Big Opportunities for Small Businesses at the Free Library

the

SPRING 2016 OFF SHELF A MAGAZINE FROM THE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 2 VOLUME

ALSO INSIDE: CAUTIONARY TALES FROM OUR RARE BOOK DEPARTMENT THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY SERIES THE NEW SOUTH PHILADELPHIA LIBRARY SECURE THE FREE LIBRARY’S TOMORROW MAKE A PLANNED GIFT TODAY

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is pleased to offer our supporters a unique way to make a difference to the future of the Library—by establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). A CGA enables you to receive a guaranteed income for life in return for an outright gift today. Rates for CGAs are based on your age, and CGAs can be established for as little as $10,000, using cash or highly appreciated stock. Current rates are below as of March 1, 2016. FOR MORE ABOUT CGAS—AS WELL AS ESTATE GIFTS—PLEASE CONTACT AMANDA GOLDSTEIN, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, AT 215-567-7710 OR [email protected].

SAMPLE RATES FOR A $10,000 SINGLE LIFE ANNUITY

ANNUITANT AGE 65 70 75 80 85 90 ANNUITANT RATE 4.7% 5.1% 5.8% 6.8% 7.8% 9% CHARITABLE DEDUCTION $3,363 $4,001 $4,502 $4,965 $5,621 $6,269 ANNUAL PAYMENT $470 $510 $580 $680 $780 $900 Rates current as of March 1, 2016

Not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice

UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS FOR MORE INFO: 215-567-4341 • FREELIBRARY.ORG/AUTHOREVENTS

APR 11 • 7:30 PM APR 21 • 7:30 PM APR 26 • 7:30 PM APR 29 • 12:00 PM

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Diane McKinney- Annette Gordon-Reed and Peter S. Onuf Robb Armstrong Seymour Hersh Whetstone Fearless: A Cartoonist’s The Killing of “Most Blessed of the Patriarchs”: Lazaretto Guide to Life Osama Bin Laden Thomas Jefferson and the Empire of the Imagination

MAY 3 • 7:30 PM MAY 5 • 8:00 AM MAY 5 • 7:30 PM MAY 12 • 7:30 PM

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LEADING VOICES Nathaniel Chris Cleave Brendan Jones Daniel Shapiro Angela Philbrick WITH Duckworth Everyone Brave The Alaskan Negotiating the Valiant Ambition: Is Forgiven Laundry Nonnegotiable: Grit: The Power of Passion George Washington, How to Resolve Your and Perseverance Benedict Arnold, Most Emotionally and the Fate of the Charged Conflicts American Revolution FROM THE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR

Welcome to the spring 2016 issue of Off the Shelf ! The Free Library prides itself on being the FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR Free Library of Opportunity for Philadelphians Siobhan A. Reardon DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT of all ages and backgrounds. This issue of Joseph Benford our magazine highlights just some of the CHIEF OF STAFF Indira C. Scott opportunities we are excited about this season. VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT Every day, the Library helps Philadelphia’s entrepreneurs unlock Melissa B. Greenberg their potential by giving them the keys to invaluable business VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS resources and programs—offerings we explore in our cover story Big Sandra Horrocks Opportunities for Small Businesses. This election season also brings a ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF new opportunity for civic engagement, which the Library will promote EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Alix Gerz through its new American Presidency Series.

SENIOR WRITER AND EDITOR And this is an incredible time of opportunity for the Library itself, as Julie Berger we continue transforming both our programming and physical spaces COMMUNICATIONS AND PRODUCTION COORDINATOR through the ambitious Building Inspiration: 21st Century Libraries Samantha Maldonado Initiative. South Philadelphia Library will soon be back and better CONTRIBUTING WRITERS than ever, and Parkway Central Library is continuing its first major Jennifer Donsky transformation since opening its doors in 1927. Ingrid Heim CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS In this issue, you’ll also learn your lesson from a cautionary-tale Ryan Brandenberg (cover, pages 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16) hidden gem from our Rare Book Department, catch up on the latest Ed Cunicelli (pages 12, 13, 15) news from around the system, and find out what Wharton professor Kelly and Massa Photography (page 4) Jon Roemer (page 3) Adam Grant has to say about success. Jules Vuotto (page 5) This promises to be an exciting spring at the Library. I hope you find FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION an opportunity to visit us soon. 1901 Vine Street, Suite 111 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Warmly, 215-567-7710 freelibrary.org/support

OFF THE SHELF [email protected] Siobhan A. Reardon freelibrary.org/publications PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR Off the Shelf is published twice annually for supporters of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and showcases the Library’s educational, economic, and cultural contributions to the region.

