With ‘significant’ $10 million funding boost, Free Library forecasts stable five-day-a-week service and major hiring spree
There’s no timeline yet for the improvements — and advocates are pressing for more.
Posts tagged with Free Library
About 1 in 7 Philly neighborhood libraries can’t fully open each day, on top of already reduced hours
Advocates — and the new Free Library director — say the solution lies with increased funding for staff.
Joseph Fox Bookshop in Center City closing after 70 years, as neighborhood bookstores press on
The Sansom Street store was a mainstay of the local literary scene.
We need YOU
Billy Penn needs to raise $23k by June 30 to break even on our budget. Can you chip in to get us to the finish line?
We need YOU
Billy Penn needs to raise $23k by June 30 to break even on our budget. Can you chip in to get us to the finish line?
We need YOU
Billy Penn needs to raise $23k by June 30 to break even on our budget. Will you chip in to get us to the finish line?
We need YOU
Billy Penn needs to raise $23k by June 30 to break even on our budget. Can you chip in to get us to the finish line?
We need YOU
Billy Penn needs to raise $23k by June 30 to break even on our budget. Can you chip in to get us to the finish line?
‘Foxy the Skunk’ was living inside a Northeast Philly library for nearly a week
After causing minor havoc, the animal was captured and released back into the outdoors.
Free Library discrimination concerns
Free Library picks a new director: Kelly Richards, a Black career librarian from Michigan
He’ll assume leadership 15 months after the previous library director resigned over widespread allegations of discrimination.
Users upset as costs force Free Library to drop free movie streaming service
Kanopy and Hoopla funds will be redirected to physical branches.
Free Library discrimination concerns
Free Library trustees vote to replace board chair decried by Concerned Black Workers
New board chair Folasade A. Olanipekun-Lewis was elected less than a year after the resignation of former library president Siobhan Reardon.
Free Library installs plexiglass after branch workers push for more COVID protections
With input from the union, the institution is trying to balance community needs and safety concerns.
Free Library discrimination concerns
Free Library’s first-ever diversity officer is a comic book hotshot
Dr. Guy A. Sims is a Philly native and Germantown High grad. His appointment follows staff organizing to fight discrimination at the institution.
Free Library discrimination concerns
Free Library adds searchable archives of 10 Black American newspapers
Interested Philadelphians can now access "a more complete story of American history."
Free Library discrimination concerns
Free Library board mostly silent as workers demand involvement in selecting new leader
In a meeting Tuesday, only one board member committed to anti-racism efforts. Others have resigned in solidarity with their former director.
Free Library discrimination concerns
Free Library director Siobhan Reardon has resigned
The leadership change comes after intense pressure from Black workers to end a culture of discrimination.
Free Library discrimination concerns
Free Library director expected to resign within the week over discrimination allegations
Many board members “were unaware of the true climate" at the library, a diversity consultancy found.
Free Library discrimination concerns
Why Free Library workers are calling for their director to resign
Allegations of discrimination have been piling up for years.
My Free Library: Why I love South Philly’s Charles Santore branch
An essay in recognition of National Library Week.
Parent guide: Resources to keep kids busy (and learning!) during Philly’s COVID shutdown
From TV to podcasts to online quizzes.
Rampant sidewalk parking at the Free Library makes ADA entrance hard to access
The city says it's working on a plan to fix more than 30 buildings with "major" accessibility issues.
‘Libraries saved my life’: Third-party candidates dominate City Council forum in North Philly
None of the five Democratic nominees and only two of the five Republicans showed up.