Free Library of Philadelphia branches are hosting special events next month in celebration of Black History Month, including a cultural fair, film screenings, workshops, community forums and discussions, and events and activities for children and families (see list below).

You can also explore the Free Library’s resources on African American history and culture, including famous African Americans from Philadelphia, poets and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, children’s books, politics and more Black History Month events throughout Philadelphia area by visiting this page.  Continue Reading

Thefts from cars in West Philly have been on the rise since last spring, including theft of catalytic converters, according to reports. In a recent report, the 18th Police District alerted residents that thieves citywide are especially interested in catalytic converters from Toyota Priuses (see video below). Several thefts have been reported recently in the 18th District, according to the report. One neighbor had his converter stolen twice in the last month, according to a West Philly Local reader.  Continue Reading

Penn Book Center, the 58-year-old indie book store at 34th and Sansom that was saved from imminent closure last summer, recently got a new name from its new owners. Since December, it’s been called People’s Books & Culture, and also has a new logo (see photo).

The new name was chosen from a public poll and has the same initials as the previous name (PBC), which was very important to the new owners.

“We had all kinds of interesting answers, but keeping the PBC initials was central to the store’s branding and community name recognition,” Duquès told Billy Penn.  Continue Reading

The Sanctuary Jam: A Philadelphia First: At St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Hamilton Village (3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104) is open to both Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania students and musicians.

Visit with us and hear the best of the universities instructors in jazz, and if you play an instrument you’re invited to sit in. Come support Jazz in all its Glory…FREE PIZZA – GREAT MUSIC – NO CHARGE.  Continue Reading

Mural Arts Philadelphia, one of the nation’s largest public art programs, is offering special tours in February featuring LOVE and African American-themed murals. Here are the details:

Mural Arts Philadelphia’s African American Iconic Images Collection Mural Trolley Tour 

Sundays, Feb. 9 and 23, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $32 for adults and $28 for students and kids under 12. Sign up here.

Departs from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad Street (Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building).

In honor of Black History Month, Mural Arts is offering a special mural trolley tour that explores civil rights, freedom, and equality. This rich collection of images highlights iconic African American figures within Philadelphia’s visual autobiography. An experienced tour guide will discuss each mural, the artists, and the mural-making process.  Continue Reading

We’ve been getting requests from people looking for places where they can donate unwanted clothing. The City has an online database for disposal, recycling and donation options in the area, including clothing donations. We have compiled clothing donation options in the West Philadelphia area in the list below (if you know of more options, please let our readers know in the comments below).

If you have some unwanted professional clothes that you want to donate, check out Career Wardrobe, an organization that helps people looking for jobs look more presentable during interviews. They accept donations of clothing, footwear, accessories, and toiletries at their drop-off locations in Spring Garden and in Lansdowne, Pa. Click here for more info.  Continue Reading