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The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation

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The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation

Information on membership opportunities, exclusive events, the Free Library Fund, and more!

08/21/2026

Did You Know? 🇺🇸

The U.S. government is divided into three branches, each with a unique role in serving the public and ensuring no single branch holds too much power.

🏛️ Legislative – Makes the laws
⚖️ Judicial – Interprets the laws
🖊️ Executive – Enforces the laws

Understanding how our government works is one of the building blocks of civic literacy. The more we know about how decisions are made, the better equipped we are to participate in our communities and make informed decisions.

Want to learn more? Visit your neighborhood Free Library or explore our online resources to discover books, educational materials, and trusted information about U.S. government, history, and civic engagement. 📚

08/20/2026

🎸 Turn up the volume for a night of Philadelphia rock history! 📻

The Author Events Series presents Erin Riley, author of The Mighty WMMR, in conversation with legendary Philadelphia radio personality John DeBella.

Take a trip back to WMMR’s unforgettable 1980s heyday and discover the stories behind the station that helped shape Philadelphia’s rock scene and a generation of listeners. From The Morning Zoo and memorable live broadcasts to helping launch artists like Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, and Philly favorites The Ho***rs, WMMR became much more than a radio station—it became part of the city’s culture.

The Mighty WMMR brings together the music, personalities, concerts, clubs, and behind-the-scenes moments that defined an unforgettable era in Philadelphia radio.

When: September 15th
Time: 7pm
Where: Parkway Central Library

🎟️ Register today and join us for this special Author Events Series conversation: https://freelibraryfoundation.org/events/erin-riley-the-mighty-wmmr/

08/18/2026

Join us for an unforgettable evening with acclaimed historian and bestselling author Jill Lepore as she discusses her powerful new book, The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State, in conversation with Tamala Edwards as part of the Author Events Series and the Meelya Gordon Endowed Lecture.

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms our world, what does it mean for democracy, public discourse, and our shared future? Drawing on history and current events, Lepore explores the growing influence of AI, technology, and data on our institutions—and challenges us to imagine a different path forward.

This timely conversation will inspire critical thinking, meaningful dialogue, and a deeper understanding of one of the most important issues of our time.

When: September 9th
Time: 7-8pm
Where: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA

Grab your tickets today: https://freelibraryfoundation.org/events/jill-lepore-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-artificial-state/

08/17/2026

📚 Your Support Helps the Free Library Make a Difference.

Every day, the Free Library of Philadelphia connects people across our city with opportunities to learn, grow, discover, and thrive; in our neighborhood libraries and online.

While the City of Philadelphia supports Library facilities and infrastructure, many of the programs and community resources Philadelphians rely on are made possible through private support.

Your gift to the Free Library Fund helps sustain vital programs that advance literacy, guide learning, inspire curiosity, and strengthen communities throughout Philadelphia.

💙 There are countless reasons to love the Free Library; and every gift helps make its work possible.

Support the Library you love. Make a gift to the Free Library Fund today: https://support.freelibrary.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1620&mfc_pref=T&1620.donation=form1

08/14/2026

Nothing says summer like a great book and a day at the beach. ☀️🏖️📚

Whether you're drawn to page-turning thrillers, heartwarming romances, inspiring memoirs, or unforgettable literary fiction, the perfect beach read can make every moment in the sun even better.

This summer, let your next adventure begin with a book that keeps you turning pages long after the sunscreen wears off. From bestselling authors to hidden gems, there's a story waiting for every kind of reader.

Looking for your next great summer read? Visit your neighborhood Free Library branch or browse the Library's collection online to discover beach-worthy books for readers of all ages.

Your next favorite book is waiting: https://www.freelibrary.org/

08/13/2026

Tonight...Find your flow while supporting one of Philadelphia's greatest community resources! 🧘🏾‍♀️📚

Join us on the Skyline Terrace at the Free Library of Philadelphia's Parkway Central branch for a special Yoga Fundraiser benefiting the Free Library. Enjoy an hour of movement, mindfulness, and breathtaking Center City views—all while helping support the Library's programs, collections, and services that make a difference across our city.

🗓 Thursdays, August 13 – September 3
🕖 7:00–8:00 PM
📍 Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. (Rental mats will not be available.)

Every stretch supports a stronger Library and a stronger Philadelphia.

Reserve your spot today and help us keep the Free Library thriving for everyone: https://lnkd.in/eKjxFdCY

08/12/2026

Every day, the Free Library of Philadelphia connects people to knowledge, opportunity, and community.

From fostering a love of reading to providing free programs, digital resources, and lifelong learning opportunities, the Library serves millions of people across Philadelphia each year.

While the City supports the Library's facilities and infrastructure, private support through the Free Library Fund makes many of the Library's vital programs and community resources possible. Every gift helps advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity across our city.

Support the Free Library Fund today: https://support.freelibrary.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1620&mfc_pref=T&1620.donation=form1

Your donation helps ensure the Free Library can continue providing the programs and resources that strengthen our communities. ❤️📚

08/11/2026

Why does civics matter?

Civics isn't just about elections—it's about understanding how our communities work and how each of us can play a role in shaping them.

Civic learning helps us understand how government works, know our rights and responsibilities, think critically about issues that affect our communities, and participate in civic life with confidence. Research shows that civic education prepares people to become informed and engaged members of society.

Libraries play an important role by providing free access to trusted information, educational resources, and lifelong learning opportunities that help people of all ages build civic knowledge.

Discover how the Free Library can support your civic learning journey. Visit your neighborhood branch or explore online resources to learn more about government, history, and civic engagement: https://www.freelibrary.org/

08/10/2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader.

Yet today, more than 60% of Philadelphia children are not reading at grade level by 4th grade. For too many students, that means struggling in the classroom, losing confidence, and falling further behind.

But together, we can change that.

Through Read by 4th, a citywide coalition convened and managed by the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation since 2016, families, educators, community organizations, and civic leaders are working together to ensure more Philadelphia children enter 4th grade reading at grade level.

Early literacy changes lives. It opens doors to academic success, builds confidence, and creates opportunities that last a lifetime. By investing in children today, we're helping build a stronger Philadelphia for tomorrow.

Want to learn more? Discover how Read by 4th is helping transform early literacy across Philadelphia and explore ways you can support young readers in your own community: https://www.readby4th.org/

08/07/2026

This summer, curiosity becomes discovery.

Through GSK Science in the Summer, the Free Library of Philadelphia and The Franklin Institute are giving children entering grades 2–6 the opportunity to explore the exciting world of STEM through free, hands-on experiments and real-world problem solving. 🔬✨

This year's "Be a Chemist!" theme invites young scientists to step into the shoes of cosmetic, forensic, materials, medicinal, and water chemists—using the same kinds of tools and thinking skills that professionals rely on every day.

Programs are offered at select Free Library locations across Philadelphia, making it easier for families to access engaging, educational experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to discover what they're capable of.

Learn more at: https://libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/science-summer/

Address

1901 Vine Street, Ste. 111
Philadelphia, PA
19103

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12155677710

Website

http://freelibrary.org/support

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