program Listings!
By written by Kate C. April 15, 2020 8
For literature enthusiasts and first-time readers alike, Ulysses can be every bit as daunting as it is thrilling. If you’ve always wanted to read James Joyce ’s masterpiece, or are eager for any excuse to revisit it, The Rosenbach is kicking off Ulysses Every Day , a daily challenge to inspire you to finish… continue reading The Ulysses Every Day Reading Challenge
By written by Rosa D. April 15, 2020 1
Have you seen a rainbow lately? Maybe you have noticed one after a recent April shower, or maybe you have spotted rainbow artwork displayed in windows of buildings and homes. For many people, rainbows have been a supportive symbol of hope and encouragement. But have you ever tasted a rainbow on your plate? Rainbows can be an inspiration when… continue reading The Rainbow Pantry... with an Equally Colorful Playlist!
By written by Shayna M. April 14, 2020
From Whitman to Bustleton, Mantua to Nicetown, people in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas are hunkering down and looking for diversions. During these challenging times, many of us have found that the Free Library's Digital Media collections offer something for everyone, with digital audiobooks a particular favorite.… continue reading How to Get the Most from the Free Library's Digital Audiobook Collections
By written by Jamie W. April 8, 2020 2
Hello, Author Events friends, While our event season has so far been a bit truncated, we’re willing to bet you haven’t heard or seen the vast majority of the writers we’ve hosted over the past 20 or so years. We also think that you might need some entertainment to pass these days and nights in social isolation. Well,… continue reading Listen to Over 1,800 Podcasts and Watch Almost 500 Videos from Our Author Events Series!
By written by Author Events April 2, 2020 3
While you’re checking out the library’s amazing collection of ebooks, movies and music , don’t forget about one of our most vibrant options- magazines! With RBdigital Magazine , you can browse over 100 popular magazines on your desktop or mobile device. RBdigital Magazine offers beautifully clear images, the ability to easily… continue reading Check Out Online Magazines for some Home Cooking Inspiration!
By written by Caity R. March 25, 2020
While we all practice social distancing with schools and libraries closed for at least two weeks to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 , what exactly are you (and your kids!) going to do with yourself? A lot of us have to-be-read piles stacked in tottering piles and a to-do list of tasks around the house that we may have been putting off for a… continue reading Keeping You and the Kids Busy While Social Distancing
By written by Jennifer E. March 25, 2020 1
Audiobooks offer a great way to escape while you’re working, cooking, or cleaning. They have also been proven to help struggling readers access literature . But a battle still rages: audiobooks vs. reading . Which side are you on? Weigh in below in the comments section! If you are new to audiobooks, here’s a short guide to getting… continue reading Audiobooks 101
By written by Jamie B. March 24, 2020 5
**Upated to reflect new virtual programs on March 26 at 3:23 p.m.** While we’re sad that our buildings are closed for now , our Free Library librarians and staff members are taking some of your favorite programs online until we can all get together in person again! Check out some of the activities that are planned… continue reading Join the Free Library for Online Storytimes and Virtual Activities!
By written by Kate C. March 23, 2020 7
New to ebooks? Here’s a short guide to getting started with ebooks at the Free Library. Finding ebooks Search our library catalog by title, author, subject, or another term. In your search results, ebooks will be labeled with a blue ebook tag and a blue downloadable book icon . Narrow your results to only ebooks by using the Narrow Search… continue reading ebooks 101
By written by Jamie B. March 20, 2020 3
Involving youth of all ages in the kitchen is a great way to help open up young minds to new foods. Check out our ideas that don’t need a knife or other sharp tools. And remember, before chopping it up in the kitchen, check out our Nourishing Literacy hand-washing video ! Spice mix exploration Smell a range of spices… continue reading In the Kitchen with Children and Youth
By written by Liz A. March 20, 2020 2
Today, March 13, is the first of two Friday the 13ths occurring in 2020. I've penned posts in the past of full of screamingly scary streaming selections and now I've returned to shock and surprise you with 13 more from our digital media streaming services Hoopla and Kanopy ! Stream these 13 fright flicks with accompanying 13-word… continue reading Spotlight on Digital Media | The Return of 13 Scary Movies to Watch on Friday the 13th
By written by Peter SM March 13, 2020
For this month's Digital Media Spotlight , we are celebrating Black History Month and the lives and achievements of African Americans in film, music, literature, and other multimedia, all available through our Digital Media Portal. Film Hoopla Hoopla's curated movies for Black History Month this year include many thought-provoking… continue reading Digital Media Spotlight: Black History Month
By written by Peter SM February 24, 2020
For this month's Digital Media Spotlight , we turn our attention towards ebooks and the news that in 2019, the Free Library reached the 1 million+ ebook checkout mark ! And it would seem public libraries, in general, were having a record high ebook checkout moment in 2019 as well. Here are some more interesting stats from OverDrive : Total… continue reading Digital Media Spotlight | New Year, New ebooks!
By written by Peter SM January 30, 2020 2
