Free Library Fund

The Free Library Fund supports the critical work of Philadelphia’s public library system, sustaining the Free Library’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity throughout the city. While the City of Philadelphia provides for the Library’s facilities and infrastructure, critical programs are only made possible by private gifts from people like you.

Gifts to the Free Library Fund are allocated to the areas of most urgent need each year and touch every one of the Free Library’s 54 locations across Philadelphia. In this way, the Free Library Fund ensures that Philadelphians of all ages, stages, and abilities have access to life-changing programming and resources in their communities. From supporting the largest free drop-in afterschool program in the city—which has approximately 80,000 visits from children annually—and workshops for jobseekers to innovative and enriching programs like author conversations and culinary literacy courses, the Free Library Fund touches the lives of millions of Philadelphians every year.

All gifts to the Free Library Fund are fully tax deductible. For more information, please contact us at giving@freelibrary.org or 215-567-7710.

As a young boy, Khaleef first used the Free Library as a safe and supportive space, where he was nurtured by library staff. He eventually went on to work at the library as a TLA (Teen Leadership Assistant), mentoring younger children after school. Today, Khaleef credits the Free Library with setting him on a path that led to college, a career, and the founding of his own company. He now gives back as a generous donor, supporting the community and institution that helped shape his journey.

Watch the video above to hear Khaleef tell his story in his own words.