Siobhan Reardon
February 2017…Healthy NewsWorks is pleased to announce that Siobhan Reardon, president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, will serve as keynote speaker at our annual fundraiser and book launch celebration May 31.
The event will recognize the publication of our sixth book, Leading Healthy Change In Our Communities 2017, which will feature the stories of Philadelphia area leaders who are making the community healthier. The book will be written and illustrated by student journalists ages 8 to 14 who are involved in the Healthy NewsWorks program during the 2016-2017 school year.
Ms. Reardon, who became the first woman to head the Free Library in 2008, has spearheaded the library’s efforts to move beyond its walls by working with local organizations in underserved neighborhoods to expand computer and internet access and training. She was recognized as a Healthy NewsWorks health leader in our second book, Leading Healthy Change In Our Communities 2013.
She also has led the development of an ambitious five-year strategic plan for the Free Library, underscored by a mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity.
Before coming to Philadelphia, Ms. Reardon served as executive director of the Westchester (N.Y.) Library System and as deputy executive director of the Brooklyn Public Library. She earned a B.A. from SUNY Purchase, an M.A. from Fordham University, and an M.L.S. from the Palmer School of Library Science at Long Island University.
The event will be on Wednesday, May 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Merion Tribute House, 625 Hazelhurst Ave., Merion Station, Pa., 19066. Healthy NewsWorks has a range of sponsorship opportunities available for generous donors who wish to support the book project.
