Make A Gift

What We Fund

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation funds many of the Library’s vital programs that make a difference throughout our region.

What We Fund

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation funds many of the Library’s vital programs that make a difference throughout our region.

Decorative

Foundation Programs

Author Series

Author Series

Over the course of its decades-long history, the Author Series has grown into a program that features a robust lineup of events with acclaimed novelists, renowned historians, celebrated public figures, and more. While many events take place in-person at the auditorium at Parkway Central Library, the online archive of podcasts and video recordings allow Author Series events to have a global reach.
View Details
One Book, One Philadelphia

One Book, One Philadelphia

One Book, One Philadelphia is an annual festival that promotes literacy, library usage, and civic dialogue by encouraging the entire Philadelphia area to come together via a single book - in communities, schools, cultural sites, parks, online, and at all Free Library locations.
View Details
Read by 4th

Read by 4th

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. This is accomplished by convening partners to develop neighborhood programming, spread awareness among neighborhood leaders, and provide reading materials and books throughout the city as well as online.
View Details
The Field Family Teen Author Series

The Field Family Teen Author Series

Connecting Philadelphia-area students in grades 7-12 with celebrated authors through free, accessible events, the Field Family Teen Author Series offers memorable, interactive learning experiences. Meeting and talking with featured authors at neighborhood library branches helps reading and storytelling become more personal and relevant to young people and reinforces the role of Philadelphia's publ...
View Details
The Rosenbach Museum and Library

The Rosenbach Museum and Library

In December 2013, the Rosenbach became affiliated with the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, bringing together two of the world’s preeminent collections of rare books, manuscripts, Americana and art. The combined holdings of the Rosenbach and the Free Library of Philadelphia inspire unique exhibitions and programs throughout the year.
View Details

Other Programs Supported By the Foundation

Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC)

Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC)

The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at the Free Library of Philadelphia supports entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and inventors at every stage, helping to improve their skills through individualized guidance in research, public programs, and curated print and digital resources. We create multiple entry points for those with ideas, plans, skills, and passions, enabling people to make fact-based decisions in order to fulfill their goals.
View Details
Culinary Literacy Center (CLC)

Culinary Literacy Center (CLC)

The CLC aims to advance literacy, build connections, and promote community health through food and cooking around a communal table. The CLC’s central facility is a commercial-grade kitchen and hands-on learning lab at the Parkway Central Library, though programs are also offered at neighborhood libraries and online.
View Details
Exhibitions

Exhibitions

The Free Library is distinguished among public libraries for the breadth and significance of its special collections. Among archival institutions in Philadelphia, the Free Library is unique for its public mission, commitment to equitable access, and locations across the city. While the Library’s special collections are always available to students, researchers, and scholars, the Exhibitions Program brings the collections to the public, inviting everyone to experience and learn from historic and cultural treasures.
View Details
Languages and Learning

Languages and Learning

Languages and Learning supports the individual literacy and learning goals of Philadelphia's adults. Led by a commitment to community engagement, Languages and Learning strives to provide exceptional customer service to adult learners in a welcoming, accessible environment.
View Details
Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP)

Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP)

In neighborhood libraries and online, LEAP offers K-12 students mentoring, homework assistance, access to computers, and individualized tutoring, as well as providing teens with leadership training, job skills, and opportunities for community engagement. LEAP is delivered with the support of paid Teen Leadership Assistants (TLAs), under the supervision of LEAP staff and After School Leaders (ASLs).
View Details
Literacy in Early Learning Spaces (LiELS)

Literacy in Early Learning Spaces (LiELS)

Literacy in Early Learning Spaces provides early childhood educators with the resources and support to implement early literacy best practices in their classrooms for children ages zero to five. LiELS also provides tablets with data plans to each partner classroom to support digital equity, enable participants to access online support for their classrooms, and attend trainings via Zoom.
View Details
Special Collections

Special Collections

Special Collections enhance the Free Library of Philadelphia's educational mission by curating and making accessible historic materials, providing reliable and knowledgeable staff assistance, and offering instructional programs that promote understanding of history and culture.
View Details
Summer of Wonder

Summer of Wonder

Summer of Wonder is a summer reading challenge for all ages. Participants can attend library programs, find new books to read, and explore activities to keep growing throughout the summer. Programs are offered in neighborhood libraries, with additional participation opportunities online. Summer of Wonder supports students’ learning so they are ready for school each fall.
View Details