Something like the Author Events alone would be a considerable accomplishment inasmuch as it's grown to be among the country's very best, but he pushed the system forward on many, many fronts. Though a steady presence at the flagship Central Library, he pushed the branches forward and kept an eye on the overall system, not just the crown jewels. He left the system in much shape than he found it, and paved the way for many of the wonderful innovations that followed, the ultimate assessment of any leader. A Librarian in the fullest, most expansive meaning of the term. Very sad to hear this.

"I love my library" is something I say a lot. Reading about the innovations in our system spearheaded by this man ... The reasons, primarily, why I have this love. Thank you so much. Much love to all those who knew him and will personally miss him. Our city and beyond are indebted to this man. Wish we could have had conversations when he was still around. Maybe all the Knight Foundation innovation attempts (and, hopefully, successes) will be able to help with the positive momentum he created. Thank you.

Condolences to the Shelkrot family at this sad time

It has been a pleasure working under Mr. Shelkrot's - Leadership at the Free Library for last 10 years of his tenure as part of the Executive team in a clerical position. Elliot always included you in on all programming and luncheons. The many speaks that he gave about reading being the corner stone of education in the lobby area and front entrance steps had a powerful message that truly had a profound impact on me as well as my then three years old daughter. I did just what Elliot said with my young daughter and enrolled her at the Coleman Regional Library reading programs and checked out numerous books at her reading level and when enrolled her at Parkway Central Library her first usage of computers games for children. Today Elliot's impact speaks have transcended my when little girl into a beautiful young lady that loves to read and has been a honor student thought middle school and high school honor student she has received academicals distinguished honors awards over $20,000 to various universities in Pennsylvania. In the words and I quote of one of Elliot's speaks that I love like it was yesterday. "If you don't open the book and read the words you will never know the wonders of were reading can and will take you to and the impact it can have on your life to transcend you into a love of reading." May you rest in internal peace, we love you and will never forget all the greatest that you have done for the citizens of Philadelphia and the lives that you have touch then and forever. Forever in our hearts to the Shelkrot Family

My first professional job was working in the Free Library's Development office in early 1990's. My team worked side by side with Elliot Shelkrot, and everyone valued his guidance. His passion and vision for the Free Library helped propel it to where it is today.

I am so sorry to hear this. Although I never got to know Mr. Shelkrot while I worked at the main branch on a volunteer basis, I became very familiar with his unusually pleasant disposition and friendly smile anyway. Every time I encountered him he greeted me as you would a friend. This was always the case also each time I showed up to browse or for a lecture. You knew he was a very special human being. I never knew just what he did there until I saw this. It's even more remarkable that although his work ethic and commitment kept him very busy, he never allowed himself to take people for granted, always making us feel valued. My most healing thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones, colleagues and friends now. People like Elliot Shelkrot are not replaceable.