ON THE COVER AND BELOW: BUSINESS RESOURCE AND INNOVATION CENTER DEPARTMENT HEAD ALLEN MERRY CONSULTS WITH MARIAN DOSSOU ABOUT HER BUSINESS PLAN FOR KAKEMI, A PRODUCT LINE WHAT’S INSIDE OF SINGLE-SERVING CAKE MIXES. FOR MORE SUCCESS STORIES, TURN TO PAGE 10. 4 NEWS AND NOTES 6 HIDDEN GEMS: THE CAUTIONARY TALES OF STRUWWELPETER 7 FOCUS ON: THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY SERIES 8 BIG OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AT THE FREE LIBRARY 12 BUILDING INSPIRATION: DEFINING THE FUTURE OF PARKWAY CENTRAL LIBRARY 16 FROM THE NEIGHBORHOODS: THE NEW SOUTH PHILADELPHIA LIBRARY 18 THE FINAL WORD: ADAM GRANT 19 BOARD LISTS BALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS MARGUERITE AND GERRY LENFEST WITH MARINA KATS AND JOHN MEDVECKIS SPECIAL GUESTS THE QUEEN AND KING OF HEARTS AND KING OF THE QUEEN GUESTS SPECIAL

BALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHN MCFADDEN, LISA FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ANDREW WHEELER, TWEEDLE DEE AND DAVID MONTGOMERY, SUSAN KABNICK, AND BALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS BALL COMMITTEE MEMBER JANET HAAS, AND TWEEDLE DUM-HATTED SMITH, AND LYN MONTGOMERY ALYSE AND JIM BODINE LYNN AND JOE MANKO BALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS JIM AND JANET AVERILL

Library fans and supporters tumbled down the rabbit hole in December at Through the Looking Glass: A Wonderland Ball, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s mind-bending classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland—and of our beloved Free Library!

{ 4 } AROUND THE SYSTEM 1 Former mayor Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode, Sr.; Deputy Commissioner Blanche Carney, Philadelphia Prison System; Siobhan A. Reardon, Free Library President and Director; Commissioner Louis Giorla, Philadelphia Prison System; and Titus Moolathara, Librarian, came together to announce the Free Library’s pilot program Free Library of Philadelphia Prison Services: Expanding Opportunities for Incarcerated Parents and Their Families at Neighborhood Libraries. 2 Library staff aided Philadelphians in signing up for virtual library cards at the Municipal Services Building. 3 Children and families enjoyed a Words at Play Vocabulary Initiative-sponsored trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. 1 4 The One Book, One Philadelphia 2016 season kicked off with Cold Mountain author Charles Frazier discussing the intersection of literature and music with Cold Mountain opera composer Jennifer Higdon. CUSTOMER CORNER KATHERINE MAHONEY

Katherine Mahoney feels so fortunate to live a block away from Charles Santore Library in South Philadelphia: “It’s a treasure to have this here,” she said. “We really hit the jackpot.” The Free Library has been there for Katherine in times of prosperity and financial hardship. She and her spunky four-year-old son Finnian fill up their weeks 2 with resources and programs at the Library, which is hugely important because Katherine is a full-time mom and Finn isn’t yet in school. Much of Finn’s learning and socialization takes place at the Library. Science in the Summer, offered in partnership with GSK and the Franklin Institute, has allowed Finn to try his hand at simple experiments in an introduction to basic principles of science. He also looks forward to the annual Halloween parade and associates days of the week with what’s happening at the Library: storytimes on Tuesdays and Spanish classes on Saturdays. As for Katherine—she has attended yoga classes at Santore, which she called her favorite thing, and watched a season of Dexter on borrowed DVDs, in addition to regularly checking out books for herself. While Katherine and Finn love the familiarity of Santore and its librarians—often they’ll spend entire days there and eat lunch on the outdoor patio when the weather is nice—they also 3 frequent other libraries. Taking a walk in Rittenhouse Square might result in hanging out at Philadelphia City Institute, and visiting Parkway Central is a day trip itself. (Finn loves 4 climbing on the stairs.) Katherine appreciates how the Library is warm and welcoming to everyone—a place that fosters interaction with people she might not cross paths with otherwise. “When you come here, you find community,” Katherine said, while in the background Finn proved just that by chatting with another child as he played a computer game. “It’s kind of like a club. You have your card as membership.” Regardless of age, culture, or economic

