Tagged Special Collections
Celebrating Printmaker Chen Lok Lee
The Print and Picture Collection is proud to present a program highlighting the work of artist and Master Printer Chen Lok Lee on Wednesday, May 15 at 4:30 p.m. Born in China in 1927, Lee studied at the Canton Public Art College and…
Snow-Drop: A Märchen, a Mouse, and a Mystery
The exhibition Into the Night features two paintings by N. C. Wyeth, The Admiral's Ghost and Snow-Drop . The first's title is somewhat explanatory ( It's a ghost! ), but the second is more confusing. Who or what is…
We Are What We Eat: An Exhibition from Special Collections
We Are What We Eat is on view from Monday, April 1–Friday, August 30, 2024 on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library in the Dietrich Gallery. "Food is more than just fuel to sustain our bodies;…
We Are What We Eat: Recipes and Resources
The Free Library's newest exhibition from the Special Collections Division, We Are What We Eat , explores the intersection of food, community, and identity. On view in the Dietrich Gallery on the Third Floor of…
Japanese Ukiyo-E Prints in the Print and Picture Collection
I’ve been working in the Print and Picture Collection at Parkway Central Library for about a year now and I’ve still barely scratched the surface of learning about all of the art housed here. One of the first projects I was…
Spotlight: The Letter People
For the last year, the shared offices of the Children's Literature Research Collection and the Map Collection have had a consistent litmus test for visitors. When a new visitor enters (either a researcher or a staff member),…
The Art and Influence of John Dowell: An Exhibition from Special Collections
by Laura S. and Karen K. In 1967, the Print and Picture Collection at Parkway Central Library purchased a print by a young Philadelphia artist named John Dowell. That first acquisition led to a relationship that has spanned 50…
The Human Who Was Amazed by "The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man"
In 1973, author Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) wrote The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man , a comical fantasy novel about a housecat who is magically transformed by his wizard-owner into a human. The story is everything you'd…
Confession: I’m an Accidental Music Librarian
Hi, my name is Gillian and I’m an accidental music librarian. Specifically, I’m an accidental orchestral music librarian. I recently joined the staff of The Edwin A. Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music (Fleisher…
Bicycling Resources for National Bike Month
Happy National Bike Month ! Founded in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bicycle Month is full of activities and initiatives to inspire people to take to the road on bikes rather than cars. If you’re heading back…
Up Above: Thinking about the "Little Old Lady Tost Up in a Basket"
Just in time for spring cleaning, N. C. Wyeth's The Old Woman Tost Up in a Basket is back on display in Up Above: Thinking About the Skies in Parkway Central Library. Creating and researching an exhibition is always an…
Tweet, tweet! An Update on the Birding Backpack Program
If you've spent any time around here, you know we love talking about some of the more unique and unexpected items available for lending at the Free Library! You know, beyond the books, DVDs, and other more conventional materials you…
Free Virtual Arabic Language Programs Return in February and March!
In the Path of Islam, in collaboration with Al-Bustan Seed of Culture, are excited to announce the return of the well-received, virtual, free Arabic conversation classes this February and March. Students will practice the sounds…
Grip: A Poem, Book, and Raven
Updated Wednesday, December 15, 2021 4:20 p.m. One of the most popular attractions of the Free Library's Rare Book Department is Grip the Raven, the late lamented pet of author Charles Dickens. A few years ago, we shared Grip's…
The ABCs of the WPA at FLP
As part of his bold New Deal aimed at national reform and recovery in the wake of the Great Depression , President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the Work Projects Administration (WPA) . The federally funded program focused on putting…
Let's Speak Arabic!
Manuscripts of the Muslim World and Al-Bustan Seeds of Cultural are offering free, virtual Arabic Conversational Classes! There are many reasons to learn conversational Arabic... There are over ten words for "love". It’s…
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Uncovering the Real James Bond in the Rare Book Department
From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, the intrepid agent of the British Secret Intelligence Service—James Bond, designated Agent 007—has epitomized masculine cool. Everyone knows how he likes his vodka martinis. Everyone knows…
For the Greatest Number: The New Deal Revisited
by Laura S. and Caitlin G. It’s been ninety years since the crisis of the Great Depression inspired the New Deal’s government investment and aid. But it’s not just history. The country is again facing a choice: What do…
Who Said It: Shakespeare, Milton, or Shake Milton?
