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.
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’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 adds searchable archives of 10 Black American newspapers
Interested Philadelphians can now access "a more complete story of American history."
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 director Siobhan Reardon has resigned
The leadership change comes after intense pressure from Black workers to end a culture of discrimination.
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.
Why Free Library workers are calling for their director to resign
Allegations of discrimination have been piling up for years.