The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation

“My wife and son, Sam, spent an hour and a half in the Parkway Central Children’s Section on Saturday morning, browsing and reading. With Sam being in full-time daycare during the week, this was a new activity for us. They took quite a few books home, some of which I read with my son on Sunday. In fact, after a fun-filled Sunday together, I asked him what his favorite part of the day was. He said, “going to the library,” even though that was Saturday’s activity with Mom. So I asked, “what about today?” He said, “reading books.” I can’t wait to get down there myself with Sam.”

“I worked as a volunteer at the Germantown branch for several years, and saw how much they did for the neighborhood, and I have loved free libraries for as long as I’ve been able to read.”

“The Library is an international knowledge center. Anything you want or need to know can be found in a library…. it is the center of learning, of knowing, of sharing, and of being satisfied and taking pride in yourself.”

“Literacy changes the quality of life. Reading changes the quality of a mind. Together they can change the quality of a heart and soul.”

“Libraries are the place that offer services that residents of Philly need but often cannot find elsewhere. City funding alone cannot ensure that these services will be available to the widest possible cross-section of our community; indeed, often the “City Fathers” seem clueless about the importance of a strong library system.”

“I love books! I think it’s important to share the love of learning, to have place in the community for reliable information and ideas exchange, and to support public libraries as places where everyone can access and enjoy print and electronic resources and materials. I am glad my city, Philadelphia, promotes and funds Free Libraries! Thank you.”