The Rare Book Department has some true treasures within its collections, but perhaps one of its most special collections is the First Folio of William Shakespeare . What is the “First Folio”? It contains the collected works…
Spotlight on Special Collections: Artist Dox Thrash and the WPA Printmaking Collection
Dox Thrash was an innovative artist and printmaker who gained recognition for his realistic and moving depictions of Black life while working for the federally-funded Philadelphia Fine Print Workshop. Dox…
Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Rare Book Department: The Judaica Collection.
Come and explore the Rare Book Department's small but signifcant Judaica Collection. Highlights of the collection will include a manusucript written in the beginning of the Spanish Inquisition, as well as…
We Are What We Eat: An Exhibition from Special Collections
The Free Library’s exhibition, We Are What We Eat , explores the intersection of food, community, and identity. With recipes and cooking techniques passed down through generations, culinary heritage helps preserve flavors and…
We Are What We Eat: Curator-Led Exhibition Tour
The Free Library’s newest exhibition, We Are What We Eat, explores the intersection of food, community, and identity. With recipes and cooking techniques passed down through generations, culinary heritage helps preserve flavors…
The Library of the Wizard Earl - Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Rare Book Department
A storied English aristocratic family, living in a palatial home that was once an abbey, struggles to maintain their household in the face of 20th century financial realities. On April 23rd and 24th 1928, this PBS plotline unfolded in…
"The Automat" Film Screening and Filmmaker Q&A
Join us for a screening of The Automat followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, Lisa Hurwitz. Featuring photographs from the Free Library of Philadelphia's Print and Picture Collection and filmed locally, The…
Sugar Don't Go On Grits: An Archival Look at The Great Migration's Effect on How We Eat
How Black is sweet cornbread? Do WE put marshmallows on sweet potato casserole? Sugar Don't Go On Grits: An Archival Look at The Great Migration's Effect on How We Eat will be a conversational space dedicated to retracing…
We Are What We Eat: Curator-Led Exhibition Tour
The Free Library’s newest exhibition, We Are What We Eat, explores the intersection of food, community, and identity. With recipes and cooking techniques passed down through generations, culinary heritage helps preserve flavors…
Into the Night
After the sun sets, celestial bodies—like the moon and stars—fill the night sky, while cities glow with an array of artificial light. The night is a time when nocturnal activities—by both people and creatures—…
Into the Night
After the sun sets, celestial bodies—like the moon and stars—fill the night sky, while cities glow with an array of artificial light. The night is a time when nocturnal activities—by both people and creatures—…
Into the Night
After the sun sets, celestial bodies—like the moon and stars—fill the night sky, while cities glow with an array of artificial light. The night is a time when nocturnal activities—by both people and creatures—…
Spotlight: Objects from Special Collections
Curators and library staff actively work to acquire special collections materials for the Free Library; sometimes items are purchased, some are donated, and occasionally they are transferred from other libraries or collections. Special…
Spotlight: Objects from Special Collections
Curators and library staff actively work to acquire special collections materials for the Free Library; sometimes items are purchased, some are donated, and occasionally they are transferred from other libraries or collections. Special…
Spotlight: Objects from Special Collections
Curators and library staff actively work to acquire special collections materials for the Free Library; sometimes items are purchased, some are donated, and occasionally they are transferred from other libraries or collections. Special…
We Are What We Eat: Curator-Led Exhibition Tour
The Free Library’s newest exhibition, We Are What We Eat, explores the intersection of food, community, and identity. With recipes and cooking techniques passed down through generations, culinary heritage helps preserve flavors…
Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Rare Book Department with a Behind-the-Scenes Evening Tour.
Since its opening in 1949 the Rare Book has offered free tours of its collections. Join us this evening for a fun, behind-the-scenes tour with your library guide who will also show your materials seldomly displayed.…
We Are What We Eat: Curator-Led Exhibition Tour
The Free Library’s newest exhibition, We Are What We Eat , explores the intersection of food, community, and identity. With recipes and cooking techniques passed down through generations, culinary heritage helps preserve flavors…
Celebrating Printmaker Chen Lok Lee: Recent Gift to the Free Library
Join us on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in the Print and Picture Collection to view prints by artist Chen Lok Lee. Born in China in 1927, Lee studied at the Canton Public Art College and Hong Kong University before moving to the…