Your Daily Guide

Philly Libraries Are Poppin’

The city’s public libraries welcomed 11% more visitors this year compared to the same time period last year. That beats out pre-pandemic visitorship and doesn’t even account for six branches, including the largest, Parkway Central. Library leaders attribute the increase to more partnerships and every library extending Saturday hours for the summer. [Axios Philadelphia]

• Related: You can get so much more than books from the library. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Philly’s Newest Museum Is All About You

The Museum of the Philadelphian is a pop-up micromuseum with around a dozen exhibits about our city’s greatest (and most notorious) people and moments. Hear about the new museum first on City Cast Philly in an interview with Brian Adoff, the curator behind this project, to understand the unusual ways that we show affection and why we wouldn't want to live anywhere else. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Suspect Charged in Mosque Arson

Vincent Lang of Philadelphia is facing federal charges after an anti-Muslim comment he allegedly made on Facebook clued investigators into his potential involvement in the attack on the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center on July 5. Investigators believe the arson that damaged the building was motivated by hate. [🎧City Cast Philly, NBC10]

L&I Responds to Tattooed Mom Over ‘Outdated’ City Policy

The Department of Licenses and Inspections denied allegations of discrimination against LGBTQIA+ community spaces after demanding that the beloved bar needs permits to resume hosting its popular drag, burlesque, and karaoke events. A spokesperson says the department is “surprised and disappointed” by the accusation. [PhillyVoice]

You Can Still Learn About Philly’s History of Slavery and Abolition

The federal government replaced panels at the President’s House in the cover of night last week after a court affirmed President Trump’s executive order flagging materials on federal land that disparage the country. The new panels downplay President George Washington’s ownership of slaves. Mayor Parker promises to fight to reinstall the original exhibit, but it’s unclear what legal options are available to her.

While historians say the new panels whitewash Washington’s participation in slavery, other sites around the city continue to educate the public about Philly’s connection to slavery and the abolitionist movement that fought against it. Here’s where to start.

• Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery: This Germantown museum houses authentic artifacts serving as physical reminders of the harsh realities of the slave trade — from shackles and whips to tags and auction signs. You can visit LWFSM by appointment, Tuesday through Sunday, or take a virtual tour. The museum’s traveling exhibit is also available for your school or organization.
• Johnson House: Home to three generations of an abolitionist Quaker family, the Johnson House served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Johnsons provided refuge for those needing shelter as they made their way to freedom. Abolitionists such as William Still held meetings at the site.
• The Black Journey: This tour company offers two-hour walking tours that shine a light on the history of Black resilience and resistance in Philadelphia. Tour options include the Original Black History Tour through sites in Old City; the 7th Ward Black History Tour of an area that was once home to the largest Black population in the city; the 1838 Black Metropolis Tour, which explores the Free Black population before the 1860s; Healing Legacies: Black Medical History Tour, which spotlights both groundbreaking work and unethical medical practices; and the Revolutionary Philadelphia Tour, guiding you through 1776.