💗 February 2025 💗

February is Black History Month, and the Free Library is celebrating with events and programs that honor the rich heritage, culture, and achievements of the Black community. Join us in celebrating this vibrant history through storytelling, educational programs, and community events designed to educate, inspire, and uplift.

Our special curated exhibit, Black Histories of Philadelphia, will be on display in Parkway Central's West Gallery from January 27-April 12, 2025. This exhibit, "looks at some of the stories of people and places that make up Philadelphia's countless histories."

To learn more about how the Free Library is celebrating this month, visit this page for more info!

Blog

Discover valuable insights, tips, and inspiration by exploring our latest blog posts—your go-to source for all things interesting and informative!

•  The Benefits of a Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation Membership

•  Supporting and Uplifting Communities with the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation

• Black History Month: Trailblazing Leaders in Literacy & Education

February Author Events

Join us this season for an opportunity to engage in compelling and dynamic discussions right here in Philadelphia!

•  February 3: Brian Kelly (How to Win at Travel) in conversation with Haley Sacks

•  February 5: Anthony Jack (Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price) in conversation with Desmond Upton Patton

•  February 6: Judy Giesberg & Lee Hawkins (Last Seen: The Enduring Search by Formerly Enslaved People to Find Their Lost Families) & (I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free) in conversation with Cherri Gregg

• February 10: John Sayles (To Save the Man) in conversation with Brenda Child

• February 11: Senator John Wyden (It Takes Chutzpah: How to Fight Fearlessly for Progressive Change)

• February 13: Marlene Daut (The First and Last King of Haiti) in conversation with Grace Sanders Johnson

• February 18: Rick Steves (On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer) *Montgomery Auditorium is now sold out, but tickets are still available for a live simulcast screening in Room 108 at the Parkway Central Library*

• February 19: Katherine Stewart (Money, Lies, and God) in conversation with Anthea Butler

• February 25: Sophia Rosenfeld (The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life) in conversation with Emily Wilson

Miss an Author Event? You can always watch the recording on our YouTube!

More to Explore in February

A special film screening to celebrate Black History Month is happening in the Music Department! On February 4 at 5:30 p.m., you can watch Questlove's Summer of Soul, "a powerful and transporting documentary, part music film, part historical record, created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture, and fashion."

If interested, please get a FREE ticket on the Eventbrite page HERE!

Hearts, candies, and cards! On February 10, celebrate Valentine's Day at Independence Library with some fun crafts, stickers, and coloring. 

As you can see, great things are happening at the Free Library! Please consider making a gift today to advance literacy and inspire curiosity.