September is Civic Awareness Month — a time to engage with our community, learn more about our civic responsibilities, and participate in initiatives that make a difference. In honor of this month, the Free Library of Philadelphia is partnering with Temple University’s Dr. Aaron Smith, an Assistant Professor of Africology and African American Studies, to offer a six-part series entitled "Power Up!" This series of workshops will help empower Philadelphia citizens to take an active role in their communities, focusing on our civic engagement, holding discussions about local issues, and inspiring you to make a difference.

Join us and explore our civic awareness events:

• Citizenship: Privileges, Rights, and Responsibilities - Learn about your basic rights and responsibilities as a citizen. → 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7 at Lillian Marrero Library
• Democracy is an Action Word - Explore the inner workings of political empowerment. Learn how to get involved and become an active change-agent in local, state, and federal government. → 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10 at Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library
• We the People - Talk about the power of elections, and how local elections can affect our everyday lives, for better or for worse. → 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14 at Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
• Let Freedom Ring - Learn about local, state, and federal laws and how they work for you, instead of against you. → 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17 at South Philadelphia Library
• Your Call to Civic Action - Learn how to share your gifts and talents to make Philadelphia a better place to live, learn, and thrive. → 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21 at Northeast Regional Library
• 2024 Philly Civics Fair and Speakers Panel - Philadelphia's community organizations will share what they are doing to improve the city and challenge you to get involved. → 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28 at Parkway Central Library

See all Power Up! at the Library events.

Civic awareness is crucial for the health of our democracy and the well-being of our communities. It’s about understanding the systems that govern us, the challenges we face as a society, and the ways we can contribute to solutions. The Free Library’s Power Up! programs provide a platform for these important conversations and learning opportunities.

The Free Library of Philadelphia values and engages bridgebuilding practices, which allows individuals to share their differences in ways that respect their identities, foster relationships, seek the common good, and promote commitment to civic engagement. One resource that we provide is Bridging Blocks, a partnership between WHYY and the Free Library of Philadelphia aimed at bringing together cultural and politically diverse households for civil dialogue and understanding.

Programing like Bridging Blocks and Power Up! is not just about learning; they’re about building community and creating a shared vision for the future for a more connected Philadelphia.