The Library in the City: Changing Demands and a Challenging Future (2012)

This study was conducted by The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Institute in 2012. Snippet: Big-city public libraries have rarely been as popular as they are today and rarely as besieged. The hard economic times of recent years have generated increased demand for the free and varied services libraries provide, even as revenue-challenged local governments Read More…

The Economic Value of the Free Library in Philadelphia (2010)

This report is authored by the Fels Institute of Government, University of Pennsylvania, and Fels Research & Consulting. Snippet: What value does the Free Library of Philadelphia (“the Library”) create and add to the economic lives and futures of its users and the citizens of Philadelphia? This was the central question posed by the staff of the Read More…

Free Library of Philadelphia: An Economic Impact and Activity Analysis of the Central Branch Expansion and Renovation (2004)

This study was prepared by the Pennsylvania Economy League – Eastern Division, in April 2004. Snippet: Economic impact is a useful tool for measuring the one-time “hit” of a major capital project on the local economy. This report quantifies the economic impact and activity generated by the FLP’s expansion and renovation of its Central Branch Read More…