Join the Newspapers and Microfilm Center on Thursday, May 29, at 6:00 p.m. as we explore the vital role that local journalism plays in our communities.

We’ll be screening News Matters, a powerful documentary by Brian Malone, following the efforts of journalists at The Denver Post as they fight to preserve their newsroom after a global venture capital firm acquires the paper. Though the newspaper remained profitable, devastating layoffs and resignations eroded its ability to deliver high-quality local reporting. The film offers a look at the broader crisis facing newspapers nationwide, examining how corporate ownership threatens journalistic integrity and the vital connection between local news, democracy, and civic engagement.

After the screening, stay for a panel discussion with local journalists who understand the challenges facing the news industry today. The conversation will be moderated by Ariella Cohen and will feature panelists Joseph N. DiStefano, Maleka Fruean, Dan Rottenberg, and Yowei Shaw.

The program will be held in the Skyline Room on the Fourth Floor of Parkway Central Library on Thursday, May 29, at 6:00 p.m. Registration is encouraged, but not required. If you can’t attend in person, you can stream News Matters on Kanopy with your library card. After watching, you may ask yourself, "What can I do?"

A powerful step you can take is to stay curious and keep learning. The Free Library provides access to a wide range of databases featuring historical and current newspapers, magazines, and journals. We also maintain a large collection of microfilm that is available for in-person viewing. A limited selection of indexes for microfilm of local community newspapers is provided below.

• Newspapers by Philadelphia neighborhoods and select suburbs
• Ethnic Community Newspapers
• Foreign Language Newspapers
• Religious Community Newspapers

Visit the Newspapers and Microfilm Center to view a more extensive list of our offerings.

Additionally, you can check out our list of recommended books that explore the history of the newspaper industry, the impact of private equity on journalism, and the role of local news in sustaining democracy.