Do you love the Free Library of Philadelphia just as much as we do? In February, we are shining a spotlight on three remarkable programs funded and managed by The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation that support the Library’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. Each one plays a unique and important role in empowering and uplifting communities in and around the city, from advancing childhood literacy and a lifelong love of reading to facilitating candid conversations that spark the imagination and promote civic dialogue.
The Author Events Series
Since its inception in 1994, the Author Events Series has provided a rare opportunity to hear and engage in meaningful discussions with acclaimed novelists, renowned historians and journalists, ground-breaking scientists, and celebrated public figures, right here in the City of Philadelphia. Approximately half of our Author Events Series are offered to the public free of charge, utilizing a “pay what you wish” model. Ticketed events are made accessible through podcasts and videos, for free online and via the Author Series Playlist housed on our website. In addition to three “Best of Philly” designations from Philadelphia magazine, the Author Events Series was called “the region’s preeminent forum for writers and ideas” by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
One Book, One Philadelphia
One Book, One Philadelphia was founded in 2003 to promote literacy, library usage, and civic dialogue. Early each year, the entire Philadelphia area is invited to come together to read a featured selection from the Free Library’s catalog (one for adults, one for teens, and one for children), and to participate in special programs and workshops (online and in-person throughout the city) across the seven-week series. All One Book, One Philadelphia events are free to attend. The 2025 selection will be announced soon, so be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn for updates, and regularly visit our blog and calendar of events.
Read by 4th
Philadelphia is facing a literacy crisis, with over 60% of students not reading at grade level by 4th grade. That’s thousands of children struggling in school, often feeling frustrated and ashamed—and likely to fall even further behind. But we can change this. In fact, we already are. Read by 4th is a citywide literacy campaign that works to empower families with the knowledge, skills, and resources to support language and literacy development at home, helping our children become strong, confident readers. Collective strategies include public advocacy to advance equitable education policies, community mobilization to increase awareness, and more.
Show your love for the Free Library with a gift to the Free Library Fund, and help The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation continue its support of these and other vital programs that make a difference in our region.
The Free Library is one of the most important educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia. While the City of Philadelphia provides public funds for the operations of the Free Library, it is through the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and the generosity of private funding from individuals, foundations, and corporations that the Free Library is able to offer many of the Library’s incredible programs and activities that advance literacy, guide learning, inspire curiosity throughout the region, and help deliver on the promise of an equitable future for all of Philadelphia’s children, families, and communities.