2016: It's an election year and Philadelphia is hosting the Democratic National Convention! 

The Free Library wanted to get in on the fun, so join us as we launch an exciting new event series: The American Presidency.

This compelling, provocative programming series for the whole family will examine the untold stories of, unconventional approaches to, and contemporary concerns about the world's most difficult job. Starting on April 27 with our inaugural lecture—“To the Worst of My Ability: Lessons in Presidential Failure” with noted historian and author Richard Norton Smith—the series will run through the inauguration in 2017 and offer lectures and analysis about the presidency and election, as well as enriching programs for children in our neighborhood libraries. Other lectures include such topics as women seeking higher office, the fight for the Hispanic vote, presidential health, and presidents and baseball. You can find more details about all the lectures in the series on our Events Calendar. 

Interested in trivia and fun facts about the presidents? Curious about how to find the best information about the upcoming election and primary? Check out our Explore topic with these and many more resources. 

We will continue to share on the blog weird and wonderful stories about our greatest (and sometimes not so great) leaders. We'll also update you on our events as they continue to develop.