The Free Library’s Book Bike takes reading to the public, literally
Talk about out-of-the-box thinking! If you see a large tricycle somewhere in Philadelphia, its red front compartment loaded with books, propelled by a serious-looking cyclist, there’s a correct response: shout “Yo, Tyler!!!”
Tyler Gittelman, a South Philly Library employee and the program manager of the Book Bike, travels to community events around the city with a selection of titles that patrons are able to check out on the spot. He says it’s the best job he’s ever had. To learn more, continue reading…
Relive the 2025 Mummers Parade, in photos
Despite rain the previous night, the parade had good weather and enthusiastic crowds, as well as 10,000 parade participants, for its 124th incarnation, which saw some groups working to include more collaborations and communities from across Philly in the festivities. Check out the photos by contributor Erin Blewett. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa. election campaigns were dominated by a surprisingly small group of donors. [Spotlight Pa.]
• Kennett Square welcomed the new year by dropping a glittering, 700-pound … mushroom. [WHYY]
• Abercrombie is coming to a Philly in 2025, while other retailers are departing. What’s next for retail in the city? [WHYY]
• St. Joe’s Prep in North Philly debuted its newly repaired pipe organ with a century-old liturgical controversy. [WHYY]
• 5 hopes for the Phillies as we start thinking about the 2025 season. [Billy Penn/Hittin’ Season]
• A school arts program took a local woman from school musicals to Broadway. [WHYY]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Philly homicides are at a near-record low in 2024, but the police commissioner says the work is not done. [WHYY/6ABC]
- A state lawmaker wants Pennsylvania to crack down on 3D-printed “ghost guns” in 2025. [CBS3]
- A stage play addressing youth gun violence made a stop in East Germantown. [Germantown Info Hub]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 17: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 5 fatalities, vs. 25, with 3 fatalities, the prior week. [Philly Police]
- 1,078: Shooting victims as of Dec. 31 were down 35% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 193: Year-to-date homicides, down 40% vs. last year’s pace. [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
💪🏽 Saturday, Jan. 1: Free Kids Martial Arts Workshop
Kids ages 4 to 12 are welcome to sign up for this free workshop in Northern Liberties where “every student will be able to break a board!” Free with RSVP. (1 p.m.)
🍫 Saturday, Jan. 4: Three Kings/Dia de Reyes Celebration
This free event is at Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza at 300 Broad Street, with Mexican hot chocolate, traditional “Rosca de Reyes” bread, a reenactment of the tale of the Three Kings, and piñata-breaking for the youngest family members. Free; registration recommended. (3:30 p.m.)
🍨 Sunday, Jan. 5: Philadelphia Dessert Festival
Music, games, raffles, and food trucks await in Germantown at this free pop-up event at 4809 Germantown Avenue! Free tickets. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
💒 Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 4-5: Pa. and NJ Bridal Show
Plan a wedding of any size at this one-stop-shopping/scouting event with hundreds of vendors for everything from bakers and photographers to florists and dance class providers. Free passes in advance; $10 at the door. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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