Tagged Holidays
No Rules, Just Read: Children's Book Week
Happy Children’s Book Week, Philadelphia! Founded in 1919 — thus marking its 105th anniversary this year — Children’s Book Week is the nation’s longest-running national literacy initiative. This year,…
May is AANHPI Heritage Month
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month celebrates generations of AAPI contributions to American history, society, and culture. Initially founded as a week-long celebration by Congress in…
Celebrate Lunar New Year with the Free Library
Lunar New Year is celebrated in some parts of Asia, and is important to many Asian immigrants and communities around the world. Lunar New Year is called Chūnjié (Spring Festival) in China and Taiwan, Seollal in Korea, and Tết in…
New Year, New Habits
The new year is traditionally a time to start fresh, make resolutions, and name your hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Some share this tradition with friends and family and even introduce it to the young people in their lives. Kids…
Last-Minute Gift Ideas from the Free Library Foundation
Can you believe the holidays are here already? We can't! Although it can be the most wonderful time of the year in many ways, this time of year can also bring stress as you ponder your ever-growing to-do list. Eeep! If…
Shop Small in Philly for the Holidays
The holidays are a great time to support local businesses! No matter who you're shopping for this holiday season, Philly's commercial corridors are the perfect place to check off your list. What is a commercial corridor? Whether…
A Kwanzaa Keepsake: Celebrating with New Traditions and Feasts
A Kwanzaa Keepsake by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, author of High on the Hog , is an invitation to honor, connect, create, and cook. Besides the cooking, it may move you to gather family recipes to pass down as gifts, collect food…
Handpicked Holiday Entertainment for All Ages From Our Catalog
At the Free Library, we believe that the holidays should be a time filled with warmth, wonder, and shared experiences for everyone, regardless of age or interests. With this in mind, we've scoured our catalog and digital collections…
Storytimes at Christmas Village and More Holiday Fun
Join the Free Library this holiday season at Philadelphia’s authentic German Christmas market, presented by Bank of America! Christmas Village will light up LOVE Park and City Hall from Thanksgiving (November…
Giving Tuesday is Coming!
With the spirit of giving on our minds, we want to remind you that November 28 is Giving Tuesday ! Founded in 2012, Giving Tuesday has grown into a worldwide movement. It is a powerful way for you to continue the warmth and goodwill of…
10 Free Library Podcast Episodes Perfect for Thanksgiving
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, we present a curated collection of podcasts from our Author Events series archive. Thanksgiving is often traditionally associated with America’s indigenous peoples, but what is the real…
Local Thanksgiving Food Drives and Shared Meals for Those in Need
Thanksgiving is only a week away! In the spirit of the holiday, here are some local Thanksgiving-related community events that include turkey drives, giveaways, and free Thanksgiving meals for seniors, families in need, and people…
Take Part in a Free Library Holiday Tradition: Dedicate a Bookplate!
Can you believe the holiday season is almost upon us? While families are preparing to celebrate their favorite holiday traditions, we invite you to join the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation for one of our own cherished…
It's the Season of Giving!
November is here, and the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is excited to soak up the last full month of autumn with programs and events at the Free Library! Browse the event calendar now and find festive…
Native American Heritage Month and Beyond
November is Native American Heritage Month . The Free Library, located on the ancestral lands of the Lenni-Lenape people, is proud to honor this tradition. Read on to learn what this holiday is all about, and how you and your family can…
The Outdoor Costume Parade Returns to Parkway Central Library on October 26!
Join the Central Children’s Department on Thursday, October 26 from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. (rain date: Friday, October 27) for our yearly Costume Parade! Bookmark the event on the Free Library's website event…
Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day
The Free Library is proud to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day, celebrated on Monday, October 9, 2023 . Philadelphia is now one of the over 100 cities that have chosen to celebrate the holiday in lieu of Columbus Day. The official…
OURfest, National Coming Out Day's First Parade and Festival!
Philadelphia will make history with the nation’s first parade and festival in honor of National Coming Out Day, and the Free Library is honored to take part! Named OURfest , the weekend-long celebration October 6–8 was…
Let Freedom Read: It's Banned Books Week!
October 1–7 is Banned Books Week , and this year's theme is " Let Freedom Read! " This important observance began in 1982 in response to a surge in book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores with the…
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With Your Family
Is your family excited to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with the Free Library? We are too! The mid-month heritage celebration is set from September 15–October 15 in order to include the Independence Days of…