status, it’s a club that everyone can enjoy. MALDONADO SAMANTHA BY •

{ 4 } • • • BY ALIX GERZ HIDDEN GEMS The Cautionary Tales of Struwwelpeter

#36 Don’t cross your eyes or literature from the 18th century else they’ll stay that way. through today. Don’t swallow that bubble According to curator Caitlin Goodman, gum or else a gum tree Struwwelpeter is a wonderful example might grow in your stomach. of a transformation in literature for Sound familiar? children, from 18th-century beginnings that tended toward Calvinist moralism Adults have used hyperbole to scare to mid-19th-century works with a kids straight for years. But for children larger place for imagination and humor. growing up in the late 19th and early It inspired a generation of knockoffs, 20th centuries, the consequences to including the prolific New York City the bad actions found in their bedtime children’s publisher McLoughlin stories were much more dire—and Brothers’ Little Slovenly Peter series way more hilarious. (also on view). More recent works— Take, for instance, Heinrich Hoffmann’s from Maurice Sendak’s Pierre to today’s gruesome Struwwelpeter (1845), which Rotten Ralph series—also take cues roughly translates to “Shockheaded from Struwwelpeter. Peter” or “Slovenly Peter.” The story “Classic mid-19th-century books like goes that Hoffmann, in search of a gift Struwwelpeter or Alice’s Adventures for his son, couldn’t find a children’s in Wonderland mark the beginning book he liked and so purchased a of modern children’s literature,” says notebook to create his own. Goodman. “These books emphasized The result? A transformative work of imaginative spaces for children and children’s literature that was meant to indicated a shift in social attitudes be grossly funny—just what kids like— about childhood itself.” but was also inspired by the morality Although they were written for children, tales with which young readers of the PICTURED HERE IS A PAGE FROM Goodman herself is a huge fan, because time would have been quite familiar. THE ENGLISH STRUWWELPETER (1867), books like Struwwelpeter “are hilarious, A TRANSLATION OF THE GERMAN Picture a girl who plays with matches and purposefully so. They were meant and burns to death; a boy who refuses CLASSIC. IN THE “STORY OF LITTLE SUK-A-THUMB,” THE PROTAGONIST to teach you not to be slothful but with to eat his soup and starves; or a boy SUCKS HIS THUMBS, ONLY TO LOSE good humor,” she says, before adding who sucks his thumbs, only to have THEM BOTH TO A TAILOR WITH A with a laugh, “because if you were them violently cut off. Voila! An GIGANTIC PAIR OF SCISSORS. slothful, you might get eaten by a bear.” instant classic. IMAGE CREDIT: HEINRICH HOFFMANN, THE ENGLISH STRUWWELPETER, OR, PRETTY OR ELSE IS ON DISPLAY THROUGH Struwwelpeter in English translation STORIES AND FUNNY PICTURES FOR LITTLE JULY 23 IN THE RARE BOOK is currently on display in the Rare CHILDREN, AFTER THE FORTIETH EDITION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WILLIAM B. DIETRICH Book Department as part of Or Else: CELEBRATED GERMAN WORK OF DR. HEINRICH GALLERY AND FEATURES NEARLY HOFFMANN. LEIPZIC: FRIEDRICH VOLCKMAR, Cautionary Tales for Children, an 100 BOOKS AND ILLUSTRATIONS, [CA. 1867]. COURTESY OF THE RARE BOOK ALONG WITH A READING NOOK WITH exhibition that highlights moral DEPARTMENT. DOZENS OF CAUTIONARY TALES reckonings, both morbidly satirical FOR READERS TO PERUSE. and mortally serious, in children’s

{ 6 } { 7 } FOCUS THE AMERICAN ON PRESIDENCY SERIES

IT’S NOT EASY TO SORT THROUGH THE POLITICAL NOISE THIS TIME OF YEAR, FROM THE INCESSANT CAMPAIGN ADS, TO THE LOUDLY TALKING HEADS, TO THE NEVER-ENDING DEBATES. BUT THE FREE LIBRARY IS POISED TO HELP PHILADELPHIANS CUT THROUGH THE CAMPAIGN CONFUSION WITH ITS FIRST-EVER AMERICAN PRESIDENCY SERIES, WHICH AIMS TO EXAMINE UNTOLD STORIES OF, UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACHES TO, AND CONTEMPORARY CONCERNS ABOUT THE WORLD’S MOST DIFFICULT JOB.

This series—composed of compelling, topical monthly lecture a book club inspired by this summer’s Democratic National programs as well as an educational children’s component—will Convention in Philadelphia, with a focus on 1948, when the city put the 2016 election cycle in a broad perspective by examining played host to three presidential conventions. subjects ranging from the quest for the Hispanic vote to the While the adult programming series will begin immediately after intersection of sports and politics. the Pennsylvania primary and run through Inauguration Day “In times like this, we truly embrace our role as in January of 2017, the children’s component will be focused in a proponent of and resource for civic literacy,” the fall months leading up to November’s general election and says Siobhan A. Reardon, president and director. will include mock elections and debates, teen-issue discussions, “There’s no better, safer space than a library to media education, and other programming aimed at fostering the examine our complex political arena and sort next generation of informed voters. through the multifaceted issues at hand.” With a blend of education and entertainment, the series’ examination of the presidency and the road to get there wins our The American Presidency Series kicks off this April with a visit vote for growing the city’s civic literacy. from renowned presidential historian Richard Norton Smith, whose talk, “To the Worst of My Ability: Lessons in Presidential The inaugural American Presidency Series Failure,” will explore the careers of presidents who faced the lecture featuring Richard Norton Smith will take ultimate test, the toughest job in the world—and failed. place on Wednesday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Other timely topics will include the Washington Post’s Matea Skyline Room at Parkway Central Library. For Gold on the ramifications of Citizens United, one-time senatorial a complete list of up-to-date programs, visit candidate Shenna Bellows and author Erin Souza-Rezendes on freelibrary.org. women in politics, and a panel of foreign journalists on covering • • • BY ALIX GERZ the election for a global audience. The series will also include

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY SERIES IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF THE DOLFINGER-MCMAHON FOUNDATION; MEG AND ROGER BERLIN; SALLY AND DAN GORDON; THE PEGGY AND ELLIS WACHS FAMILY FOUNDATION; AND LAURIE WAGMAN, IN MEMORY OF IRVIN J. BOROWSKY. ALL GIFTS WERE MADE THROUGH THE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION.

