Typically, public programs about the presidency constitute a celebration of the nation’s past and salute the same narrow group of America’s leaders. Such programs are rarely used as an opportunity to educate citizens, empower voters, and encourage young people to participate in the political process. By presenting a series of ten related programs instead of the more limited offerings provided by other institutions, the Free Library of Philadelphia is helping not scholars, but ordinary Philadelphians to understand both the opportunities and the dangers inherent in our system of democratic self-government.

We’ve created opportunities for the public to meet and dialogue with political strategists, journalists, and historians that average Americans rarely have access to, broadening interpersonal dialogue in this highly contested election year. At a time when civics has largely disappeared from the classroom, we are offering a diverse menu of programs for young people, focused on political engagement and voting. Working closely with broadcasters, and marketing to our 60 city-wide locations, we are reaching a large, diverse audience. C-SPAN broadcast two lectures, and several speakers from the series have been guests on the nationally syndicated NPR program Radio Times.

The American Presidency Series has reinforced and expanded the Free Library’s unique role as the most important civic space/town square in the region. By hosting a diverse group of non-partisan experts with national reputations, we have been able to attract large, enthusiastic audiences that include those of all races, socio-economic groups, and ages. Those who have attended our programs better understand the qualities linked to presidential successes and failures, the means by which high-profile female candidates can thrive, and the elements of the Citizens United decision that make 2016 different from any presidential election that has come before.