Bad things happen to people that Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, dislikes. Currently, Aleksi Navalny, the most important leader of Russia’s opposition, lies in a German hospital bed struggling to recover from a cup of poisoned tea. On February 27, 2015, Boris Nemtsov, a liberal politician who was steadfast in opposing Putin, was… continue reading Defying Putin: The Dangers and Opportunities in Opposing Russia’s President

By written by Richard L.    September 23, 2020   

• Politics
• Virtual Programs

2020 has brought many changes to the United States, including changes to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Free Library stands with immigrants and is here to support the information needs of all Philadelphia residents with resources about citizenship and naturalization .  On Wednesday, September 23, the Languages… continue reading Immigration and Citizenship Resources from the Free Library

By written by Lindsay S.    September 9, 2020    1  

• Government Information
• New Americans
• English Language Learners
• Languages and Learning
• Virtual Programs

The Business Resource and Innovation Center’s (BRIC) free business resources are accessible anywhere! That means you can conduct business research at your leisure from the comfort of your home. So grab your cat, a hot beverage, and your business plan template . It’s time to get your research on! Whether you’re currently… continue reading At Home with BRIC: Creating a Competitive Analysis

By written by Gillian R.    September 3, 2020   

• Databases
• Business Resource and Innovation Center
• Business
• Virtual Programs

You may have heard the recent news that Free Library cardholders now have access to ProQuest’s Historical Black Newspapers , featuring coverage of The Philadelphia Tribune (the oldest continuously-published Black daily!) from 1912-2001. ( More recent Tribune articles are also available.) It’s just one way that the Free Library… continue reading Philadelphia History from Home: Digital Access to Primary Sources

By written by Caitlin G.    August 25, 2020   

• Digital Collections
• Rare Book Department
• Literacy
• History
• Digital Literacy
• Digital Media
• Special Collections
• Digital Learning
• History of Philadelphia
• Virtual Programs

It’s the final full week of our virtual Summer of Wonder for kids, teens, adults, and camp groups , and we’re so glad you’ve come along! Look for our upcoming interview with high school artist Deyania Sanders who designed our Philly-themed summer artwork this year! And stay tuned for our next fantastic and fun-filled virtual… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 13: Free Meals for Families, PAWS Read to a Dog, Spanish Language Storytime, and a Virtual Performance from Ants on a Log!

By written by Emily S.    August 21, 2020   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

When our buildings closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic back in March, we could have never imagined that we’d still be serving the public under different circumstances at the end of August. :-/ So although we CAN’T WAIT until the day we can all get together in person again, we wanted to remind you… continue reading The Free Library is Safely Serving Up Virtual Programs, Online Resources, and Digital Media 24/7!

By written by Kate C.    August 20, 2020    2  

• Free Library Staff
• Library Resources
• Virtual Programs

Our virtual Summer of Wonder is nearly over, and schools will be back in session soon! The students in your life might be headed back to the classroom or learning virtually. Help your youngest learners process their back-to-school feelings with Miss Jade from Early Learning . But there are still a couple weeks of virtual summer fun to enjoy!… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 12: Baby Storytime, Virtual Claymobile, Family Food and Wellness, and Drawing with Yona!

By written by Emily S.    August 14, 2020   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

by Khristina Spence - Intern, Languages & Learning Center Bonjour! Salut! Bonsoir! Join the Free Library's Languages and Learning Center ’s newest offering: the French Conversation Circle ! This free online class will build your knowledge and confidence in the French language, all while introducing you to other… continue reading French Conversation Circle

By written by Rachel H.    August 11, 2020   

• Languages
• Online Learning
• Digital Media
• Digital Learning
• Adult Learning
• Languages and Learning
• Virtual Programs

As the hot days of summer linger, the Summer of Wonder brings you creative crafts, food for thought, and much-needed moments of self-care. Find a new way to chill out on August 15 for National Relaxation Day ! Turn your eyes skyward this week to catch a meteor shower . Or cool down and enjoy these sweet watermelon-infused treats . There are… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 11: Pilates, Family Food and Wellness, Jazzy Ash, and a Virtual Animal Encounter!

By written by Emily S.    August 7, 2020   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

Thor and Loki aren’t just characters in the Marvel Universe —they are prominent figures in Norse Mythology, which includes the myths of Scandinavia from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Did you know Philadelphia is home to the oldest Swedish Museum in the United States? The American Swedish Historical Museum , founded in 1925, is… continue reading Virtual Scandinavian Storytelling: Gnomes, Trolls, and Giants—Oh My!