{ 6 } { 7 } • • • BY JULIE BERGER

BIG OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AT THE FREE LIBRARY

“Wait … I can do that at the library?!” Caitlin was becoming a go-to destination where entrepreneurs in our Tingo, a librarian in the Business Resource region came to seek out advice, network with other professionals, and ultimately grow their businesses,” says Siobhan A. Reardon, and Innovation Center (BRIC), describes this president and director. “Today, we are continuing to strengthen as the epiphany that happens at least once our business collections, programs, and related physical spaces in every business program she runs at the because we know that this work is crucial in continuing to fuel Philadelphia’s economic engine.” Free Library. The attendees in her classes—all Many customers come seeking the top-notch collection of of whom are seeking ways to start, grow, or business and technology books available to borrow from the improve a small business—are reacting to the Library. Others take advantage of the free access a library card wealth of knowledge and practical guidance provides them to valuable—and costly—business databases, like ReferenceUSA: U.S. Businesses Database and BusinessDecision. that is ready and waiting at the Free Library Yet it is the comprehensive business seminars and workshops for entrepreneurs. that produce the “I can do that at the library?” eureka moments. Each year, the Free Library helps 9,000 Philadelphians With offerings like Small Business Tax Workshop, Affordable develop or enhance their existing businesses. Entrepreneurs Care Act for Businesses, and Access to Capital, the business- come seeking financial data, information on creating a program calendar is a veritable menu of options for both budding business plan, market research, and demographic insights. businesspersons and experienced entrepreneurs. Recent These resources, which would cost tens of thousands of programming has targeted technology in business, with new dollars for individuals to obtain on their own, are all free and classes focusing on Wordpress, HTML basics, website building, easily accessible. and more. One of the most popular programs is the Business Plans Toolkit, a three-part series offered quarterly at the “When the Free Library undertook its strategic planning process Parkway Central Library that covers topics including researching several years ago, we decided to make small-business owners a competition, targeting customers, and studying an industry. real focus of our work, as we were acutely aware that the Library The program is consistently at full capacity, because “creating a

{ 8 } business plan and conducting the necessary research can be an intimidating prospect for someone who is just starting out,” says BRIC Department Head Allen Merry. The program will soon be offered on the Library’s spacious fourth floor, where it will be able to accommodate more customers. Charles Smith, recently retired Assistant Chief of Central Public Services and past head of the Business, Science, and Industry Department, explains that “for each part of the business plan, the Library has a resource that can help you find the answers.” Often, that resource is a devoted librarian. Patent Librarian Sharyl Overhiser, who frequently assists customers with their business research, enthuses, “I love learning about patrons’ ideas for businesses or patents or trademarks. From toasters to medical equipment to food trucks, it’s all fascinating.” The Free Library is one of three Patent and Trademark Resource Centers in Pennsylvania. In addition to Overhiser’s services, the Library offers quarterly “Patent One-on-Ones” with attorney John Child. Like so much of its business-related offerings, these appointments fill up almost instantly. CUSTOMERS COME HERE TEEMING WITH BUSINESS IDEAS. GILLIAN ROBBINS, A BRIC LIBRARIAN AT PARKWAY CENTRAL, WORKED WITH A BUDDING ENTREPRENEUR LOOKING TO OPEN A MOBILE SALON WITH HIS WIFE. “WE WORKED TOGETHER—THE INDUSTRY EXPERT AND THE RESEARCH EXPERT—TO FIND ANSWERS,” SHE SAYS. “IT IS GREAT TO SEE INNOVATIVE IDEAS IN THE WORKS. WHAT’S MORE IS THAT INNOVATORS ARE COMING TO THE FREE LIBRARY WITH THEIR DIFFICULT QUESTIONS.” Parkway Central Library is also home to the Regional Foundation Center (RFC), Philadelphia’s largest publicly accessible collection of print and electronic resources on fundraising, nonprofit management, general philanthropy, and institutional advancement. Drawing customers from across the Delaware Valley, the RFC promotes responsible nonprofit management and successful fundraising by nonprofit groups at all levels—from grassroots startups to established institutions. Users come seeking guidance on how to turn their passion for addressing key needs in our city—promoting children’s literacy, bolstering senior programs, increasing services for veterans and the homeless, reducing recidivism—into actionable nonprofit organizations. The RFC—opened 41 years ago as part of the New York-based Foundation Center—offers individuals and groups scores of programs each year, including workshops on writing grant

THE FREE LIBRARY OFFERS BUSINESS WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS ON WIDE-RANGING TOPICS AT NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS.

