Whenever I walk through one of our 54 libraries, I’m struck by the impact that our work has on citizens of all ages and backgrounds. I love seeing an older adult find a new voice in a memoir-writing workshop, or a small-business owner experience an “a-ha” moment during a networking event. But for me, nothing is more powerful than seeing a child’s face light up when he or she uncovers the magic of the Free Library.

From helping young children gain the skills they need to read and succeed to preparing middle and high school students for their role as our city’s future leaders, the Free Library offers a bevy of services, programs, and resources to support Philadelphia’s youth at every step.

This critical, life-changing work could not take place at the Free Library if it weren’t for your generous support. To help us continue this work in 2018, please consider a year-end, tax-deductible gift to the Free Library Foundation.

And, there’s no better time to make a gift to the Free Library.  This holiday season, a generous group of donors has created a Matching Gift Fund, to match all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to an incredible $150,000. That means, through December 31, your gift of $25 becomes $50; $100 becomes $200; and $500 becomes $1,000.

You can double your impact by making a gift today!

The City of Philadelphia provides funds for the Library's facilities and infrastructure, but many critical programs that draw children into our neighborhood libraries and foster literacy are only made possible by private gifts from people like you.

I’ve watched as the city’s littlest learners and their caregivers participate in the literacy-building fun of our Words at Play Vocabulary Initiative and smiled as toddlers dance their way through the books our librarians brings to life during storytimes. I’ve celebrated along with young students who have a breakthrough with their homework during our Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) and applauded for the teens who take the stage during our Poetry Slams.

This transformational work simply could not take place without your support.

That’s why I’m asking you to take advantage of this matching opportunity and make a gift to the Free Library today—so that all of our city’s children can continue to experience the power of the Free Library in 2018 and beyond.

Don’t forget: You must make your gift by December 31 in order to double its value through the Matching Gift Fund and create an even more significant impact on children throughout our city!

I’m so grateful for everything that our customers do to support this wonderful Library system and the mission it honors every day: to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. Thank you for helping us bring these words to life for all of Philadelphia’s children.