The Free Library of Philadelphia exists thanks to the efforts of Dr. William Pepper, a prominent physicist and provost of the University of Pennsylvania.
In 1891, Pepper used $225,000 of his family’s money to start Philadelphia’s library system. The first location opened in March 1894 and consisted of just three cramped rooms in City Hall.
Free books for all is an excellent motto. (Brittany Valentine/City Cast Philly)
On June 2, 1927, the Parkway Central Library found its home on Vine Street in Logan Square. The building was designed by acclaimed African-American architect Julian Frances Abele.
Today, the Free Library of Philadelphia is composed of three large regional libraries, and 49 neighborhood branches, many of which were initially funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie donated $1.5 million for neighborhood library construction in 1903.
The city’s public library system got its name because it was founded under the motto “Liber Libere Omnibus,” which translates to “Free Books for All” in Latin.
Parkway Central is the Free Library’s flagship location. (Brittany Valentine/City Cast Philly)
Libraries are essential for communities, but Philly libraries are often underfunded, leading to staff shortages. Hear from Adam Feldman, coordinator at Parkway Central, about what needs to be done to improve the library system 🎧
