The University of Pennsylvania Press is bringing The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia to print, sharing a multifaceted portrait of our region that includes stories and perspectives too often overlooked or forgotten. This three-volume set — The Greater Philadelphia Region, Greater Philadelphia and the Nation, and Greater Philadelphia and the World — captures Philadelphia’s local, national, and global significance. It’s a project that not only celebrates our past but invites readers to see Philadelphia’s place in the world today and imagine its future.

While much of today’s information lives online, this print edition ensures that all readers, especially those without reliable internet access, can explore the region’s vibrant history. Copies will be donated to public schools, libraries, colleges, and community organizations, opening doors for students, educators, and lifelong learners alike. Each Free Library location is receiving a set of the encyclopedias donated by Penn Press.

The encyclopedia’s release also coincides with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Just as the first encyclopedias of the 18th century aimed to make knowledge universally available, this new edition honors that same spirit of inclusion and curiosity. It seeks to reach readers whose voices were not always heard in earlier tellings of our city’s story, reminding us that Philadelphia’s history belongs to everyone. Through this project, Penn Press hopes to inspire new connections, new ideas, and new generations of innovation — ensuring that the next 250 years of Philadelphia’s story are just as remarkable as the first. 

The Free Library is hosting a variety of talks, exhibits, art-making, concerts, and creative programs in the coming year to help everyone better understand Philadelphia's history. We welcome all to explore our city's unique history and join in discussions about what the next chapter of Philly's history should look like.

Keep an eye out for The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia in the Free Library's collections soon.