Immigration: How Philadelphia’s Public Libraries Can Benefit Foreign Born Residents
Philadelphia has had a long history when it comes to libraries. Benjamin Franklin started the country’s first library, The Library Company, which remains open today, 287 years later. Today, the Free Library of Philadelphia finds itself in a unique position. While most public libraries are operated by local governments, FLP is managed by an independent […]
West Philadelphia: Libraries “Plant A Seed” That Brings Success And Literacy For West Philly Children
Out of the 339 schools within the Philadelphia School District, only eight have full-time paid certified librarians. Louis Lozzi, a Philadelphia native and teacher said that the lack of library funding in the school system has been an issue since he began his teaching career 15 years ago. “I’m used to being in schools without […]
Kingsessing: Seniors Find Creative Outlet At Open Mic
Poems about New York and chapters from a romance novel echoed through the Kingsessing Library’s sunlit basement. On Sept. 28, the library hosted an open mic poetry night for older adults— the first of many, Rachel Hayes hopes. “I think it’s important for the community,” Kingsessing Library Supervisor Hayes said. “Anything positive, anything that builds […]
Olney: Fashion Show In Fisher Park, Free Library Events And More This Week
Looking to find out what’s going on in Olney this week? Our calendar round-up lets you know what’s happening in your neighborhood. BOP & CHA-CHA: Monday, July 17, 6-7:30 p.m., Greater Olney Library – Community Meeting Room, (5501 N. Fifth St.) Stay and Play (Pre-school aged children and caregivers): Tuesday, July 25, 10-11:30 a.m., Greater Olney Library […]
Chestnut Hill: Library Closes Temporarily To Repair Ceiling Leak
The Chestnut Hill library has been around for over 100 years – 109 years to be exact. The library is located at 8711 Germantown Ave. and is a huge fixture within the Chestnut Hill community. “People love the library because it has a lot to offer to the community, especially to all the different age […]
Kensington: Quieting the Madness at McPherson
Walking into the McPherson Square Branch library, adult and teen librarian Chera Kowalski sees many things. The outside of the library, where the use of drugs is a daily occurrence, and the inside, where the people of Kensington are capitalizing on the resources of the library. Kowalski, 32, facilitates many of these resources as she and […]
Fairhill: New Chapter For Library Means Bittersweet, Temporary Closure
Rebekah Ray and the staff at the Lillian Marrero Library have been dedicated to the future of the branch, long before the building recently closed for renovations. Now, they are left wondering how the community is going to fare for the next two years, without the essential resources they provide. The Lillian Marrero Library at Sixth […]
Lawncrest: Ever-Changing Library Offers Knowledge to the Neighborhood
The Lawncrest branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia is making a difference in this Northeast Philadelphia community by serving as a resource for residents to get help and information about a variety of topics. Lawncrest resident Barbara Futch makes the trip to the library twice a week. “I come here for the books, I come here to […]
Bella Vista: Community Blossoms With Help from Charles Santore Library
The Charles Santore Library’s exterior looks like your typical municipal building — it has white walls and an architectural style that was making waves in the 1950s and 60s. In the diverse and lively neighborhood of Bella Vista, the building may appear dull to some, but for those who have experienced the programs and the people […]
Fox Chase: Ryerss Mansion Preserves History Through Close Community Ties
Sometimes historic sites hide within their neighborhoods. That’s been the case for Ryerss Museum & Library at 7370 Central Ave. in Burholme Park near the Fox Chase section of the city. Built and donated to Philadelphia by the Ryerss family, the mansion served as a summer home until Joseph Ryerss passed away and his son Robert moved in with […]