We’re so excited to announce the launch of the Virtual Free Library at Suburban Station, an awesome undertaking made possible by the Free Library and our partners at Dunkin’ Donuts, SEPTA, and Titan. The Virtual Library—believed to be the nation’s first in a train station—is featured on more than 70 advertising boards throughout Suburban Station and is home to a selection of classic and bestselling ebooks, as well as podcasts from our ever-popular Author Events Series. More than 50 titles are available for download via QR code right to commuters’ mobile devices.
These hand-picked titles offer just a taste of the Free Library's extensive digital holdings, which include access to more than 80,000 ebooks, 8,00 audiobooks, and 1,000 author podcasts!
In addition to the Virtual Library at Suburban Station, SEPTA will recognize National Library Week by sponsoring the “What are you reading?” giveaway. Through April 16, you can submit the titles of the books you're currently enjoying to SEPTA’s Facebook page and the @SEPTA_Social Twitter feed using the hashtag #enrichyourride to win prizes, including a monthly transit pass, Dunkin' Donuts gift pack, and front-row seats at select author events.
Enrich your ride with reading! Be sure to pop by the bustling Suburban Station and try out the Virtual Free Library for yourself. Tell us what you think on our Twitter feed, and don’t forget to check out SEPTA’s great giveaway!
Some sad news came across the internet last week as Google posted on their official blog that as of July 1st, 2013 they would be shutting down their Google Reader service. Google Reader is--or rather was--one of the easiest to use and best RSS web-based readers out there, so there was definitely a certain amount of shock and confusion that has spread through the internet since Google's announcement.
There are of course other RSS reader options out there, the Lifehacker website has a good rundown of a number of current readers that may be good candidates to transition to from Google Reader.
In the meantime, you can retain your Google Reader data, including all of your RSS subscriptions, by downloading it through Google Takeout. You can then import that data into a new RSS reader.
The Free Library currently lists Google Reader as an RSS reader option on our website to access our RSS news feeds, such as our Author Events, Podcasts, Book Reviews, Digital Collections, and this blog. We'll be testing out some of the Google Reader replacement options currently available and make a blog announcement with recommendations before Google Reader shuts down in July.
If the previous year’s statistics are any indication of what consumers spent money on during the holidays, there is a good chance that you or someone you know may be receiving some sort of electronic media device as a gift this year.
Whether you are a seasoned gadget geek or “noob” to the high-tech world, the Free Library of Philadelphia has plenty of ebooks, podcasts, music, and videos for you to enjoy with your new computer, smartphone, tablet, or e-reader this holiday season!
First, you’ll need to have your library card and PIN handy as they are required to access these resources.
Don't have a library card? What are you waiting for? Get one today!
Next, head over to our digital media page, or try out the newest version of our mobile site on your smartphone or tablet.
If you need help searching for or accessing content, we have a comprehensive tutorial video to show you step-by-step how to download all the wonderful digital media we have available for borrowing.
The new mobile site (version 3.0) uses responsive web design and provides an optimal viewing experience on all browsers and most mobile devices, regardless of screen size. The site was built using jQuery mobile framework and HTML5.
FLP Mobile Website 3.0 Features:
New layout design for easier access and downloading speeds.
My Account - Sign in to your account from anywhere, all you need is your library card and PIN number.
Find a Location - Quickly see what's open Today, This Morning, This Evening, This Saturday, search branch locations by zip code, or view entire list of branch locations in alphabetical order.
Calendar of Events - See what’s going on at Parkway Central Library and all branch libraries, or browse by event subject.
Databases - Use our subscription databases to find magazine, journal, and reference articles, improve your resume, find a job, study a new language, take practice SAT tests, or research the topic of your choice.
Podcasts - Download and listen to more than 900 podcasts, recorded at various author events and lectures that take place at the Parkway Central Library.
Digital Downloads - View our resources for you to download ebooks, audiobooks, music, videos and much more!
Blog - Read our blog with posts from our own library staff on a variety of topics
Book Reviews - Reviews from our catalog by our librarians and staff.
Digital Collections - Browse through most recent images from our ever-expanding digital collections.
Support The Library - You can show your support for all of the important services the Library provides by becoming a supporter of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.
Social Media - View quick links to our social networking sites.
Just like on the full version of our website, you can access your Free Library account, search our extensive catalog, find the nearest branch location, view our calendar of upcoming events, download podcasts and ebooks, read the latest book reviews, and view the latest additions to our ever expanding digital collections.
We're always striving to give you the best user experience we can and hope to offer additional features designed especially for mobile devices in the near future!
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