Library Company Fireside Chats
Fireside Chats is a series of virtual talks that spotlight the extraordinary work of researchers who have drawn on the rich collections of the Library Company of Philadelphia. Launched in 2020 when the Library Company was physically closed due to COVID-19, Fireside Chats continues as a platform that sustains and celebrates our diverse community of fellows, scholars, librarians, readers, and lifelong-learners.
Drawing inspiration from FDR’s Depression-era radio broadcasts, the series is free and accessible, with more than 60 past programs available here on our website and on our YouTube Channel. Conceived and initially hosted by Will Fenton, the Library Company’s former Director of Scholarly Programs, Fireside Chats continues as an institution-wide series with a rotating cast of hosts.
For a schedule of upcoming Fireside Chats and other programs, visit the Events page here.
Support the Library Company
The library that once served our founding fathers now serves the nation as an internationally renowned research center. Since the days of Benjamin Franklin, the collection has grown to more than half a million rare books, manuscripts, pamphlets, broadsides, prints, and photographs, making the Library Company one of the nation’s largest collections of printed and graphic materials relating to early American history. Your support is more important than ever, if you are able, please consider donating via the link below.