#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Pareidolia at Spruce Street Harbor Park
(Photo by @erin.witman)
Two Rittenhouse Hotel favorites to close amid major makeover
The Library Bar and Mary Cassatt Tea Room are closing as the luxury hotel prepares for a new steakhouse, cocktail bar and redesigned spaces.
The Library Bar will serve its last customers Oct. 31, while the Mary Cassatt Tea Room will pour its final afternoon tea Nov. 15, according to the hotel’s announcement. Continue reading…
Philly holds many firsts for the nation’s library system
Philadelphia has been a leader for libraries, even before our nation was officially founded.
As the birthplace of the American Library Association, the first subscription library, the first research library and the iconic Free Library of Philadelphia, Philly is an important space for library history. Continue reading…
BP Quizzo Question of the Day
In 1985, Tina Turner visited Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia to record the video for “One of the Living.” On what movie soundtrack did the song appear?
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa. measles infections climb to 1,222 cases amid statewide outbreak. Here’s what to know. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia ‘No Kings’ protest 2026: What to know ahead of Oct. 17 early vote rallies. [WHYY]
• A network of air quality monitors grows in a formerly redlined area of West Philadelphia. [WHYY]
• Philly-area manufacturers say fragmented economic-development efforts are holding them back amid workforce shortages, transportation barriers and supply chain challenges. [WHYY]
• Herr’s is hungry for your ideas. Which Philly dish deserves a chip? [Billy Penn]
• ‘Big Phan,’ a new Phillie Phanatic documentary, spotlights the men behind the mascot and is playing at the Philadelphia Film Festival on Oct. 17 and 25. [PhillyVoice]
When you donate to Billy Penn, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a pair of 76ers tickets to the Monday, Nov. 23 home game against the Portland Trail Blazers!
No donation is necessary, though. For details on how to enter and the eligibility requirements, see the official rules online here.
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Thursday.
Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide
- Philly’s vegan scene still has plenty on its plate
While data shows fewer plant-based eateries around the U.S. in recent years, Philly’s vegan restaurants are still vibrant.
- How Philly works: A look at the city’s governance
From the mayor to City Council to the budget process and row offices, Billy Penn explains the wheels of power.
ON THE CALENDAR
Olney mural dedication (Friday),
Reading Terminal’s Scrapple and Apple Festival (Saturday),
Fall Fests in Manayunk and East Falls (Saturday),
Ghost Walk Stories in Chestnut Hill (Saturday),
AND MORE!
See the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar at BillyPenn.com!
BILLY PENN GUIDES
🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🛍️ Novelty stores guide
🍁 Fall festivals guide
🍓 Farmers market guide
✊🏾 Black history in Philly guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🥕 CSA farmshare guide
☕ Philly coffee guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
BP Quizzo answer:
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