{ 8 } SUCCESS STORIES

MELISSA MARIAN M. UMAR D’AGOSTINO DOSSOU MYCKA

D’AGOSTINO FASHION KAKEMI THE POISON IVY TEXTILE DESIGN (90-SECOND CAKE KITS) HORTICULTURALIST

TOP FREE LIBRARY TOP FREE LIBRARY TOP FREE LIBRARY BUSINESS RESOURCE BUSINESS RESOURCE BUSINESS RESOURCE BusinesssDecision database, A two-week entrepreneurship The multitude of workshops and which allowed her to focus boot camp the Library’s seminars offered on fundamental like-market Business Resource and demographics Innovation Center (BRIC)

sponsored in partnership

with the Corzo Center for the

Creative Economy

HOW THE FREE LIBRARY HOW THE FREE LIBRARY HOW THE FREE LIBRARY HELPED HER HELPED HER HELPED HIM Melissa says the Library Marian says the Library helped Umar credits the Library with helped her “take the right her feel more confident about “impacting my business by steps early on. ... Research and pursuing her business, providing showing me how to define planning were key to balancing her “access to information, the benefits of my business to challenges during the early people, and resources that would clients, my place in the industry, growth of my business.” otherwise cost me a lot of money client demographics, and and time. ... The Free Library the best opportunities to find has also been a great place to partners and workers.” network and talk to like-minded people who are pursuing their dreams.”

{ 10 } SUCCESS STORIES proposals, starting and sustaining a nonprofit, conducting donor Knowing that the employment landscape of the 21st century is research, and using the Foundation Directory Online, the most ever more entrepreneurial, the Library has begun to expand the comprehensive database of U.S. grant makers and their grants. reach of its programs. In October the Raven Society, the Free GRATEFUL FOR THE RFC’S ONE-ON-ONE Library’s young professionals group, hosted the technology panel Technically Speaking: Learn How Technology Can Advance Your COUNSELING AND CONSULTATION, IN ADDITION Business or Career. This night of networking was led by experts TO ITS DATABASE ACCESS AND PROGRAM who created some of Philadelphia’s hottest technology start-up OFFERINGS, ONE CUSTOMER OFFERED A companies. Last summer, the Friends of Lovett Memorial Library sponsored a six-week Entrepreneurship for Teens course that RESOUNDING ENDORSEMENT: “CALL ME IF I included sessions in social networking and cooking as a business. CAN EVER TELL SOMEONE HOW VALUABLE “Many of these teens’ futures will depend on having the skill set YOUR SERVICES ARE.” to operate a budget, create a product, improve a service, market a creation, and work effectively in a group environment,” says Part of what makes these business offerings so valuable is the librarian Veronica Britto, who created the program and is now Library’s relationships with outside organizations. The Free the Cluster Leader for the Central Philadelphia Neighborhood Library has strong mutual relationships with the Small Business Libraries. “A few of these skills are taught in school as Math, Administration, SCORE Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Commerce Science, English, and Art, but we want to show how they can be Department, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, applied to the ‘real world.’” and many other prominent business organizations. Staff also regularly hosts classes from the Women’s Opportunity Resource The opening of the Business Resource and Innovation Center Center and the Women’s Business Development Center. Offering (BRIC) in February was the beginning of an overhaul to bring these programs at the Library brings in wide, diverse audiences. all of these programs, services, and resources under one “You can never have too many organizations helping people start commanding umbrella. Located at the Parkway Central Library, small businesses,” says Charles Smith. this new entrepreneurial hub offers a unique environment in which to incubate new business ideas and bring them to fruition. In addition to continuing to offer the Library’s standard business seminars and services, the BRIC will pair established business leaders in the community with novice entrepreneurs and business owners, offering them one-on-one counseling to help spin creative business concepts into achievable business plans, assist with budget planning and revenue projections, and more. The Free Library of Opportunity has more excitement on the way: Currently located in the Business, Science, and Industry Department of Parkway Central Library, soon— as part of the Library’s Building Inspiration: 21st Century Libraries Initiative—BRIC will move to a brand-new space on Parkway Central’s ground floor. READ ON FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVE!

AT THE GIFT OF GAB: SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING 101, A RECENT WORKSHOP AT THE FREE LIBRARY, ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS LEARNED ABOUT PUBLIC RELATIONS STRATEGY FROM A LOCAL BRAND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT.

{ 10 } • • • BY INGRID HEIM

BUILDING INSPIRATION

DESIGNING THE FUTURE OF PARKWAY CENTRAL LIBRARY

For nearly 100 years, the Parkway Central Library has provided a wondrous place for ambitious minds to explore and engage with their world.

While the Library has always kept pace with evolving customer interests, new technologies and added materials have placed demand for enhanced and expanded infrastructure front and center among the Library’s priorities. “Parkway Central has not experienced substantial renovation since its opening in 1927, and it can no longer adequately support the rich and complex needs of today’s users,” says Siobhan A. Reardon, president and director. “Modernization and expansion have become imperative.” In facing this challenge, the Library saw an opportunity to build a facility that not only keeps pace, but that defines the future and serves as a model for all public libraries. Now, as part of our ambitious Building Inspiration: 21st Century Libraries Initiative, Currently, the Library is in the process of overhauling its work is underway to renovate, reimagine, and reshape Parkway antiquated stacks system, which will open up tens of thousands Central for today’s—and tomorrow’s—library users. of square feet for public use. Among the most highly anticipated spaces this renovation will reveal are The Common, the This historic, multiphase renovation began with the addition Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC), the Marie and of a new green roof and went on to include restoration of the Joseph Field Teen Center, and a transformed Grand Staircase. Music Department, Philbrick Hall, the Rare Book Department, the Skyline Room and fourth floor—including the Culinary Literacy Center—and more.

