The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation

06/12/2026

Are you a creative, engaged student who is passionate about writing and performing poetry? Are you equally passionate about working with other students and the community to bring more poetry to Philadelphia?

If so, apply to become the 2026–2027 Youth Poet Laureate: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfceJ-CfSaYtPt5mdA6FS59ChJRo0j45VSnUIZnrQxDtSZfiQ/viewform

The Youth Poet Laureate of Philadelphia serves as a leader in our city’s young artistic community. If chosen, you will have the opportunity to be mentored by Philadelphia’s Poet Laureate, Raina J. León. You will act as an advocate for poetry’s important subjects, like social justice, equity, well-being, and joy. You will take part in events around Philadelphia with opportunities to take on community projects and to promote poetry like no one else.

06/11/2026

Reserve your spot today as the Author Events Series presents Sarah J. Jackson “A Second Sight” in Conversation with Sara M. Lomax.

When: Tuesday, June 16th
Time: 1pm
Where: Parkway Central Library

Tickets: https://freelibraryfoundation.org/events/sarah-j-jackson-a-second-sight/

06/10/2026

As the nation marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we invite all of Philadelphia to explore creative events, exhibits, and civic dialogues that reflect on our shared history to imagine a better future together.

Visit Philly 250 Events: https://libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/philly250

06/09/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 9th at 7pm as we welcome to the Author Events stage Danielle Allen discussing “Radical Duke” -An explosive, deeply revisionist work that reveals how a renegade English Duke and Thomas Paine, the firebrand polemicist, almost brought the American Revolution to Britain.

Grab your spot: https://freelibraryfoundation.org/events/danielle-allen-radical-duke/

06/09/2026

Leadership. Diversity. Community. Impact.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the latest Executive Talk Series, Leadership and Diversity: A Community Conversation.

We were honored to welcome Carla Thompson Payton, Chief Strategist and Impact Officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Kelly Woodland, Convenor of the Black Nonprofit Chief Executives of Philadelphia, for an engaging discussion moderated by Monique Moore Pryor, President of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.

Together, they shared valuable insights on leading with purpose, building inclusive organizations, and creating meaningful change within our communities.

From thoughtful conversations on equity and representation to practical leadership lessons and personal experiences, the discussion challenged us to think differently about the role we each play in shaping Philadelphia's future.

Events like these remind us that leadership is not just about position—it’s about impact, collaboration, and a commitment to lifting others as we grow.

Thank you to our co-sponsors, the Black Nonprofit Chief Executives of Philadelphia and the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC), the speakers, the moderator, and the attendees for making this conversation both inspiring and impactful. We look forward to continuing these important discussions through future Executive Talk Series events.

06/08/2026

Did you know…

A child who can read by the third grade is unlikely to ever be involved with the criminal justice system.

Source: PA Forward

06/08/2026

The Ultimate Quest starts today at the Free Library through August 14th!

Participants of all ages can join by visiting their neighborhood library and picking up an Activity Map. Challenge yourself by trying a new activity, reading a favorite author or series, or leveling up your knowledge or skills in an area of interest. Sign-up prizes are available at every location, with raffles at select locations.

Find out more: https://libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/summerreading/

06/06/2026

In case you missed it...check out this great write-up from the Philadelphia Tribune about the Roots Picnic last weekend:

As bass lines and crowds filled Fairmount Park for Roots Picnic Weekend, another movement took shape across the city: a push to put books in people’s hands and reading at the center of culture.

Literacy advocates, educators and community groups used the city’s marquee music festival to launch, SOUND IT OUT!, a citywide initiative blending books, storytelling and advocacy with the energy of one of Philadelphia’s largest cultural events.

The campaign, led by the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia and a coalition of organizations, brought reading-focused programming to thousands of attendees across multiple sites. Partners included the PA Literacy Coalition, PLUS1, Barbershop Books, Inc., the African American Children’s Book Project, Read by 4th and Emerson Collective.

Monique Moore Pryor, Esq., president of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, said the initiative aims to meet people where they are by embedding literacy into cultural spaces.

“Literacy belongs everywhere culture lives, embedding reading into the spaces and experiences that already inspire and connect people, making reading and literacy feel joyful and relevant,” Pryor said.

Read more: https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/at-roots-picnic-reading-takes-center-stage-citywide/article_42eb6d11-d850-48e0-9652-e09a44ff9d39.html

As bass lines and crowds filled Fairmount Park for Roots Picnic Weekend, another movement took shape across the city: a push to put books in people’s hands and reading at

06/05/2026

Celebrate America 250 by visiting the Free Library’s Rare Book department!!

The Rare Book Department's rotating hallway displays will be dedicated to 1776 and 1876. While these cases will look at landmark events that have come to define those years in Philadelphia history — the nation's fight for independence and the Centennial Exposition — they will also seek to contextualize those events and explore others happening at the time.

For hours and additional information visit: https://libwww.freelibrary.org/locations/departments/rare-book-department

06/04/2026

When your life flashes before your eyes, where would you stop?
No one can change the past, but the Midnight Train can take you there.
Join us tonight at 7pm as we welcome Matt Haig, author of “The Midnight Train”, in Conversation with Katy Waldman.

Reserve your spot: https://freelibraryfoundation.org/events/matt-haig-the-midnight-train/