Have you seen them around town? On subway concourses, sides of buses and within SEPTA bus shelters, KEYSPOTS ads have premiered. KEYSPOTS is a citywide initiative bringing internet access, training and technology to Philadelphia communities.

KEYSPOTS is powered by Freedom Rings Partnership—a consortium of government, higher education and non-profit entities that includes the Free Library of Philadelphia. Two of the library’s six Hot Spots (www.freelibrary.org/hotspots) are also funded by this federal Broadband grant (BTOP), as is the soon-to-arrive Techmobile.   

*The Free Library will continue to promote our BTOP funded computing centers as Hot Spots, because it ties them to our four Knight Foundation funded Hot Spots.   We want to alert you to the dual names, because the partnership publicity and the 311 call center will refer to our Hot Spots as KEYSPOTS.*

A new website (www.phillyKEYSPOTS.org) will assist you and your patrons in searching for FREE computer access and trainings at KEYSPOTS throughout the city. Even though the site has just launched and many additional programs and upgrades are still pending, it is the most comprehensive location for information about KEYSPOTS and the Freedom Rings Partnership.

If you have any questions about Free Library Hot Spots, please phone TOPSS at 215.686.5372. If you have questions about KEYSPOTS, please contact 311 or 215.851.1990.

Tags: BTOP grant, Hot Spots, Techmobile

Throughout February, the Free Library is celebrating Black History Month with a wide range of events across the branches. Beginning with film and discussion series, Black History Month at the Free Library offers a multitude of ways to learn about and honor the significant people, places, and experiences in black history. Events include:

• Zora’s Tales
Sunday, February 5, 2:00 p.m. | Parkway Central Library
As a part of our Sundays on Stage program, funded by the PCI Board of Managers, The Women of Color Productions presents a one-woman play depicting the amazing life and times of Zora Neale Hurston.

• Black History Month Treasure Hunt
Monday, February 6 – Friday, February 10, drop-in event | Haddington Branch
Enjoy an awesome week of African American history. Drop in during our normal hours and learn about African American authors and participate in our treasure hunt. Prizes will be awarded!

• Black History Storytime
Tuesdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30 a.m. | Walnut Street West Branch
Celebrate Black History Month with Ms. Susan as she reads stories and poems written by and about famous African Americans. Schools interested in attending this program should call 215-685-7671.

• Malcolm and Martin
Wednesday, February 22 , 4:00 p.m. | Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library
Children over 10 years old are invited to join the talented cast of the Walnut Street Theater’s Touring Company and enjoy a journey through the Civil Rights Movement. Seating is limited; please arrive on time!

With dozens more events, there are many ways to commemorate Black History Month with the Free Library. Click here for a complete listing or visit our calendar of events for the month of February.

The Free Library is acquiring a Techmobile, a 25’ vehicle outfitted for digital literacy training and outreach. Right now, construction is in progress and we expect you’ll see the Techmobile hitting the streets in April.

Trainings will range from computer and email basics, résumé writing and job searching to workshops about small business resources, parenting resources, social networking, e-books and more.

 The Free Library will partner with community organizations for these trainings. If you or your organization is interested in a visit from the Techmobile, please fill out the Partner Interest Form.

Techmobile Stop Criteria

• Organization’s mission must relate to the mission of the Free Library: “The Free Library of Philadelphia advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity.”
• Organization’s programs and services must target underserved populations. 
• Location must have adequate and safe parking for the vehicle (measuring 25 feet long).There are 6 training workstations, and each Techmobile visit will contain a formal training or workshop as well as open access time.
• Organization must provide staff or volunteer support to assist with class registration before our visit, arrival, set-up and security. Techmobile staff should also be able to use the facilities of a host organization.
• Participants must complete an evaluation at end of training
•  Event, workshop or activity must be free of charge to the participants, and must be open to all residents in accordance with the City’s Fair Practices Ordinance that prohibits discrimination.

This program is supported by the Federal Broadband Opportunities Program Grant. The zip codes identified in the BTOP Grant are: 19102, 19103, 19104, 19106, 19107, 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19128, 19131, 19132, 19133, 19135, 19136, 19139, 19140, 19141, 19142, 19143, 19144, 19145, 19146, 19148, 19154. For more information about the BTOP Grant in Philadelphia, please visit the Phillykeyspots.com, the homepage of the Freedom Rings Partnership.

Please direct any other questions to Joel Nichols, Techmobile Manager, at 215 686-5372 or via email at nicholsj@freelibrary.org.

Tags: Hot Spots, Techmobile, digital collections

The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Year of Dickens 2012 carries on throughout February—Charles Dickens’s birthday month! Mr. Dickens officially turns 200 on February 7, but we're celebrating all month long! With more literary salons, a birthday celebration, and readings over breakfast at The Dandelion, February’s events appeal to all ages.

• Readings at The Dandelion
Sundays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. | The Dandelion Pub
The Dandelion will host readings from A Boy Called Dickens and Usborne’s Illustrated Stories from Dickens for children ages 4 through 9. Tea cakes and scones will be served as the kids gather round the fireplace for the storytelling. After the reading, adults can feast on a hearty English breakfast for $13 or breakfast and a 20oz cask beer for $20. Each reading will be capped at 20 guests. Call 215-558-2500 for more information or to make a reservation.

• Special Saturday Hours at the Rare Book Department
Saturday, February 11, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Rare Book Department, Parkway Central Library
As a part of Dickens’s birthday festivities, the Rare Book Department will hold special Saturday hours for visitors to view the "From the Desk of Charles Dickens" exhibition from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Be on the lookout for a special guest who might be on hand to reclaim a place at his desk!

• Happy Birthday, Dickens!
Saturday, February 11, 2:00 p.m. | Parkway Central Library
The Children’s Department at Parkway Central will throw a 200th birthday party for Charles Dickens, featuring the Library’s very own Dickens impersonator, who will be on hand for a storytime reading and to blow out the candles on his birthday cake.

• Literary Salon – Oliver Twist
Thursday, February 16, 6:30 p.m. | Elkins Room, Parkway Central Library
This month’s literary salon will focus on Oliver Twist. Click here to register.

The Free Library’s Year of Dickens 2012 will run until the end of the year. For more information, visit freelibrary.org/dickens.

Tags: Year of Dickens

We at the Free Library were saddened to hear of the passing of WURD radio host Fatimah Ali. This past summer a number of our librarians and staff had the wonderful opportunity to work with Ms. Ali as she broadcast her renowned program from many of our neighborhood branches. Ms. Ali’s commitment to the Philadelphia community was inspiring, and she will be sorely missed.