Join us Wednesday, June 5, 2024 in the Print and Picture Collection for a hands-on history event inspired by We Are What We Eat, the latest exhibition from the Free Library's Special Collections. Drop in anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to see menus from Philadelphia landmarks, international airlines, and transatlantic ships. Below is a taste of what will be on view:   Trader Vic’s     A favorite menu amongst our staff is from the restaurant chain Trader Vic’s. Tiki culture gained popularity at the end of Prohibition. The Trader Vic’s website states, “Decades ahead ..read more

The Community College of Philadelphia and the Free Library partnered to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) and High School Equivalency (HSE) classes in neighborhood libraries!  The Community College of Philadelphia prepares students to be informed citizens, active participants in city cultural life, and enabled to meet the changing needs of business. By partnering with the Free Library, they will expand their reach to provide classes and support to even more community members.  ESL classes will be held at Northeast Regional Library and West Oak Lane Library, and HSE ..read more

If you're a history- and vegetable-lover who DOES NOT suffer from coulrophobia, then we have a program for you! If you do suffer from a fear of clowns, then we *might* have a program for you. The choice is yours; consider yourself warned. Join the Children's Literature Research Collection for an in-depth discussion of "The Magic Basket," a marionette play produced by the Pittsburgh Museum Extension Project of the Works Progress Administration. In the webinar below, examples of objects housed in the Free Library's Special Collections are discussed while staff trace  ..read more

Philadelphia has the highest incarceration rate of any city in Pennsylvania, and the most locked-up census tracts in North Philadelphia have 17 times as many people behind bars as census tracts in Center City, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. This is one example of how data can help us visualize mass incarceration, which has been called the most pressing civil rights issue of our day.  The Free Library will help Philadelphians visualize mass incarceration this summer in connection to a vital new book, The Warehouse: A Visual Primer on Mass Incarceration, by information artist Vi ..read more

Every June the Free Library celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. The Free Library aims to be a place where everyone belongs. We value the LGBTQIA+ community, including transgender people and transgender youth, as one of many valued communities we serve in Philadelphia. We uphold our commitment to providing services, programming, and materials to the LGBTQIA+ community, including transgender youth and adults — and to providing a safe space for transgender patrons and staff as we aim to provide for all patrons and staff. This June, the Free Library of Philadelphia commemorates Queer Philadelphia His ..read more

Summer of Wonder is the Free Library's flagship summer reading challenge for all ages. Participants can attend library programs, find new books to read, and explore activities to stay engaged throughout the summer. Summer of Wonder starts on Monday, June 3, and runs until Friday, August 9, 2024. Sign up at your neighborhood library or participate in an online challenge to start tracking your progress! With the take-home Summer of Wonder Activity Logs in English and Spanish, children can keep track of their reading and library activities, rating their favorites (or most disliked). We’ve al ..read more

There is so much to love about the Free Library of Philadelphia. As one of the most important educational and cultural institutions in the city, the Library goes beyond books to strengthen local communities and achieve its mission. While the City of Philadelphia provides for the Free Library's facilities and infrastructure, it is through the Free Library Foundation (and the generosity of the public) that the Library can provide the vital programs and community resources that make such a positive difference throughout Philadelphia. Here are some of the many programs supported by the Free Librar ..read more

The Free Library is excited to announce the addition of video games to its vast catalog of borrowable materials! Why video games at the library, you ask? Well, stories aren't confined to books alone! Video games present immersive worlds where players become the protagonists of their own adventures. From unraveling intricate narratives to solving complex puzzles, video games offer a unique form of interactive storytelling that engages the mind and imagination. Here's more information on what patrons can expect: Free Library patrons can borrow up to three games at a time on their library c ..read more

The 2024 One Book, One Philadelphia season is coming to a close with an exciting finale event! Join True Biz author Sara Nović and poet Ilya Kaminsky — author of 2019 National Book Award finalist Deaf Republic — at Parkway Central Library on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. for a conversation surrounding the themes presented in Nović's novel and how they intersect with our community and society at large. Books will be available for purchase at the library at the event, and a book signing will follow the discussion. Online registration is required ..read more

Languages and Learning is the Free Library of Philadelphia's department for adult education support, connecting patrons seeking Adult Basic Education, English Language Learner, and World Language support to the appropriate resources.  Did you know that over 180 languages are spoken in Philadelphia? At the Free Library, we want to help residents learn as many languages as possible to make communication easier with people near and far. Whether taking a trip this summer or talking to your next-door neighbor, the Free Library has several ways to practice your language skil ..read more