The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation

📚 As part of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s Author Events Series, Chris Hayes joined Kate Shaw to discuss his latest book, The Sirens’ Call. Hayes explored how the commodification of human attention has reshaped our daily lives, comparing this transformation to the seismic changes in labor during the nineteenth century. Drawing on history, neuroscience, and cultural analysis, he revealed how tech giants have built empires on harvesting our focus; and how this constant pull erodes what makes us most human. In conversation with Shaw, Hayes challenged the audience to rethink the boundaries between public and private life, understand the stakes of this “attention economy,” and consider how we might reclaim our time, our politics, and our future. Watch the replay https://lnkd.in/eHjxMyxA The 2025 Author Events Series presented by Comcast continues this September find out more: https://lnkd.in/eRWKBKMG #FreeLibraryFoundation #FreeLibraryAuthorSeries #ChrisHayes #KateShaw #PhillyReads #AuthorTalk #PhillyEvents #TheSirensCall

📚 Author Events at the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation welcomes Blondell Reynolds Brown with Walking a Tightrope Backward in High Heels, in conversation with Tamala Edwards. From breaking barriers on City Council to championing legislation for women, children, and families, Reynolds-Brown’s memoir offers an unflinching look at succeeding in public life while navigating personal challenges. With candor and resilience, she shares how she weathered political storms, balanced ambition with family, and “adjusted the sail” when change came fiercely — offering inspiration to anyone who’s had to fight twice as hard to get half as far. 🗓 Wednesday, September 17 at 7PM 📍 Parkway Central Library 🎟 Free | Books available for purchase More info: https://lnkd.in/ejNBBzHj The 2025 Author Events Series is presented by Comcast. #FreeLibraryFoundation #FreeLibraryAuthorSeries #PhillyReads #BlondellReynoldsBrown #AuthorTalk #PhillyEvents #WomenInLeadership

🍴 Where cooking meets learning. The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is proud to support the Culinary Literacy Center, where a fork and spoon become tools for learning. From math and science to language, history, and cultural connection, every recipe is a chance to explore new skills and ideas. These programs bring people together in the kitchen to learn, share, and grow; turning every meal into an opportunity for literacy, community, and discovery. When you support the Foundation, you help keep this innovative space thriving for Philadelphians of all ages. Learn more or make a gift: https://lnkd.in/eQCm_5ps #FreeLibraryFoundation #PhillyReads #CulinaryLiteracy #CommunityLearning #SupportYourLibrary 

📚 The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s Author Events Series returns this September; bringing some of today’s most celebrated voices in literature, science, history, and the arts to Philadelphia. Since 1994, the series has been the region’s premier stage for meaningful conversations with authors who inspire, challenge, and spark new ideas. Check out the full fall calendar and plan your next literary night out: https://lnkd.in/eRWKBKMG The 2025 Author Events Series is presented by Comcast with additional support from NBME. #FreeLibraryFoundation #FreeLibraryAuthorSeries #PhillyReads #AuthorTalk #PhillyEvents #LiteraryEvent

📚 “Every perspective helps us move forward with purpose and clarity.” — Priscilla Suero, First Deputy Director, Free Library of Philadelphia Be part of the conversation shaping the future of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Your ideas, your experiences, and your vision matter. Tuesday, August 26 | 6 PM Pelbano Recreation Center Thursday, August 28 | 6 PM Kingsessing Library RSVP for either event: https://lnkd.in/eqJ_98hB Let’s build a library that reflects the voices of all Philadelphians. #FreeLibraryPHL #CommunityVoice #PhillyLibraries #LibraryLove #PublicLibraries #YouthVoices #StrategicPlan

📈 Q4 is on the horizon but there’s still plenty of time to make 2025 your strongest year yet. Through the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s support, the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) offers entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and business professionals free access to expert guidance, research tools, curated resources, and a collaborative co-working space. Whether you’re refining your business plan, seeking funding opportunities, or exploring new growth strategies, BRIC’s programs and resources can help you finish the year strong and set the stage for 2026 success. Don’t wait for January. Start building momentum now. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ehGTDdrr #FreeLibraryFoundation #PhillyBusiness #BRICPhilly #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSupport #PhillyNonprofits #BusinessGrowth 

📚 “Every perspective helps us move forward with purpose and clarity.” — Priscilla Suero, First Deputy Director, Free Library of Philadelphia Be part of the conversation shaping the future of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Your ideas, your experiences, and your vision matter. Tuesday, August 26 | 6 PM Pelbano Recreation Center Thursday, August 28 | 6 PM Kingsessing Library RSVP for either event: https://lnkd.in/eqJ_98hB Let’s build a library that reflects the voices of all Philadelphians. hashtag #FreeLibraryPHL #CommunityVoice #PhillyLibraries #LibraryLove #PublicLibraries #YouthVoices #StrategicPlan

📚 Philadelphia Literacy Day is back! Join Tree House Books and community partners for Growing Readers, Rooting Community on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM along the 1400–1600 blocks of W Susquehanna Avenue. Meet local authors, connect with community organizations, and enjoy free books, activities, music, food, and treats. This annual celebration is all about bringing neighbors together to share the joy of reading, learning, and community spirit. Learn more about the event at https://lnkd.in/ecfY8erS Don’t miss this chance to celebrate literacy in the heart of Philadelphia! #FreeLibraryFoundation #PhillyReads #PhiladelphiaLiteracyDay #TreeHouseBooks #GrowingReaders #CommunityEvent #PhillyEvents

📚 Last season the Author Events Series welcomed Malcolm Gladwell for an evening exploring the ideas behind his latest work, Revenge of the Tipping Point. In conversation, Gladwell examined the phenomenon of social epidemics and the ways ideas, trends, and movements spread; sometimes with transformative impact, sometimes with unintended consequences. Drawing on themes from his bestselling books The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers, as well as insights from his podcasts Revisionist History and Broken Record, he challenged audiences to think differently about influence, change, and cultural momentum. Watch the replay https://lnkd.in/eHH8RJbC The 2025 Author Events Series presented by Comcast continues this September! #FreeLibraryFoundation #FreeLibraryAuthorSeries #MalcolmGladwell #PhillyReads #AuthorTalk #PhillyEvents #LiteraryEvent

Yesterday, the Free Library of Philadelphia's Parkway Central branch buzzed with excitement as dozens of young people from Camp Jill Scott paid a visit. From checking out the Teen Center to a building-wide scavenger hunt they had the opportunity to explore so much of what Philadelphia’s public library system has to offer! What made this day even more special? The volunteers from PECO who joined in, mentoring campers and experiencing how libraries can serve as vital hubs for learning, discovery, and connection. Watching young minds explore collections, engage with tech, and discover resources and interests that might be new to them is another reminder why libraries matter so, so much. Every child deserves access to the tools, spaces, and opportunities that fuel curiosity and open doors to their future. Thank you to Camp Jill Scott for your visit to the library, PECO for your commitment (and that of your wonderful volunteers) to our community's youth, and Lil Trent's for keeping everyone well-fed! A special shout-out is warranted for Dr. Keeya Branson-Davis , PECO’s Senior Corporate Citizenship Specialist, and the Free Library’s Joseph Shemtov for all their work in helping to organize yesterday. And it was a pleasure having Darren Cottman with Monique Moore Pryor, Esq. Learn how you can support the library's mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity: https://lnkd.in/dCpADz72