Inaugurated in 1994, the Author Events program at the Free Library of Philadelphia offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with today’s most celebrated voices in the humanities and sciences. Called “the region’s preeminent forum for writers and ideas” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Free Library’s Author Events program has earned three “Best of Philly” designations from Philadelphia magazine. Since its inception, the Author Events program has grown and now presents more than 125 authors each year in addition to the Field Family Teen Author Series.
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Author Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Where are Author Events held?
Author Events are held in the Montgomery Auditorium on the ground floor at the Parkway Central Library unless noted otherwise.
What is the address of the Parkway Central Library?
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Between 19th and 20th Streets just north of Logan Circle
Hours, Directions, Public Transportation
Is Parkway Central wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Wood Street entrance (at the back of the building) is wheelchair accessible and there are elevators in the building. Enter Wood Street by going south on 19th Street and drive west towards 20th Street. If the gate is down press the buzzer and security will open the gate. There are handicapped parking places right next to the building.
Does the Free Library offer hearing devices?
The Montgomery auditorium is equipped with a hearing loop for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to “T” (Telecoil). Ask your audiologist if your hearing aids have the Telecoil setting. For those without hearing aids, we offer headphones which augment the sound level.
What are the contact details for Author Events at the Free Library?
Free Library of Philadelphia
Author Events Office
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
authorevents@freelibrary.org
Phone: 215-567-4341
Fax: 215-567-7850
Author Events Office
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
authorevents@freelibrary.org
Phone: 215-567-4341
Fax: 215-567-7850
Ticketing
I don't want to purchase my tickets online or by phone.
Tickets are available at the Will Call table in the Lobby 45 minutes prior to the event if the program is not sold out.
I have tickets but cannot attend the program. Can I have a refund?
We do not provide refunds for tickets unless an event is cancelled. It is possible to exchange your ticket for another event if the event is not sold out, provided you alert the Author Events Office prior to the missed event.
When the auditorium is sold out simulcast tickets are available. What is a simulcast?
A simulcast is a live, simultaneous broadcast of the auditorium event to another room in the Library. You watch the live event on a large screen and can participate in the book signing.
Event Cancellation
If an author event is cancelled, you will receive a refund of the face value of the ticket and the processing fee.
Why is there a charge for some lectures?
Ticket proceeds help to cover the cost of the program.
Why can’t I purchase a General Admission ticket?
General Admission tickets are available until sold out for most events. If you only see Ticket + Book bundles available, it means all General Admission tickets have been claimed. Please note that some events are offered exclusively as Ticket + Book bundles by agreement with the publisher.
Program Format
How long do Author Events normally last?
The general format is a 30 minute lecture/conversation, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. The book signing takes place in the Lobby directly after the program.
What time should I arrive for my tickets?
The Will Call table in the Lobby and the auditorium doors open 45 minutes prior to the event. Seats are General Admission.
Will there be books for sale?
Yes. Books are sold on-site by Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books. Proceeds benefit library programs!
What are the book signing guidelines?
Book signing guidelines are subject to the specific requests of the author and may change from event to event. In general, you may have up to five books signed, and photos are often permitted. Check specific events for signing restrictions.
Author Event History
Begun in 1993 with a grant from the William Penn Foundation, the Author Events series at the Free Library of Philadelphia offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with today’s most celebrated voices in the humanities and sciences. Presenting more than 125 programs each year, the series draw 25,000–30,000 attendees each season with more than one million podcasts and livestreams served annually.
Why are some programs named after individuals?
Individuals or families have chosen to honor or memorialize a friend or family member by endowing an annual lecture. To learn more about an author event endowment contact the Development Department at 215-567-7710.
A book comes with the ticket. How much time do I have to collect my book?
You have up to one month following the program to collect your book. After that time, the book will be returned to the publisher.