📚 Where to find free and cheap books in Philly

🩺 Big Health System Merger

Philly-based Jefferson Health and Allentown-based Lehigh Valley Health Network have agreed to merge into one regional health system, pending state and federal regulatory approval. That would create a 65,000-employee, 31-hospital health system that would rank among the largest 15 nonprofit health systems nationally. [Business Journal 🔒]

🏢 Shelter Causes Controversy in Fairmount

At a contentious, 200-plus-person meeting in Fairmount on Tuesday night, city officials discussed the expansion of a preexisting homeless shelter on Girard Avenue, which recently added 90 beds and more services — like treatment for xylazine wounds — and has prompted objections from neighbors. Officials apologized for a lack of communication and emphasized that the facility isn’t being used as a rehabilitation center, though didn’t rule out that use for the future. [Inquirer 🔒]

🏠 Housing Prices Hit a 2-Year High

Over the past year, the median home sale price grew by 11% in the Philly metro area, and 3% in Philly proper, according to a Bright MLS report. The report also noted the region is seeing an increase in new listings, but the city isn’t. [Axios Philadelphia]

• Are you looking to become a first-time homeowner? Hear some tips and resources for approaching the process, including ways to budget and grants you may be able to apply for. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

The benefits of books are countless — reading regularly can even help lengthen your lifespan. But books can be expensive, and you know what’s not good for your health? An empty bank account. Here are some tips on where to find affordable books.

Don’t Skip the Library

It might sound obvious, but every time I visit the library it’s much emptier than it should be. The only downside to borrowing books from the library is that you have to return them, but if you’re like me, that might just be the motivation you need to actually read consistently.

If you prefer e-books, you can borrow digital versions of books from the Free Library of Philadelphia through the Libby app and some other services, including K-12 options for the youngins.

Cheaper by the Chapter

You don’t have to pay full price for books. Here are some great options around Philly and online.

Used Book Stores

Philly has many! A non-exhaustive set of suggestions: Find picks below $3 at Book Corner in Fairmount, a range of genres at The Last Word in University City, or books at one-third the cover price at Hilltop Books in Chestnut Hill.

Thriftbooks.com

This organization partners with libraries across the country to find homes for ex-library books for a fraction of the retail price.

Goodwillbooks.com

Your favorite place to buy vintage t-shirts also sells books at a great price.

Better World Books

A user-friendly site with an excellent selection of titles.

Free Books

There’s nothing cheaper than free. Continue reading on our website to find out how to get some $0 reads.

How To Find Philly’s 20,000 Lead Pipes

A proposed federal regulation from the Environmental Protection Agency would require cities like Philly to dig up and replace all of their remaining lead pipes. But before that can happen, cities have to take inventory of where these pipes are located. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri speaks with Zane Irwin, a former freelance journalist in Philly, about this project and whether Philadelphia will meet the deadline.