Beginning Wednesday, April 12, 2023, the Free Library of Philadelphia launches a unique seven-part series of live evening events exploring the life and career of George Orson Welles , one of the most remarkable producer/director/actors to come out of Hollywood. The Free Library invites you to listen to, question, and possibly meet some of the… continue reading Special Lecture Series: Orson Welles & The Golden Age of Hollywood

By written by Administrator    October 12, 2023    10  

• Events at the Library
• Central Senior Services
• Parkway Central
• Film
• History
• Lecture Series

This month’s Review Round-up features two cartoonists who frequently work on their comics in the Art Department , plus a peek inside Reptile House Comix ’s latest summer issue. Smell ya later, summer!   Gecko by Nate Garcia Alanzo Sneak is a modern cowboy with modest hopes and dreams: to share a square meal with his girl Plump… continue reading Comix Club Spotlight Review, Plus a Special Event This Month!

By written by Eileen E.    September 25, 2023   

• Art
• Events at the Library
• Humor
• Comics and Graphic Novels
• Catalog

Reading and discussing books is powerful! The connections we make with stories, with ourselves, and with others can bring us closer together and help us understand more about those who experience the world differently than we do. At the Philadelphia City Institute Library this fall, we're launching a new program for curious,… continue reading Join Something New: The Intergenerational Teen Book Club at PCI Library

By written by Erin H.    September 19, 2023    1  

• Events at the Library
• Teens
• Community
• Book Clubs

While it’s a bit of a bummer that summer is drawing to a close, we’re happy to welcome in some cooler weather alongside a brisk fall season of Free Library Author Events. And what a lineup we have! Let’s take an autumn stroll through five September talks we’re really excited about, though this list is by no means… continue reading 5 Author Events To Catch This September

By written by Jason F.    September 12, 2023   

• Events at the Library
• Author Events

Read, Baby, Read at the Free Library knows that early childhood matters! We also know that from day one, you want to set the stage for your baby’s lifelong learning, happiness, and success. We are delighted to kick off this blog series that will introduce (or re-introduce!) you to the Read, Baby, Read program while offering evidence-based… continue reading Read, Baby, Read: The Power of Talk For Nurturing Your Baby's Brain

By written by Kimberly G.    September 12, 2023   

• Events at the Library
• Childrens Programs
• Early Literacy
• Storytime
• Read Baby Read

Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you feeling stuck in a low-paying job or want a new or better employment situation? Here’s your chance to take hold of your future. Join us for a Philly Career Launch Career Exploration Workshop . Explore careers that build on your strengths and interests and get hands-on… continue reading Join Philly Career Launch for Our Career Exploration Series

By written by Annette M.    September 11, 2023    3  

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

With this month’s Comix Club drawing nigh (that’s Tuesday, August 29 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.  in the Art Department), here is a Review Spotlight of sparkly new additions to the Philadelphia Comics Collection . Each review contains a recommendation of similar or related comics, which are also available in the Philadelphia… continue reading Comix Club's New Titles Spotlight Review

By written by Eileen E.    August 23, 2023   

• Art
• Reviews
• Events at the Library
• Comics and Graphic Novels
• New Titles

Did you know that Parkway Central Library 's rooftop terrace offers panoramic views overlooking Shakespeare Park, Logan Circle, and the city skyline? On Thursday, July 27 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. , the Raven Society , the city's premier group of literacy lovers and curiosity connoisseurs who share a common passion for the work of… continue reading Join the Ravens on the Rooftop on Thursday, July 27!

By written by Kate C.    July 25, 2023   

• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central

Neighborhood libraries have been busy this summer happily welcoming our patrons! As we get back to full staffing levels and resume Saturdays at select branches , it has been so wonderful to see our communities returning to in-person programming. Library staff and community performers have come together to create a Summer of Wonder brimming… continue reading Summer of Wonder: We're Halfway Through!