{ 12 } { 13 } THE COMMON

Defining the model of 21st-century Parkway Central Library libraries as active, civic spaces, The also is home to the Regional Foundation Center, Common will be a dynamic, flexible Philadelphia’s largest publicly accessible collection of print and community space where visitors can electronic resources on fundraising, nonprofit management, and define their own experiences, based general philanthropy. on their interests and needs. The new BUSINESS RESOURCE AND INNOVATION CENTER (BRIC) will place all of those assets in one commanding place at They can draw content from library resources and collections, Parkway Central and will create a unique incubator environment, independently or collaboratively test new ideas, utilize library where full-time and volunteer staff will help spin creative personnel and services to learn new technologies or seek concepts into achievable business plans, mentor new business practical advice—or some combination of all of these. owners, assist with budget planning and revenue projections, and more. Reinforcing and extending the Free Library’s commitment to humanities programming, THE COMMON also will provide The 7,500-square-foot BRIC will be prominently located on the a unique public forum for artists, historians, and others to Library’s ground floor. share their work. Envisioned to be the literal and symbolic heart of the reimagined Parkway Central Library, the 8,000-square-foot Common will be centrally located on Parkway Central’s first floor, on the northern side of the historic Grand Staircase. Nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs start or improve their businesses using Library resources each year, and thousands more find direction in the Library’s business seminars, training sessions, and career

collections. BUSINESS RESOURCE AND INNOVATION CENTER (BRIC)

{ 12 } { 13 } THE MARIE AND JOSEPH FIELD TEEN CENTER

Because teens consume services in different ways from children, families, and adult library customers, providing them their own space is critically important to fostering their creative and academic ambitions.

THE FIELD TEEN CENTER will provide collections, study areas, and casual seating designed specifically for our teens, drawing from the most successful aspects of teen-library models around the world. Applying the “HOMAGO” concept—“Hanging Out” in social-media spaces such as Facebook; “Messing Around” or tinkering with digital media; and “Geeking Out” in online groups that facilitate personal interests—to physical space as well as programmed time, the Field Teen Center will operate as an out-of- school learning environment for young people to meet up, share ideas, and participate in interactive demonstrations and workshops. Adjacent to the BRIC, the 4,000-square-foot space will offer some privacy, giving teens the ability to freely exchange ideas without disturbing other customers, while still allowing for staff supervision. Designed to create a literal, physical connection between old and new, a modern parallel stairway will be constructed The first—and most striking—thing behind and seamlessly integrated with the historic staircase. most visitors see upon entering the Visitors to Parkway Central will fluidly pass through open Parkway Central Library is its stately walkways flanking the historic staircase and opening into tandem stairways leading to The Common, the BRIC, and Grand Staircase, soaring up from the other new spaces. lobby and capped by a spectacular domed skylight.

The Building Inspiration renovation will include a stunning transformation of this Parkway Central landmark.

THE GRAND STAIRCASE

{ 14 } DEFINING THE FUTURE

The Free Library of Philadelphia is one of the most powerful educational and cultural institutions in the region.

In a one-year span, the Library welcomes more than 6 million in-person visitors and millions more online. The virtual and literal hub of that activity is the Parkway Central Library, which alone accounts for 1 million visitors each year. They come seeking knowledge, they come seeking inspiration, they come seeking transformation.

Now is the time to transform the Library. Through Building Inspiration, Parkway Central Library is moving forward with incredible momentum, not only reimagining its physical space to best serve the citizens of our diverse and dynamic 21st-century world, but also defining the future for public libraries everywhere.

PARTICIPATE IN PARKWAY CENTRAL’S FUTURE The City of Philadelphia provides for the Free Library’s operational infrastructure, but capital projects such as the renovation and restoration of Parkway Central are funded almost entirely through the Free Library Foundation. As such, nearly 80 percent of the funding required to complete the Building Inspiration plans must come from organizations and private individuals—like you. FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO MAKE A GIFT TODAY, VISIT 21STCENTURYLIBRARIES.ORG OR CONTACT MELISSA GREENBERG, VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT, AT [email protected] OR 215-567-7710.

{ 14 } from the NEIGHBORHOODS

THE NEW SOUTH PHILADELPHIA LIBRARY

Have you been waiting and watching What do you think of a “prescription” that includes books? How about a nutrition program for kids, involving a health with eager anticipation, as we have? assessment and a fun, physical activity, all under one roof? Do you remember the previous library Or resources on disease prevention and wellness, staffed by that opened in 1965? What about the a Community Health Librarian? And what about a recipe for culinary literacy that combines food, math, and chemistry? original South Philadelphia Library, These are just some of the possibilities the new Community located at Broad and Ritner Streets, that Health and Literacy Center has in store. opened its doors in November 1914? A fabulous new library form follows these incredible new Well, a new South Philadelphia Library programmatic functions. There will be welcoming spaces, including a community living room and a large meeting room at Broad and Morris Streets is rising— (that can comfortably split in two), featuring state-of-the-art and with it an awesome, collaborative technology in support of community programming. As well, for those seeking quieter contemplation or cozy chats with promise focused on the well-being of colleagues, there will be small study rooms available. neighborhood residents. Our new computer lab, staffed by a Digital Resource Specialist, The Free Library of Philadelphia will soon welcome the brand- will offer classes in a wide range of subjects, including PC new Community Health and Literacy Center, alongside our basics, job searching, social media, and health information, as partners in the Center: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, well as topics suggested by customers. Similar to classes at the City of Philadelphia’s Health Center 2, and the DiSilvestro Northeast Regional and other Free Library locations, some of Recreation Center. Yes, this is still a library—and so much more! these classes will be offered in languages other than English.

