November is almost upon us, and it already has us thinking about Thanksgiving and the spirit of giving as the holiday season approaches!

Here at the Free Library, we're thankful for you. No matter how you use and support the Library, you make a difference in our community all year long, and we are so appreciative.

In the spirit of giving, we're preparing for another special day coming up at the end of November: Giving Tuesday! Founded in 2012, Giving Tuesday has grown into a worldwide movement. It is a powerful way for you to continue the warmth and goodwill of Thanksgiving into the rest of the holiday season, and has inspired hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity over the past decade. Last year, Giving Tuesday participants in the United States gave $2.47 billion, marking the largest global generosity movement and a whopping 29% increase over 2019, following what was a difficult year for all of us in 2020.

This Giving Tuesday, join your friends and neighbors in supporting the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation! The Free Library is one of the most important educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia. While the City of Philadelphia provides public funds for the operations of the Free Library, it is through the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and the generosity of private funding from individuals, foundations, and corporations that the Free Library is able to offer many incredible programs and activities that advance literacy, guide learning, inspire curiosity throughout the region, and help deliver on the promise of an equitable future for all of Philadelphia’s children, families, and communities.

Please take a moment to reflect on what the Free Library means to you and consider making a tax-deductible gift to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation this Giving Tuesday on November 30. And please tell your friends and family about #GivingTuesday—share the message with everyone you know!

As we all get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, be sure to check out these Free Library resources, including some history on the holiday as well as booklists for children and adults.

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that develops funding to expand, enhance, and support the services, collections, building improvements, and technology expansion of the Free Library of Philadelphia.