Every April 20, the United Nations recognizes the contribution of Chinese literature, poetry, and language in world culture by celebrating Chinese Language Day . Philadelphia is home to some of the largest Chinese and Chinese-American communities in the United States. Chinese (including Mandarin and Cantonese) is the third most… continue reading Happy Chinese Language Day!
By written by Lindsay S. April 20, 2020 2
Please note: All Census Champion Trainings from now until March 30 have been cancelled. Do you want to work toward a better future for our city? Are you a trusted member of your community, who other people look to for information? Are you 18 years of age or older and interested in a temporary job with a flexible schedule—one that… continue reading 2020 Census: Get Involved at the Free Library!
By written by Clare F. February 20, 2020 1
On Thursday, February 20 , David W. Young will appear at Parkway Central Library to discuss his book, Battles of Germantown: Effective Public History in America . Many Philadelphia residents are familiar with the annual reenactment of the historic 1777 Battle of Germantown—a loss for the Continental Army under the command of George… continue reading What is "Public History", Anyway?
By written by Nina C. February 19, 2020
Today is the birthday of celebrated former First Lady and citizen of the world, Michelle Obama . A political figure in her own right, Michelle Obama is well known for her healthy eating campaign, Lets Move! The campaign targeted childhood obesity by focusing on nutrition and creating home-grown solutions to battle barriers of nutritional food… continue reading Michelle Obama Grows a Garden
By written by Gennifer R. January 17, 2020
In preparation for a special Free Library event taking place this Wednesday, January 15 at Lovett Library , today we'll be looking at the history and architecture of Mt. Airy. The neighborhood has a fascinating history, along with many fabulous houses, structures, and landmarks. Who designed and built these houses, and created what we know… continue reading Neighborhood Beginnings: 11 Things You Should Know About Mt. Airy
By written by Administrator January 13, 2020 6
The Free Library cares about digital inclusion, equity, and access, and has expanded beyond the walls of our 54 neighborhood libraries to partner with area nonprofits, providing free access to technology and programming to increase the digital skills of community members in areas that need it most. In anticipation of announcing our next Free… continue reading Digital Inclusion, Equity, and Access | Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Hot Spot
By written by Lu F. January 9, 2020
Philadelphia is a wellspring of inspiring young people, with our innovative communities and the creative spirit of the city bringing out the best in many of our young leaders. Today, we would like to give back! Have you been thinking about the significance of our youth in Philadelphia? How can we celebrate their efforts and honor their bright… continue reading Y is for Youth
By written by Gennifer R. January 7, 2020
The United States has counted its population every 10 years since 1790, and in 2020 we will do so again with a Census . Why does the country undertake this challenging count? Well, it's mandated by the U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) AND it helps determine how BILLIONS of dollars in federal funds are allocated to states, cities,… continue reading Census 2020, Your Community, and You: Information and Employment Opportunities
By written by Jenn D. January 6, 2020 5
Edible Alphabet is a free English language learning program offered to adults by the Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center . The mission of the program is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking and library projects. Students learn vocabulary and grammar, as well as practice listening, speaking, reading, and… continue reading Food Insecurity, English Language Learning, and Community Conversations in North Philadelphia
By written by Lindsay S. January 3, 2020
Naquawna Letman is a Library Assistant at Parkway Central Library and a participant in Cohort 3 of the Skills for Community-Centered Libraries trainings. Exploring Music and Food through the Senses is a program that introduces participants to various cultures and traditions, creates bridges between neighborhood libraries and their customers,… continue reading Music Department and Culinary Literacy Center Collaborate on Programming
By written by Community-Centered Libraries August 26, 2019 1
Meredith McGovern is a Librarian at Falls of Schuylkill Library and a participant in Cohort 3 of the Skills for Community-Centered Libraries trainings. As a children’s librarian, I work with our youngest patrons. Many of the families in our East Falls neighborhood love nature and the outdoors. With that in mind, I decided to run a… continue reading Gardening for Kids Programs Grow Community Connections
By written by Community-Centered Libraries August 12, 2019
The Free Library is delighted that WURD Radio (96.1FM | 900AM) is returning with LIVE broadcasts as part of their Summer of Freedom Tour. This marks the ninth year that WURD will broadcast from (15) neighborhood libraries, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted), on the days listed below. Join new Summer of Freedom hosts Dr. Aaron… continue reading WURD's Summer of Freedom Library Tour Returns!
By written by Jenn D. July 2, 2019
Joe Shemtov is a Special Collections Coordinator and Primary Source Specialist, and a participant in Cohort 1 of the Skills for Community-Centered Libraries trainings. In October. I had the pleasure to complete Skills for Community-Centered Libraries, a series of four half-day workshops centered on helping library staff develop and… continue reading Connecting Special Collections with the Cultural and Educational Needs of Philadelphia’s Islamic Populations: Starting the Dialogue
By written by Community-Centered Libraries March 18, 2019 6
Tuesday Chalmers is an Adult/Teen Librarian at McPherson Square Library , and a member of Cohort 1 of the Skills for Community-Centered Libraries training. In this post, she explains the project she worked on after attending the workshops. I was part of a group of Free Library of Philadelphia staff who attended workshops to enhance our… continue reading McPherson Square Library Photography Exhibit Spotlights Neighborhood Strengths
By written by Community-Centered Libraries March 7, 2019
by Erme C. Maula, Read by 4th Reading Captain Heading into my Reading Captain training, I didn’t know what to expect. I had wanted to get involved in my community by doing something that I could fit into my busy schedule. The Reading Captain training introduced me to information, resources, and messages that could be easily shared with… continue reading Checking in with a Read by 4th Reading Captain!
By written by Administrator January 30, 2019 1
Our first cohort of staff members participating in the Skills for Community-Centered Libraries training recently learned about and explored team roles and dynamics. Staff reflected on their own strengths and what attributes they bring to a team. Are they great at keeping everything running smoothly? Do they enjoy providing in-depth… continue reading Skills Training for Community-Centered Libraries: Building Your Library Team
By written by Community-Centered Libraries November 6, 2018 1
The Skills for Community-Centered Libraries initiative – a series of trainings meant to build community engagement capacities among staff – launched on October 2, so it’s a good time for The Free Library of Philadelphia’s community organizing team to share what exactly we mean by community engagement. A common definition… continue reading Defining Community Engagement and Outreach
By written by Community-Centered Libraries October 11, 2018
Did you know that nearly a third of library users visit the Free Library of Philadelphia to look for a new job or learn new skills? This revealing finding was reported in the Free Library’s December 2017 Impact Evaluation Report . We supports job seekers with computers and internet access, résumé assistance, job fairs, and… continue reading The Paschalville Partnership: Catalyzing a Community-Led Future
By written by Annette M. October 3, 2018
As the heat wave continues, these Free Library locations will serve as cooling centers on Wednesday, July 4. All other locations are closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Normal library hours resume on Thursday, July 5. Stay cool, Philadelphia! Lucien Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library | 125 S. 52nd Street - 12:00 -… continue reading Select Free Library Locations Open on Independence Day as Cooling Centers!
By written by Jenn D. July 3, 2018 3
Did you know the Free Library has trained mental health professionals on site at Parkway Central Library to help patrons who are in need of social services and other referrals? Because of all the great work being done, and in honor of National Social Work Month in March, we took a few moments to catch up with Michael Rabb, one of our onsite… continue reading Spotlight on Michael Rabb for National Social Work Month
By written by Autumn M. March 15, 2018 6
