PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation has unveiled an impressive lineup for its Spring Author Events Series, featuring prominent writers and thinkers across various fields. Among the most anticipated additions are journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, who will appear on May 29 at Parkway Central Library to discuss their book, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up And His Disastrous Choice To Run Again.
This year’s series also includes appearances by Dr. Anthony Fauci, Booker Prize-winning novelist Samantha Harvey, singer-songwriter and J. Geils Band frontman Peter Wolf, and New York Times bestselling author Omar Tyree, who will close out the season on June 5. The full list is available online.
A Diverse and Exciting Lineup
Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson join an already star-studded roster that brings together leading voices in public health, politics, literature, and music. Tapper and Thompson’s event will focus on their deeply reported analysis of President Biden’s presidency, offering insights into the political and historical implications of his decisions.
On March 27, Peter Wolf will take the stage to discuss his memoir Waiting on the Moon, which Rolling Stone has called “the book everyone always hoped he would write.” Samantha Harvey is scheduled to appear on May 16 in conversation with the New Yorker’s Katy Waldman about her latest novel. Other notables include Dr. Anthony Fauci, who will appear on April 9 in a conversation with WHYY’s Dave Davies, and Senator Ron Wyden, who will discuss current political issues with chef and writer Michael Solomonov on April 25.
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, authors Jennifer Haigh and Katie Kitamura, and commentator Elie Mystal are also among the scheduled participants.
Lower Ticket Prices, Higher Accessibility
One of the significant changes to this year’s program is the introduction of reduced ticket prices. All tickets are now $5, a move aimed at making the events more accessible to the public. Previously, ticket prices were $17.50, though some events were free. The new pricing model has been a success, with the series seeing an average ticket sale of 174 per event. Notably, 25% of the season’s events so far have reached full or near-full capacity.
Some events, due to publisher requirements, include the purchase of a book in addition to the $5 ticket price.
“We took a big swing,” said Daniel Blank, managing director of public programs. “We’re a new team, this is our first full season of events, and as we were planning it, we had messages coming in from people concerned for the program’s future. We also heard from attendees that the pricing model needed to change. It was a lot, but we were motivated by the fact that we were rebuilding a cherished and valued program. The way the Philadelphia community has responded has been wonderful.”
Supporting Partnerships
The 2025 Author Events Series has also introduced new partnerships to strengthen the program’s impact. Comcast serves as the presenting sponsor, with additional support from The Philadelphia Citizen and The National Board of Medical Examiners. Uncle Bobbie’s remains the official bookseller of the series.
“It was important for us to create a great season,” said Monique Moore-Pryor, President of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. “Both to thank the Philadelphia community for sticking with us and to show that, for the Author Events Series, its best days are ahead. We also wanted to show our colleagues and hosts at the Free Library, as well as our sponsors and benefactors, that the program was in good hands.”
Event Details
All events within the Spring Author Events Series will take place at Parkway Central Library, located at 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tickets can be purchased through the Free Library of Philadelphia’s website or in person at the library.
With an exciting mix of world-renowned authors, engaging discussions, and greater accessibility, the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Spring Author Events Series promises to be a literary highlight for Philadelphians and visitors alike.
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