Posts in “community” (124)
Blog Articles
Maybe when they say November 17 is Take a Hike Day , they mean you’re supposed to tell someone on your nerves to go take a hike?! Hmmm. *shrug emoji* In any case, we figured it was a good… continue reading Celebrate Take a Hike Day with the Free Library!
By written by Kate C. November 16, 2018
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… continue reading Skills Training for Community-Centered Libraries: Building Your Library Team
By written by Community-Centered Libraries November 6, 2018 1
Now more than ever , students and teachers at our schools need the information and skills that librarians and libraries can provide. This year, the Free Library is working to spread the word about… continue reading Better Together: The Free Library Partners with Schools
By written by Jess P. October 26, 2018
In July, the Free Library launched its new strategic plan for the next three years. This plan is a refresh of our prior five-year plan and keeps the same mission: Advance literacy, guide learning,… continue reading Check Out Our New Strategic Plan!
By written by Autumn M. October 18, 2018 5
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… 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… continue reading The Paschalville Partnership: Catalyzing a Community-Led Future
By written by Annette M. October 3, 2018
In a previous post, we shared some stories about how meetings between libraries and other community organizations can lead to what the American Library Association calls the “domino effect… continue reading Conversations Between Libraries and Communities Spark Program Ideas
By written by Community-Centered Libraries September 7, 2018
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Cluster Leaders – staff who supervise 5 to 8 neighborhood libraries grouped together geographically – recently discussed what the American… continue reading Connecting with Local Organizations Builds Library Community Engagement
By written by Community-Centered Libraries August 7, 2018 2
“We are the leaders we have been waiting for.” Grace Lee Boggs, Philosopher and Activist The Free Library of Philadelphia is full of leaders, and so are the neighborhoods in… continue reading The Leaders We Have Been Waiting For
By written by Community-Centered Libraries July 6, 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… continue reading Select Free Library Locations Open on Independence Day as Cooling Centers!
By written by Jenn D. July 3, 2018 3
The City of Philadelphia has declared a Heat Health Emergency . These Free Library locations will serve as cooling centers on Tuesday, July 3 where residents can get out of the heat and into an… continue reading Get Out of the Heat and Stay Cool at the Free Library!
By written by Jenn D. July 3, 2018
[ Editor's note: We librarians offer literally thousands of programs every year. It's a special thrill to get formal feedback from our audiences. We can't publish every review we get,… continue reading Art, Gardens, and Stories: Making Philadelphia Home
By written by Administrator June 28, 2018
As communities’ needs and desires change, libraries and staff are adapting and evolving with them. Long gone are the days when librarians mostly sat behind desks fielding reference… continue reading National and Local Trends Inform Development of Upcoming Community-Centered Libraries Trainings
By written by Community-Centered Libraries June 7, 2018 2
We know the Free Library is one of the most heavily used cultural and educational institutions in our city. We’ve got the numbers: In fiscal year 2017, 640,000 people in Philadelphia held a… continue reading The Library’s Impact: A New Report
By written by Julie B. April 12, 2018
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… continue reading Spotlight on Michael Rabb for National Social Work Month
By written by Autumn M. March 15, 2018 6
Like the enormous condo building that is being erected on your block right now, the word "gentrification" has loomed large recently. Its definition is tough to pin down and experts have… continue reading #OneBookWednesday: Gentrification in Philadelphia
By written by Kalela W. December 6, 2017 1
When I came aboard at the Free Library of Philadelphia in March of this year as Chief of Staff, I set a goal to make it to all 54 neighborhood library locations . It was important to me to do so… continue reading I Visited Every Free Library Location and Here’s What I Learned...
By written by Leslie W. September 15, 2017
This year the Free Library of Philadelphia is participating in Welcoming Week: Connecting Neighbors, Serving Communities , taking place September 15 through 24, with a variety of cultural events… continue reading Welcoming Week 2017: Connecting Neighbors, Serving Communities
By written by Mary Marques September 6, 2017 1
During the academic year, many of Philadelphia’s public school students receive subsidized meals from their school. When summer break rolls around though, where can Philly’s kids get a… continue reading Summer Food Service Program and Neighborhood Libraries Help Keep Children Fed While School's Out
By written by Liz G. August 16, 2017
PhillyCAM , in collaboration with the Free Library, has kicked-off the new People's Media Collection at Northeast Regional and West Oak Lane libraries! Over the next six months, PhillyCAM will… continue reading PhillyCAM Offers Hands-On Media Training at Select Libraries
By written by Jenn D. July 12, 2017