In March 2022, Jan LeSuer, President of the Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library, wrote an op-ed for the Inquirer. The headline read, “Philadelphia is allowing its libraries to wither and rot.” Almost two years later, this is still true, and the staff and users of the Chestnut Hill branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia are currently experiencing some results of this terrible neglect.

The Chestnut Hill Library has not had heat in the whole building since October, when the heat was supposed to have been turned on. Because of this, the library has been closed more and more frequently in the last few weeks. And as the coldest months are upon us, there is uncertainty about what will happen with keeping the library open on a daily basis. (You can check their Facebook page for information about closings.)

Despite the best efforts of the building department staff of the Free Library of Philadelphia, the funding issues that continue to plague our libraries are affecting when and how they can handle this situation. 

Libraries are important free public spaces in our city. Not having access to the many reading, educational, research, and internet resources the library makes available is harmful to our community in ways we can’t even imagine. 

As the community organization that advocates for the Chestnut Hill Library (and our whole library system) the Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library is asking for your help. This heating issue is just the latest example that shows our libraries need more funding. You can let our representatives know your concern for the library by contacting Councilwoman Cindy Bass at 215-685-9182/9183, Mayor Cherelle Parker at 215-686-2181, and State Representative Tarik Kahn at 215-888-8638.

Chestnut Hill needs its library. And the library needs our help.

Lynne Brown

Board Member

Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library