Accomplishments List

Timeline

2023

January

Hosted our first Book Fair with more than a dozen authors at Hilltop Books in January 2023

March

Attended The People’s Forum to advocate for library supporters on City Council. Coordinated with Friends of the Library to ask all At-Large Council Candidates to pledge their support for fully funding our libraries. All 27 candidates at the forum pledged their support.

April

Installed a Storywalk at the Chestnut Hill Library
Purchased furniture for the Chestnut Hill Library reopening
Celebrated Chestnut Hill Library reopening with celebration with 100+ people in attendance! This included author events, face painting, games, and more.
Hosted a Poetry Reading at Hilltop Books on Independent Bookstore Day!

2022

February

Celebrated Black History Month by sponsoring author visits and book giveaways at Jenks Elementary School. Authors reached 392 students and all youth participants received a copy of the authors book to keep.

March

Gave away 225 new children’s books by award-winning authors to celebrate Read Across America Day on March 3rd .
Attended the “Strong Libraries are Essential” March 28 th Press Conference to press the Mayor’s Office and Council members for funding increases in the Free Library of Philadelphia budget.
 Friends Board President authored Opinion piece “Philadelphia is allowing its libraries to wither and rot” in the Philadelphia Inquirer

April

After years with only one staff librarian, Adult & Teen Librarian, Claire Hand, joined the Chestnut Hill Library branch.

May

The Friends hired a contractor to repair the smashed front door at the Chestnut Hill Library
The Friends sponsored Children’s Programs at the library branch: Polish Folk Art & Flower Pot Painting
Hosted Zoom meeting with Councilmember Cindy Bass. Friends of the Chestnut Hill

June

The Free Library of Philadelphia won a $13 million funding increase over last fiscal year! This funding increase was the result of advocacy by The Friends of the Library, including the Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library

July/August

The Friends sponsored Summer Programs and giveaways at the Chestnut Hill Library
Throughout Summer & Fall 2022, the Friends sponsored paid work opportunities for Teen Library Assistants
Hilltop Books hosted two free author events including that included four writers
Supported grounds maintenance at the Library, providing hands-on volunteer help in the garden and hired a professional landscaper to complete larger jobs

October/November

Hosted a Fall Authors Series at Hilltop Books with three author events in October 2022
Sponsored the Fall Afterschool Tortoise Club Programs in the Library’s Children’s Dept.
Ceiling damaged in the Children's Department forced the branch to close for repairs. The Library was closed from November 14, 2022 to April 2023.