Dear West Philly Local editors,

Last week, in a City Council member’s office, I was told they got more calls from West Philadelphia about funding libraries than from any other part of the city! Probably because of you running my library story earlier this year – thank you!

Here’s another announcement:

Join Free Library ‘Friends’ and Staff, before City Council’s Budget Vote Thursday, June 13th. We will gather INSIDE of City Hall on the 4th floor, at 9:30 AM. Please bring your ID to get into the building. All are welcome!
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Applications for the 2019-2020 Gary Bronson Memorial Scholarship are now available. Now through June 15, 2019, the Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship Committee is accepting applications from young adults living in the neighborhood who are pursuing higher education.

Both new and returning applicants are welcome to apply for this year’s scholarship, as long you live within the boundaries of the Cedar Park neighborhood (see map).

All information about eligibility and applications are available here: http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/scholarship/.  Continue Reading

       Photo from bicyclecoalition.org

The annual Ride of Silence to raise awareness of cycling safety and honor those killed in bicycle accidents will take place Wednesday, May 15 beginning at 6:45 p.m. at the base of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps.

The 8-mile ride will proceed down Benjamin Franklin Parkway, around City Hall and across the Walnut Street Bridge into West Philly before returning to the Art Museum. It should last about an hour.

Five cyclists have been killed in the Delaware Valley over the past year, according to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.  Continue Reading

Philadelphia public libraries will hold an array of special events throughout February in honor of Black History Month. This Saturday, Feb. 2., Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library (52nd and Sansom), in collaboration with the African American Museum, is hosting a Cultural Institution Resource and Information Fair.

The public is invited to learn more about local African-American historical and cultural institutions and get informed about their programs, activities and volunteer opportunities. Representatives from the following organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions:  Continue Reading

On August 3rd 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at 40th and Lancaster during a Freedom Now Rally in front of a crowd of 10,000 people. The Peace March ended there in 2018 with speeches from community leaders. (Photo courtesy of People’s Emergency Center).

Beginning this weekend, local universities and other non-profit organizations will be hosting many events, for adults and children alike, and volunteer projects in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Most of the events are happening on the Martin Luther King Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 21.

Here are some of these events; more events in the area from now through Monday can be found at this link. Continue Reading

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This holiday season, some West Philly businesses and organizations are holding drives to support neighbors in need. Earlier this month, we announced the annual Holiday Basket Drive organized by Cedar Park neighbors. You can still donate or volunteer for this event. Please go here for more information.

On Tuesday, Dec. 18, the Nesting House’s West Philly shop, located at 45th and Baltimore, is hosting a holiday toy drive for kids in a local Women Against Abuse shelter. Please bring an unwrapped toy or book to the store and enjoy a holiday music concert and play group. The event begins at 4 p.m. (see the flier for more information).  Continue Reading