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

Teaching Black History Conference 2025: A Full-Circle Moment of Black Joy and Mentorship

Buffalo was a long drive from Philly but the journey was more than worth it. Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Teaching Black History Conference at the University at Buffalo, led by Center Director and Conference Leader Dr. LaGarrett J. King, PhD.

This year’s theme, Black Boy Joy, Black Girl Magic: The History of Black Childhoods, was as vibrant and meaningful as it sounds. It brought together educators, historians, and advocates from across the country to explore the joy, resilience, and brilliance of Black childhoods throughout history.

It was an inspiring and empowering experience. I left feeling renewed, challenged, and honored to be part of such an essential conversation one that celebrates the beauty and power of Black identity from the earliest years of life.

A Full-Circle Moment

One of the most unexpected and joyful moments of the conference came when I ran into Karim Brown, a former library patron I hadn’t seen in over 15 years. As a young student, Karim often visited the Overbrook Park Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, where I worked at the time. He reminded me of something I had completely forgotten or perhaps never realized: how I encouraged him to put down the computer games and dive into the world of books.

What I saw as a small, everyday act something all youth librarians do left a lasting impression on him.

Fast forward to today, and Karim is now a school teacher at Belmont Charter High School. Not only that he was also a panel speaker at the very same conference we were attending! Seeing him stand in his power, sharing insights as an educator, was a deeply emotional and affirming experience. It reminded me that the seeds we plant-especially in childhood can blossom in ways we may never see… until we do.

      Karim Brown and Marvin DeBose aka Mr. Philly Librarian

The Power of Black Joy Across Generations

Moments like this reinforce the importance of mentorship, community, and the enduring legacy of Black joy. They are a reminder that the work we do whether in classrooms, libraries, or recreation centers-matters. Deeply.

I’m grateful to have attended the Teaching Black History Conference and to have witnessed firsthand the generational impact of care, encouragement, and shared stories.

As we continue the work of teaching Black history and affirming Black futures, I carry this moment with me as a reminder of what’s possible. 

-Mr. Philly Librarian