For Release: Immediately
Department of External Affairs
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
For Release: Immediately
Contact: Communications and Development

Free Library Teams Up with Award-Winning Docu-Series for Civic Dialogue Events

PHILADELPHIA, May 18, 2022—Let’s Talk: Philly D.A. unites the critically acclaimed docu-series PHILLY D.A. with the Free Library of Philadelphia to share the experiences, questions, and concerns of Philadelphians via eight screenings and discussions at Free Library locations citywide. Each screening is presented in partnership with community leaders seeking solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing Philadelphia. 

The events will kick off at the Parkway Central Library on Monday, May 23, 2022. After a screening of Episode 4 of PHILLY D.A,. which explores issues of probation, parole, and re-entry, audiences will be joined by Honorable Karen Y. Simmons, Municipal Court Judge, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania; protagonist and activist LaTonya Myers; AFSCME DC47 Union President Cathy Scott; and Moderator Chris “Flood the Drummer” Norris for a candid discussion plus Q&A. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. when light refreshments will be served prior to the screening of episode 4 which begins at 6:00 p.m. and a talkback beginning at 7:00 p.m.

“With the constant changes in our city and in the world, the Free Library provides a place where we all can gather to have meaningful conversations about the issues that matter to our city. I’m pleased that this documentary series—which will be shown in library locations throughout the city—will contribute to that important, ongoing dialogue,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, who will give opening remarks at the May 23 screening event.

The full series of events is as follows:

  • Monday May 23, 2022| 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Let’s Talk: Philly D.A. |  Episode 4: Probation, parole, and re-entry  
    Parkway Central Library | 1901 Vine Street 19103 
  • Wednesday June 1, 2022 | 4:00 pm - 5:45 pm 
    Let’s Talk: Philly D.A. | Episode 8: Alternatives to Incarceration
    Philadelphia City Institute | 1905 Locust St 19103
  • Tuesday June 7, 2022 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 
    Let’s Talk: Philly D.A. |  Episode 5: Life without Parole
    Logan Library | 133 Wagner Ave 19141
  • Tuesday June 14, 2022 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Let’s Talk: Philly D.A. | Episode 6: Opioid epidemic and neighborhood violence
    Fumo Family Library | 2437 South Broad St 19148 (Broad and Porter)
  • Tuesday June 21 | 5:30 pm  - 7:00 pm 
    Let’s Talk: Philly D.A. | Episode 8: Cash Bail and Community-Based Solutions
    Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library | 125 South 52nd Street 19139
  • Wednesday June 22, 2022 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
    Let’s Talk: Philly D.A. | Episode 2: Police Misconduct and Accountability
    Chestnut Hill Library | 8711 Germantown Avenue 1911
  • Saturday June 25, 2022 | 2 pm - 4 pm 
    Let’s Talk: Philly D.A. | Episode 7: Police involved shootings
    Kingsessing Library | 1201 South 51st Street 19143 (51st between Chester and Kingsessing Ave) 
  • Thursday June 30, 2022 | 6 pm - 8:30 pm
    Let’s Talk: Philly D.A. |Series Closing : What We’ve Learned 
    Parkway Central Library | 1901 Vine Street 19103 

Closing event will include a panel of representatives from events throughout this series sharing takeaways from their conversations. Scholars, elected officials, and community leaders will be among the guests. For more information, visit https://freelibrary.org/phillyda.

05/18/2022


Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850