By written by Emily S.    July 11, 2023   

• Events at the Library
• Summer Reading
• Summer
• Youth Services

Thursday, June 22 marks the finale of One Book, One Philadelphia and we over here in the One Book office are working up the nerve to say goodbye to this incredible season of events. After nine weeks of community workshops, neighborhood tours, a panel discussion, read-alouds, and instant ramen cooking classes, it seems only fair to finish… continue reading The Big Send Off of One Book, One Philadelphia

By written by Nell M.    June 15, 2023    1  

• Events at the Library
• Music
• One Book, One Philadelphia
• Author Events

Due to unsafe air quality levels we have canceled tonight's event. Following the recommendation of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to limit outdoor activities, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this evening's Community Impact Awards, which were planned to be held on the terrace at Parkway Central Library. The… continue reading The Community Impact Awards Are Canceled Due to Unsafe Air Quality Levels

By written by Administrator    June 8, 2023   

• Awards
• Events at the Library
• Literacy
• Community

Happy April! As spring is upon us, we're looking ahead to next week's event schedule for fun, no-cost, and informative events at your local Free Library branch. Enjoy a free Ben & Jerry's ice cream cone, learn about squids and dissect them, appreciate live jazz performances at multiple branches, and much more! Monday, April 3,… continue reading Free Library Event Highlights: Week of April 3, 2023

By written by Bridget G.    March 31, 2023   

• Events at the Library
• Family Programs
• Neighborhood Libraries

Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you feeling stuck in a low-paying job or wanting a new or better employment situation? Here’s your chance to take hold of your future. Join us for a Philly Career Launch Career Exploration Workshop. Explore careers that build on your strengths and interests and get hands-on… continue reading Join Philly Career Launch for Our Career Exploration Series

By written by Annette M.    March 27, 2023    4  

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

Over the years, the Philadelphia Commission for Women has partnered with the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization for Women on vital programs to elevate the voices and aspirations of women. In 2016, the Commission hosted its very first program bringing together women from all parts of city… continue reading Comrade Sisters: Women of the Black Panther Party

By written by Suzanna U.    March 22, 2023    1  

• Exhibitions
• Events at the Library
• History
• Photography
• Black Lives Matter
• Women's History Month
• Black Authors

Are you an avid reader of comics, and of the age 18+? The Art Department is stoked to announce an exciting new collection for you to explore: The Philadelphia Comics Collection (PCC) is a living, growing, cutting-edge catalog made up of comics and zines by local artists, and you can take a look at them now! Many of these items are… continue reading The Philadelphia Comics Collection Debuts in the Art Department

By written by Eileen E.    March 10, 2023   

• Art
• Events at the Library
• Comics and Graphic Novels
• Book Clubs

The Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department strives to offer engaging and informative programs that touch on the wide variety of topics included within our collection of materials. Our upcoming program, The Message of Swami Vivekananda: An Interfaith Reading Group  is the first program we’re offering in 2023. We believe… continue reading Explore the Message of Swami Vivekananda With Our Interfaith Reading Group

By written by Alex B.    February 21, 2023   

• Events at the Library
• Reading
• Religion
• Spirituality

One Book, One Philadelphia is a signature project of the Free Library of Philadelphia that promotes literacy, library usage, and civic dialogue by encouraging the entire greater Philadelphia area to come together through reading and discussing a single book.  From April 20–June 22 , dozens of free-to-the-public events, discussions,… continue reading Announcing the 2023 One Book, One Philadelphia Selections

By written by Bridget G.    February 15, 2023    5  

• Events at the Library
• One Book, One Philadelphia
• Reading
• Free Library Announcements

Are you ready for some football?! We are! We can't wait to watch our Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. While you wait out the last couple days before kickoff, here are five ways you can celebrate and cheer on the Birds with the Free Library! 1.… continue reading Fly, Eagles, Fly! 5 Ways to Celebrate the Big Game with the Free Library

By written by Kate C.    February 10, 2023   

• Events at the Library
• Digital Collections
• Sports

February is Black History Month and, as we do throughout the year, the Free Library’s Author Events series is excited to celebrate diverse voices, viewpoints, and topics. This includes the story of one Black Philadelphian family’s long fight for social justice and human rights, new fiction from two dynamic novelists, an exploration… continue reading Six Upcoming Black History Month Author Events at the Free Library

By written by Jason F.    February 6, 2023   

• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• Author Events
• Black History Month
• Black Authors
• Black Women Authors

Join your neighbors at the Parkway Central Library on Wednesday, November 30 at 6 p.m.  for the FREE Philadelphia premiere screening of the new short hybrid documentary film, “ The Command Center to Bring Women Home ”, with a special Q&A discussion with the filmmaker and co-writers. The film brings to life a… continue reading Join Us for the Premiere Screening of “The Command Center to Bring Women Home”

By written by Juanita V.    November 23, 2022   

• Art
• Events at the Library
• Parkway Central
• Social Justice
• Prison and Reentry Services