New Strategic Plan for the Future of Foundation and Library Expected in the Spring

PHILADELPHIA, PA: The Board of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation today announced that it has accepted the resignation of the Foundation’s President, Monique Moore Pryor, Esq. Ms. Moore Pryor made the decision to resign in order to attend to pressing family matters. An interim President will be appointed and the Foundation will begin a search to identify a permanent replacement for Ms. Moore Pryor following the completion of a new strategic plan next spring.

“Serving as the President of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my professional career. I want to thank the leadership and staff of the Foundation and the Library for all the vital work we did together and I look forward to seeing all the fantastic things they will do for Philadelphia in the future,” said Ms. Moore Pryor today.

Ms. Moore Pryor, a Philadelphia native, returned to the city to join the Foundation in 2023 as its first Executive Director and was named President in 2024. Among her other accomplishments, Ms. Moore Pryor diversified the Foundation’s donor base and revenue sources. During her tenure, the Foundation received its first donation from an international funder, and, for the first time, received discretionary and program funding from the state of Pennsylvania. Ms. Moore Pryor increased community engagement by partnering with local and national organizations reflecting the diversity of Philadelphia. She also created the inaugural Community Impact Awards, highlighting local heroes who have had a positive impact on the community. Ms. Moore Pryor will continue to be a champion for her community.

“We want to thank Monique for her partnership and wish her and her family the best during this difficult time,” said D. Jeffry Benoliel, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board.  “While any organizational change is hard, we are excited about building on the progress of the last few years and the upcoming release of the strategic plan that will guide the Library and Foundation going forward.”

In July 2023, The Pew Charitable Trusts provided the Foundation with a three-year, $1 million strategic planning grant to, among other things, fund the development of a new 5-year strategic plan for the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Library Foundation. Among the goals of the strategic planning process is to identify ways to optimize the collaboration between the Foundation and Library. The important work of community and stakeholder outreach and employee meetings began after the grant was awarded and has been ongoing. It is expected the strategic plan will be completed by the spring 2027, with an internal review process beginning this winter before public release.

“The Library Foundation is one of the most important partners of the Free Library and its work is why we are able to support everything from educational programs and digital literacy to health and wellness initiatives, all for the people of Philadelphia,” said Folasade A. Olanipekun-Lewis, the Chair of the Free Library of Philadelphia Board.  “We are excited about the work we are doing and look forward to working with the Foundation as we complete the work of the new strategic plan.”

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Since 1891, the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation has supported the Free Library of Philadelphia. As the Free Library’s fundraising arm, the Foundation provides much-needed support and advocacy, in addition to managing its own programs and special collections.

While the City of Philadelphia provides public funds for the operation of the Free Library, the Foundation — through the generous contributions of individuals, foundations, and corporations — works to raise the money and coordinate the resources required to sustain many of the Library’s programs and activities.

From educational programs and digital literacy to health and wellness initiatives, job readiness, and so much more, when you donate to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation your support directly benefits Philadelphia’s public library system, enriching lives and inspiring change in every neighborhood.