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Recognizing Monique Moore Pryor’s vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Free Library Foundation of Philadelphia and ensuring that the Free Library of Philadelphia remains a beacon of hope, education, and opportunity for all Philadelphians.
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WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia has been a cornerstone of knowledge, literacy, and community engagement in Philadelphia, providing access to an extensive collection of books, digital resources, and innovative programs that serve individuals of all ages; and
WHEREAS, In August 2023, Monique Moore Pryor assumed the historic role as the first Executive Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, bringing with her a wealth of experience in philanthropy, higher education, and law; and
WHEREAS, Monique Moore Pryor, Esq., a proud native of Philadelphia, recognizes the profound impact that the Free Library of Philadelphia has had on her own life, fostering a love for learning and opening doors to countless opportunities through the simple yet powerful gift of a library card; and
WHEREAS, Under her leadership, the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation has continued to enhance the library’s mission by offering groundbreaking programs, including workforce development initiatives, youth literacy programs, digital literacy training, and the highly acclaimed Culinary Literacy Center, which bridges cultures and communities through food and education; and
WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation plays a vital role in supporting and enhancing the programs, services, and resources provided by the Free Library of Philadelphia, ensuring that it remains a beacon of knowledge, literacy, and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is dedicated to securing financial support, fostering community partnerships, and developing innovative initiatives that expand access to education, digital resources, and workforce development programs for individuals of all ages; and
WHEREAS, The Foundation collaborates closely with the Free Library of Philadelphia to provide groundbreaking programs such as the Culinary Literacy Center, which bridges cultures and communities through food and education, as well as digital literacy training, career development opportunities, and early childhood literacy programs; and
WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation also champions adult literacy, workforce development, and entrepreneurship support through initiatives such as the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC), which offers free headshots, grant research resources for nonprofit leaders, and business development guidance; and
WHEREAS, The Foundation also ensures that Philadelphia residents have access to essential government services by providing state-of-the-art technology and trained librarians who assist with navigating digital platforms for social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other critical benefits; and
WHEREAS, Through its tireless efforts, the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation secures the financial resources necessary to sustain and expand the Free Library’s mission, helping to provide over 2,500 programs annually that enrich and empower the Philadelphia community; and
WHEREAS, Monique Moore Pryor has made a lasting impact by advocating for and expanding initiatives like the Summer of Wonder program, which combats summer learning loss for students, and by supporting daycare providers with literacy training and valuable resources to foster early childhood education; and
WHEREAS, Monique Moore Pryor's leadership reflects a deep understanding of the transformative power of libraries, championing inclusivity, lifelong learning, and civic engagement, ensuring that every Philadelphia resident has access to the tools and resources necessary for success; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA That we recognize and honor Monique Moore Pryor, Esq. for her outstanding contributions as the first Executive Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, and we commend the Free Library of Philadelphia for its continued dedication to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and fostering a culture of learning for generations to come.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That we celebrate the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s continued success in enriching the lives of Philadelphians, supporting the Free Library’s mission, and promoting literacy, learning, and community engagement across the city.
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