Blast from a Past Valentine’s Day: A Visit from the “Seniors Enjoy Reading” Book Club

Senior Book Club 

Every now and then, a memory surfaces that reminds us just how powerful community, kindness, and the love of reading truly are. One of those moments happened on Valentine’s Day 2017 a day I’ll never forget.

That afternoon, four members of the “Seniors Enjoy Reading” book club made a surprise visit to the Haverford Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. They came to express their appreciation for the support we provide to their club a small but meaningful Valentine’s gesture that touched my heart.

The “Seniors Enjoy Reading” book club is based at the West Philly Senior Community Center and includes 14 dedicated readers  12 women and 2 men  most in their late 70s and beyond. Many of the members face mobility challenges, which makes their participation in a book club even more special. Their fearless and compassionate leader, Mrs. Gloria Presha, has been the heart of the group  and a beloved patron of our library. She and I have worked together for over five years to help the club thrive.

As their advisor, I help select titles that spark rich discussion and ensure there are enough copies available through the Free Library of Philadelphia, so everyone can enjoy the books completely free of charge. It’s a simple but powerful service that keeps the joy of reading alive for so many seniors who might not otherwise have access.

That Valentine’s Day visit wasn’t just a thank-you. It was a celebration of connection, shared stories, and enduring friendship  the kind you can only build through years of reading together.

Some of the people in that photo are no longer with us, but their memories linger on.
Their wisdom, laughter, and love of books left a mark on all of us  and their spirit lives on in every meeting, every chapter, and every conversation the club continues to share.

At the Free Library, we know reading is for everyone at every stage of life. And through partnerships like this, we continue to build bridges between people, stories, and generations.

– Mr. Philly Librarian