What are the most popular Googled questions about Ramadan? Here's what we found: When does Ramadan begin and end in 2021? What is allowed and not allowed during Ramadan? What does Ramadan celebrate? What can’t you do during Ramadan? And, can you kiss during Ramadan? My coworker Shahadah Abdul Rashid and I thought… continue reading Happy Ramadan: Manuscripts of the Muslim World and Beyond!
By written by Joe S. April 6, 2021
What do books and objects from 800 years ago have to do with our present-day concerns? An exhibition taking shape online and in the Rare Book Department 's William B. Dietrich Gallery uses objects from the distant past to illuminate enduring topics like how we practice religion, interact with our government, earn income, build… continue reading "Medieval Life" Comes to Parkway Central
By written by Janine P. September 2, 2020
For more than 25 years, libraries have been digitizing their collections, and the Free Library has digital collections in abundance—providing the opportunity to browse through roughly 50,000 images or to take a deep dive into the topic of your choice, be it Medieval Manuscripts, Historical Images of Philadelphia , or Pennsylvania German… continue reading Diving into Digital Collections
By written by Janine P. May 1, 2020
The Free Library of Philadelphia at Parkway Central Library has eight special collections for visitors of all ages to enjoy, either in person through engaging exhibitions and outreach programs , or remotely via digital access . Every month, artifacts and collections will be highlighted in this blog post series, but since… continue reading A Spotlight on Special Collections: The Artwork of Pennsylvania Germans-Fraktur
By written by Joe S. October 3, 2019
Philadelphians and people worldwide will eventually be able to view and download entire Islamic manuscripts, consisting of both images and texts, from the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Islamic collection of manuscripts. Already, this project has garnered much excitement. This past summer, Rare Book School held a class on Islamic… continue reading Updates From the Manuscripts of the Muslim World Project
By written by Joe S. September 5, 2018
Move over, London! England’s capital city may count Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot among its resident gumshoes, but only Philadelphia can be called the true birthplace of the modern detective tale. In celebration of our city’s honored place in the history of the mystery, the Free Library is exploring the art of crime and… continue reading #MysteryMonday: Get Clued in to Edgar Allan Poe and More
By written by Alix G. April 10, 2017 2
Do you love The Da Vinci Code ? Have you ever wished you could uncover a secret code in a medieval manuscript? Exciting news! Your wish may come true! Take a look at the image of a 15th-century prayer book on the right and see if you can tell what’s strange about its text. The manuscript is written by hand in Latin and the text at the top… continue reading Mysterious Manuscripts and "Mirror Writing"
By written by Diane B. March 9, 2017 1
John Derstine Souder (1865-1942) was raised on a Mennonite farm near Telford in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He was a storekeeper, postmaster, and poultry dealer before retiring. Souder spent the final five years of his life copying original Fraktur loaned to him by his neighbors and friends, and/or found in museums, as well as… continue reading John Derstine Souder’s Fraktur in the Henry Stauffer Borneman Pennsylvania German Collection
By written by Del-Louise M. December 9, 2013
The first part of the story of the Browne Hours was posted on Thursday, October 24 th . For the first part, read here . Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was killed by four knights while he prayed at the altar in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170, supposedly on the king’s orders. For a simple explanation of the… continue reading The Browne Hours, Part II
By written by Katharine C. November 5, 2013
A Book of Hours takes its name from the so-called “Little Hours of the Virgin,” a collection of eight prayers that is derived from the Divine Office—the canonical hours observed by persons who have taken the orders of monks, nuns, or priests. Matins is at 3:00 AM, Lauds is at 6:00 AM, Prime is at 9:00 AM, and so on. The Hours… continue reading The Browne Hours
By written by Katharine C. October 24, 2013
I was only a little girl when my Grammy had me kneel before her in their little church. She anointed my forehead with oil, and laid her hands on me. I was sick, but I can’t remember what for. She prayed very quietly, and everyone believed I was healed. And healed I was. In Christian circles the magic of… continue reading MAGICAL CHARMS ~ MEDICAL CURES
By written by Del-Louise M. October 15, 2013 3