THE NEW SOUTH PHILADELPHIA LIBRARY (PICTURED HERE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION) IS SLATED TO OPEN THIS SPRING AND WILL OFFER HEALTH SERVICES, LITERACY PROGRAMS, AND COMMUNITY SPACES.

{ 16 } { 17 } STAFF SPOTLIGHT: South Philadelphia has become an incredibly diverse area, home to people with origins throughout the world and speaking scores ANGELA WILLIE, of different languages. In service to these neighbors, we will be piloting a translation application; we hope and anticipate this will SOUTH PHILADELPHIA improve communications with our worldly customers and help to CLUSTER LEADER make them feel right at home under an expansive roof. How did you get started working for the Free Library? We could not provide all these excellent I was called for an interview with the Library before I services and beautiful spaces of the graduated from college and had to decline because it was for a full-time position. I accepted another position, but three new South Philadelphia Library without months into it the Library called again! I began my library private support. career in the Music Department as a Library Assistant 1 in the summer of 1989 and then put myself through library We are deeply grateful to the Shellers, whose gift will name the school while working full-time here. I have since held many Stephen and Sandra Sheller Common. The Sheller Common, positions, including children’s librarian, adult/teen librarian, the “community living room” of the library, will be a warm library supervisor, and business librarian. and welcoming space, with comfortable furniture supporting conversation or study. We are also hugely appreciative What do you enjoy most about your current role as South of the gift from the Cannuscio Rader Family Foundation. Philadelphia Cluster Leader? I most enjoy supporting the This will establish a Community Health Innovation Fund staff I supervise in new ways that give the community the that will support the Community Health Librarian based at best service possible. My most gratifying role is assisting the library. And we continue to be grateful for the William staff with a multitude of concerns, job-related or personal. Penn Foundation’s historic $25 million grant to the Building I am most humbled by the staff members who look to me Inspiration: 21st Century Libraries Initiative. for sage advice. We hope you will come visit us when we How do you anticipate the newly built South reopen our doors in the coming months! Philadelphia Library will impact customers? I am in awe of the potential power the new library will have on visitors. The concept of the facility in and of itself • • • BY JENNIFER DONSKY is dynamic—magnificent even! It will stand as a national model. This Community Health and Literacy Center will be a one-stop shop for patrons to have their most vital needs met, with educational resources, access to adequate healthcare, and recreational amenities.

If you could have lunch with any author, living or dead, who would it be and why? I would say Napoleon Hill, whose book has impacted my way of thinking. The Laws of Success is a 16-lesson course in developing habits that can make one successful. I have instilled many of his suggested habits into my life and career. I would love to have a conversation with him to let him know his lessons continue to serve me well.

• • • JENN DONSKY

{ 16 } { 17 } TO LISTEN TO THE FREE, DOWNLOADABLE PODCAST FEATURING ADAM GRANT, VISIT FREELIBRARY.ORG/AUTHOREVENTS.

Adam Grant’s bestselling Give and Take OTS WHAT ROLE HAVE LIBRARIES PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE? WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK THEY PLAY IN OUR 21ST- has given business organizations a wholly CENTURY WORLD? AG Growing up, my mom took me to the library every week. It was new approach to success—and it has taken where I learned to love books, and to use my imagination. Today, libraries are the best place to discover stories and ideas that you the top-rated Wharton professor to the didn’t even know existed. Malcolm Gladwell spends a few days in pinnacle of the management and social a public library every year, just wandering through the stacks to see what intrigues him. That can’t happen in a Google search—there science fields. With listings as one of the you have to know what you’re looking for to find it. world’s 25 most influential management OTS YOUR NEW BOOK IS ABOUT TRAILBLAZERS. WHICH OF THESE FIGURES INSPIRES YOU MOST? thinkers and top 40 business professors AG It’s a toss-up between Elon Musk for pioneering new approaches to electric cars and space exploration, J.K. Rowling under 40, his cover-story profile in the for rejecting the norm of publishing short children’s books and New York Times Magazine has been a inspiring an entire generation to read, and Sheryl Sandberg for having the wisdom and the courage to campaign for equality. cherry atop the growing accolades for OTS WHAT ARE SOME WAYS SCHOOLS COULD BETTER this scholar who calls Philadelphia his NURTURE ORIGINALITY IN CHILDREN? AG First, stop rewarding achievements, and start rewarding home. His new book, Originals: How Non- creations. George Lucas recently proposed a brilliant way to do this: Along with grades and standardized tests, universities should ask Conformists Move the World, examines students to submit a portfolio of their creative work. Imagine if a capstone on every student’s high school experience was the option trailblazers who have shaped business, of making a movie, a novel, a song, a poem, a website, or an sports, politics, and entertainment. invention? Second, focus less on answers and more on questions. That way, children will learn to explore problems through multiple lenses instead of searching for one solution. He has a fan in Star Wars director OTS GROWING UP, YOU WERE A MAGICIAN AND THEN A J.J. Abrams, who praises, “By debunking JUNIOR OLYMPIC SPRINGBOARD DIVER. HOW HAVE THESE PURSUITS IMPACTED THE WORK YOU DO NOW? myths of success stories, challenging AG Magic taught me that the element of surprise makes everything more entertaining—I’m always looking for the unexpected and long-held beliefs of process, and finding counterintuitive in my research, writing, teaching, and speaking. commonality among those who are agents When I work with leaders, I often ask them what the opposite of their vision would look like. Diving taught me that as painful as it of profound change, Adam Grant gives can be to champion new ideas, it rarely hurts as much as hurling yourself into somersaults and twists, getting completely lost, and us a powerful new perspective on not just crash-landing in the water at 35 miles per hour. our place in the world, but our potential to OTS TO YOU, THE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA IS ALSO THE FREE LIBRARY OF______. WHY? shake it up entirely.” AG The world—because it’s open and accessible to everyone.

