Today as part of National Library Week, we’re joining with the American Library Association (ALA) in celebrating National Library Workers Day and the real heroes behind who we are and what we do: our librarians and staff, of course!

Today we recognize the myriad contributions made by Free Library staff, those who work tirelessly both behind-the-scenes and interacting with the public to make possible our mission of advancing literacy, guiding learning, and inspiring curiosity each and every day in Philadelphia and beyond. From offering social service support, health resources, small business development, and programs for our city’s littlest learners, to keeping our facilities safe and clean and providing digital resource support to customers and seemingly everything in between, our library staff members provide opportunities for engagement, enrichment, and development for all.

We are especially grateful to our staff this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way they do their jobs and serve the community. Through it all, they have risen to the challenge to rethink what the Free Library can be for Philadelphians. 

The following video gives just a glimpse into how our staff have pivoted to offer virtual programs, new services, and staples to those in need. It has truly been inspiring, and we can't thank them enough.