By written by Echo P.    August 6, 2020    1  

• Childrens Books
• Storytime
• Fantasy Literature
• Virtual Programs

One of the many challenges experienced by librarians and teachers during quarantine has been connecting with the young people in our communities. How are young people feeling? What are they thinking about during this time? What messages might they want to share with their communities? The Community Cultural Exchange (CCE) , a month-long… continue reading Community Cultural Engagement: Youth Street Art

By written by Catherine M.    August 5, 2020   

• Art
• Neighborhood Libraries
• Virtual Programs

August is arriving, and the Summer of Wonder is here to keep your days filled with virtual learning and fun. If fresh air is more your style, why not explore a local park ? You can even find a shady spot to dig into your favorite read for National Book Lovers Day ! And don’t forget: patrons of all ages and camp groups can sign up for the… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 10: Virtual Yoga, Teen Café, Mario the Maker Magician, and #ToshokanFLP!

By written by Emily S.    July 31, 2020    1  

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

Looking for some outdoor family fun or fresh ways to stay cool during this Summer of Wonder ? Find Play Streets , summer camps , spray parks, and food sites near you ! And in our opinion, it’s never too late to celebrate National Ice Cream Month . Stay safe and express yourself with a DIY face mask you can make at home and #MaskUpPHL!… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 9: Play Streets, Spray Parks, Ice Cream, and DIY Face Masks!

By written by Emily S.    July 24, 2020   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

As temperatures climb, the Summer of Wonder is here to bring you opportunities to learn something new, exercise your creativity, participate in your community, or rest and recharge. Cool off at a spray park near you ! Follow Read Baby Read on Instagram for all things babies and literacy. Join LEAP on Facebook as they savor the moment for daily… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 8: Virtual Ballet, Read to a Therapy Dog, Crafting with Clay, and the Philly Goat Project!

By written by Emily S.    July 17, 2020   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

Edible Alphabet is a free English Language Learning (ELL) program offered by the Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center . The mission is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking projects. While Free Library locations remain closed to the public in the interest of public health and safety , we will be sharing… continue reading Edible Alphabet Recipe of the Week: Samosas

By written by Lindsay S.    July 14, 2020    1  

• Languages
• Culinary Literacy
• Recipes
• English Language Learners
• Languages and Learning
• Virtual Programs
• Edible Alphabet

How do we engage with our communities during a pandemic? In particular, how do we engage creatively with the goal of affecting social change? These questions have been at the forefront of our minds since mid-March.  Beth Heinly, Hub of Hope Food Distribution Cosplay In the spirit of building community during the lockdown, the Art… continue reading Community Cultural Engagement and Social Change Through Art

By written by Catherine M.    July 13, 2020   

• Art
• Neighborhood Libraries
• Virtual Programs

The virtual Summer of Wonder has something fun for everyone! Is your summer menu in a rut? Sign up to Learn from the Chef with the Culinary Literacy Center . Missing the Field Teen Center ? Sign up for their Virtual Teen Reading Lounge for hangout opportunities and free books. Check out Free Library Early Learning’s Youtube channel for… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 7: Minecraft Club, Interactive Music, Museum Adventures, and Social Justice Workshops!

By written by Emily S.    July 10, 2020   

• Exhibitions
• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

Updated Friday, July 10, 2020 4:59 p.m. "The Social Justice Symposium Teen Planning Committee supports the Concerned Black Workers of the Free Library of Philadelphia ! CBWFLP Response to DEI/Board of Trustees' letter We are Philadelphia high school and college students who have been working for several weeks to plan the Free… continue reading Race in the United States: Social Justice Virtual Workshops for Teens

By written by Megan J.    July 7, 2020   

• Art
• Teens
• History
• Social Justice
• Black Lives Matter
• Politics
• Community
• Racism
• Law
• Students
• Virtual Programs
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion

The Summer of Wonder marches into week six, and we're here to help you keep your spirits up! Struggling to explain social distancing to a child in your life? Check out this hula-hooping video from Free Library Early Learning . Looking for a sweet green urban retreat? Why not harvest mulberries with the Field Teen Center ? Or try a brand new… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 6: Mindfulness Meditation, Coding for Kids, Recycled Arts and Crafts, Virtual Storytimes, and Musical History!

By written by Emily S.    July 3, 2020    2  

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs

Celebrate Pride Month , Independence Day, and your own creativity as the Summer of Wonder continues this week! Beat the summer heat and learn to keep cool without AC ! For a special treat, make DIY ice cream with LEAP ! Join us Daily Challenges on Facebook for Week 5 of Wonder, June 29 – July 5! Monday: Imagination Station Get into the… continue reading Summer of Wonder - Week 5: Pride Dress Up Day, Adventure Journals, Independence Day, and DIY Ice Cream!

By written by Emily S.    June 26, 2020   

• Childrens Programs
• Family Programs
• Teens
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Adult Learning
• Virtual Programs