Blog Posts
Summer is the perfect time to explore the world around us, to play and be active, and to learn about new things for fun! This summer, students entering grades 2–6 will have the chance to enjoy all the best parts of summer while learning about five different health scientist careers with GSK and the Franklin Institute ’s… continue reading
By Kayla H. June 2, 2025
What is your favorite summertime activity in Philadelphia? Do you hike through Wissahickon Park? Do you spend all day at your local Parks and Rec. swimming pool with your friends? Do you read new books at your neighborhood library? Whether you keep it local or jetset to places near or far, Summer of Wonder with the Free… continue reading
By Administrator May 19, 2025 2
The Ants on a Log Library Tour is coming to many neighborhood Free Library locations this spring, bringing feel-good, fun live music for the whole family! Ants on a Log plays music for children and other childlike people. Their award-winning music centers positivity, social justice, and silliness and has been featured widely in… continue reading
By Administrator April 21, 2025 1
Get ready for an exciting adventure as we bring the magic of storytelling to life at our Family Bilingual Spanish/English Storytime ! As part of the Languages of Philadelphia series, this special event celebrates bilingualism, cultural diversity, and the power of stories to connect us across borders. When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at… continue reading
By Mary Marques February 26, 2025
Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month, begins on February 28 this year. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar and all over the world Muslim families celebrate with daily fasting and prayer. For families that observe the holiday and for those who want to learn more about it, here are four books to share with your… continue reading
By Rachel F. February 26, 2025
The first week of February is Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week, an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the writers and artists who play an integral part in the literacy journey of children worldwide. Philadelphia’s vibrant literary community has its share of wonderful and talented… continue reading
By Anthony T. February 4, 2025
What did we read in 2024? From "Most 2024" to "Terrible Schools and Awesome Adventures," Parkway Central Children’s Department has all the extremely specific book awards you never knew you needed! Cedar (he/him) - Library Assistant Cedar's Awards Retellings of Fairytales, Folklore, and… continue reading
By Administrator December 19, 2024
It’s almost time to bundle up warm and join the Free Library for festive storytimes at the Christmas Village in LOVE Park! Every year, LOVE Park is transformed into an authentic German-style outdoor holiday market, presented by Bank of America. With sparkling lights, delicious food, hot beverages, and unique vendors,… continue reading
By Kayla H. December 2, 2024 1
Children’s Book Week, a “celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading,” was established in 1919 and is “the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country,” as noted by Every Child a Reader . Taking place biannually in the spring and fall and administered by the… continue reading
By Free Library Foundation November 1, 2024
Our fall line up for Sundays on Stage is here, and it’s packed with old favorites and new acts. This season we will again host live, free performances on Saturdays in the Montgomery Auditorium in Parkway Central Library , and we will close the season with a return of The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 15. Several familiar… continue reading
By Kayla H. September 16, 2024 2
Since Parkway Central Library opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections available are impressive, but some patrons may not be familiar with all of them. To promote… continue reading
By Naomi S. September 16, 2024
The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Zoo are two of the City of Brotherly Love’s oldest and most respected institutions, so it’s only fitting that they are teaming up in the coming months to present Animal Tales at Charles L. Durham Library . One Thursday per month from October 2024 through April 2025, a… continue reading
By Anthony T. September 16, 2024
In 2023, KABOOM! , the nonprofit dedicated to ending playspace inequity, brought playful learning and literacy organizations together to co-create a Story Trail — an interactive trail with story panels like a book — with McPherson Square Library ’s community. This week, the storyboards and… continue reading
By Tuesday C. September 6, 2024
Math is all around us, and it’s never too early to introduce your little ones to basic math concepts. Babies and toddlers are naturally curious and can grasp foundational math ideas through play and everyday activities. By incorporating simple and fun math activities into your daily routine, you can help your child develop a… continue reading
By Kimberly G. September 5, 2024
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Summer of Wonder program is a reading challenge for all ages that allows participants to attend fun Free Library events, find new books to read, and explore activities to stay engaged throughout the summer. Simply sign up at your neighborhood library to get started, or register online with… continue reading
By Free Library Foundation July 2, 2024
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, it falls between May 6–12 . It has at its core the belief that children’s books… continue reading
By Jennifer E. May 3, 2024
An adrenaline rush is defined as a physical feeling of intense excitement and stimulation caused by the release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands. That’s gnarly! Do you know what else is gnarly? Learning how to skateboard! The Cecil B. Moore Library in partnership with The Philadelphia Skateboard Academy joined forces… continue reading
By Brianna V. April 10, 2024
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 Snow-Drop? There's a good chance that you already know the answer — just under a… continue reading
By Chris B. April 2, 2024
Parenting is a journey filled with surprises, and toddlers have a remarkable knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary . One such memorable moment in our household occurred when our little guy unleashed his inner Picasso on the living room wall. While I met the moment with amusement, my husband, on the other… continue reading
By Kimberly G. February 26, 2024
Spread the word: Sundays on Stage is back this spring! This season we will host live performances on Saturdays in the Montgomery Auditorium at Parkway Central Library . After nearly four years of virtual performances, Sundays on Stage hosted our first in-person event featuring Keepers of Culture at Wynnefield Library in December 2023!… continue reading
By Kayla H. February 20, 2024 6