{ 18 } { 19 } FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA FOR $25,000 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CHAIR “The supreme question Pamela Dembe MEMBERS about a work of art is out of how Donna Allie Christopher Arlene Jacqueline Barnett deep a life does it spring.” Darwin Beauvais Jeffrey Cooper Brigitte Daniel —JAMES JOYCE, ULYSSES Donald Generals Melissa Grimm Robert C. Heim Nancy D. Kolb Kathryn Ott Lovell H.W. Jerome Maddox Sonia Sanchez 2016 Bloomsday Festival Suzanne Simons John J. Soroko JUNE 9–16, 2016 Sherry A. Swirsky Nicholas D. Torres Ignatius C. Wang Join us as we celebrate the quintessential modern masterpiece. EMERITUS Programming includes free public readings, a pub quiz, a Joseph F. Burke Gloria Twine Chisum hands-on experience with Joyce’s manuscript, and more. Armand Della Porta W. Wilson Goode, Sr. Visit rosenbach.org for more information. Herman Mattleman Teresa Sarmina EX-OFFICIO Tobey Gordon Dichter LEAD SPONSOR Chair, Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation Board of Directors

FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR ROSENBACH.ORG | @ROSENBACHMUSEUM Tobey Gordon Dichter MEMBERS Robert Adelson Cynthia Affleck James H. Averill Phyllis W. Beck Sheldon Bonovitz Benito Cachinero-Sánchez George Day Andrea Ehrlich Richard A. Greenawalt Melissa Grimm Janet Haas Robert Heim John Imbesi Mike Innocenzo Philip Jaurigue Geoffrey Kent Alexander Kerr Marciene Mattleman Thomas B. Morris TAKE A FRONT ROW SEAT Stephanie Naidoff Bernard Newman Patrick M. Oates Derek N. Pew The George S. Pepper Society recognizes those who give Nick Pournader Greg Redden $1,000 or more annually to the Free Library Foundation. William R. Sasso Susan G. Smith Miriam Spector In appreciation of their generosity, Peppers receive advance Stacey Leigh Spector Lenore Steiner Barbara Sutherland access to and reserved seating at the Author Events Series, Monica Vachher Jay Weinstein exclusive invitations to private events, personal access to Larry Weiss EMERITUS world-renowned authors, and much more. Peter A. Benoliel Marie Field Elizabeth Gemmill W. Wilson Goode, Sr FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PEPPER SOCIETY, Daniel Gordon CONTACT NICK MCALLISTER AT Leslie Anne Miller A. Morris Williams, Jr. [email protected] OR 215-814-3542. EX-OFFICIO Pamela Dembe Chair, Free Library of Philadelphia Board of Trustees

{ 18 } { 19 } THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY SERIES Join the Free Library for compelling, provocative programs that examine the untold stories of, unconventional approaches to, and contemporary concerns about the world’s most difficult job.

Richard Norton Smith To the Worst of My Ability: Lessons in Presidential Failure SUPPORT Distinguished presidential historian Richard Norton Smith explores the careers of presidents who faced the toughest job in the world—and failed. THE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 • 7:30 P.M. Shenna Bellows and Erin Souza-Rezendes The Best Man May Be a Woman: FREE Challenges and Opportunities for Female Candidates Shenna Bellows, a 2014 Senate candidate, and Erin Souza-Rezendes, the author of Keys to Elected Office: The Essential Guide for Women, discuss the political landscape for women. LIBRARY! WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 • 7:30 P.M.

To make a gift to the Matea Gold Foundation, please visit Follow the Money: Citizens United and the 2016 Election Washington Post reporter Matea Gold follows the activities of heavyweight donors, freelibrary.org/support from George Soros on the left to David Koch on the right. or call 215-567-7710. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 • 7:30 P.M.

ALL EVENTS HELD IN THE SKYLINE ROOM, PARKWAY CENTRAL LIBRARY, 1901 VINE STREET