The Free Library of Philadelphia is embarking on an initiative to redefine the future of public libraries in the city, and they are eager to gain insights directly from the community.
For the next four weeks, the Free Library will host a series of Town Halls and a public survey as part of their strategic planning process, aimed at understanding how they can better serve the diverse population of Philadelphia.
Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of this endeavor, stating, “Libraries are one of the city’s greatest public resources. They are welcoming spaces for all—places to learn, grow, gather, and imagine what’s possible.”
She added that this summer, the library aims to engage Philadelphians in a meaningful dialogue to ensure that every voice contributes to their next chapter.
The strategic planning element, titled Charting our Future Together, is being conducted in collaboration with The Pew Charitable Trusts. It includes various methods to collect community feedback, including town halls, a citywide public survey, and focus groups.
Monique Pryor, President of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to this mission, stating, “This strategic planning process is about listening to our varied neighborhoods, understanding their evolving needs, and building lasting relationships that ensure the sustainability and impact of our work. Our future success depends on the trust and engagement of those we serve.”
To facilitate community participation, the Free Library is encouraging residents to attend the upcoming town hall sessions. Each town hall will feature remarks from Library and Foundation leadership and will focus on gathering community ideas on multiple issues.
Translation and sign language services will be provided during these sessions, which will be facilitated by The ROZ Group, tasked with guiding the strategic planning process. Light refreshments will also be available for attendees.
The town halls are scheduled to take place on:
– Monday, June 16, at the Bok Building, located at 1901 S. 9th St. (with Vietnamese translation)
– Monday, June 23, at the Esperanza Arts Center, located at 4261 N. 5th St. (with Spanish translation)
– Wednesday, July 2, at the Kingsessing Library, located at 1201 S. 51st St. (with French translation)
– Wednesday, July 16, at the Parkway Central Library, located at 1901 Vine St. (with Cantonese translation)
All town hall sessions are set to be held from 6 to 8 p.m., and American sign language will be available.
Interested individuals are encouraged to RSVP prior to their attendance by visiting freelibrary.org/input.
In addition to the town hall sessions, the Free Library is launching an online public survey designed by ImpactED at the University of Pennsylvania. The survey, available in four languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, and Portuguese), will help collect important input from the community.
For those without internet access, surveys can also be completed at neighborhood library locations, ensuring inclusivity in gathering feedback.
Free Library officials stressed the significance of this initiative, explaining, “Libraries are at the heart of every neighborhood—places for curiosity, connection, and community health. They support economic opportunity, provide safe, welcoming spaces, and help bridge the digital divide.”
Currently, the Free Library of Philadelphia operates more than 50 locations and hosts 22,000 programs and workshops each year. With an impressive total of over 5 million in-person and online visits, it ranks as one of the largest public library systems in the nation.
image source from：https://metrophiladelphia.com/free-library-of-philadelphia-town-hall/
