City Cast Philly
Your guide to unique Free Library finds
June 28, 2023
Hi neighbor. The Free Library of Philadelphia recently issued a limited edition hip-hop inspired library card design. Keep reading for more cool things you can pick up on your next library visit 🎒
What's CITY Talking About?
🚌 SEPTA Buying Zero-Emission Buses
SEPTA just received $80 million from the Federal Transportation Administration to support electric buses. The grant will fund upgrades at six bus maintenance facilities including Frankford, Germantown, and Upper Darby, making up about 67% of the transit agency’s bus fleet. Officials plan to start buying more battery-powered buses in 2027, and aim to have a full zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. [WHYY]
♿ Learn about another huge goal for SEPTA: to make all stations on the Broad Street and Market-Frankford lines accessible within the next decade. [City Cast Philly 🎧]
🎨 Philly Wins Best City for Street Art
USA Today named Philly its 2023 “Best City for Street Art.” Our city beat out nine competitors, including Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and Denver. The award honored the city’s large number of murals, sculptures, and art installations. Have you spotted any recent additions? Philly now has a Juneteenth mural in Germantown, and abstract metal sculptures along Kelly Drive. [PhillyVoice]
🚨 Philly Police Arrest 175 in Kensington
Philadelphia Police arrested 175 people during a three-day operation to address crime in Kensington last week. Many of those arrested now face charges for violent crimes, illegal gun possession, and drug possession with intent to deliver. Police also seized 27 guns and drugs with a street value of more than $1 million. [Inquirer 🔒]
🚻 Name the New Public Loos
New public restrooms are coming to Philadelphia, but the city needs your help naming them. You can vote between Phlush, Philly Loo, and Philly Public Restroom until Thursday at 5 p.m. Six loos are promised, with two already built but not yet open. In the meantime, where do you go when nature calls? Landscape architect Ari Miller shares his pro-tips. [City Cast Philly 🎧]
What To Do
🎹 Jazz Night | Thursday | 6:30 p.m.
Bring a chair to East Passyunk Community Center for an evening of jazz music. [free, East Passyunk]
🏳️🌈 Queer Comedy | Friday | 9:45 p.m.
Celebrate the last week of Pride month at Punchline Philly with a show featuring some of the city’s best LGBTQ comics. [$20-$28, Fishtown]
💃 Jewelry & Zumba | Saturday | 2:30 p.m.
Head to Urban Art Gallery for an afternoon of crafting and dancing. [free, West Philly]
🧇 Night Brunch | Sunday | 8 p.m.
Enjoy breakfast for dinner with a drag show at Franky Bradley’s. [$17.80, Midtown Village]
Today on City Cast
Philly's Libraries Rent Way More Than Books
One simple card can be the ticket to a world of knowledge, media, community, and more. Christine Caputo of the Free Library of Philadelphia, shares all the cool things and experiences you have access to with your library card.
I have a fun question for you. What’s something that’s considered weird everywhere else, but is totally normal in Philly? I’ll go first: drumline Elmo. Share your best answer, and you could see it in an upcoming segment!
Talk to you tomorrow,
Brittany Valentine
Free · Daily