A logo for Bridging Blocks, a collaboration between WHYY and the Free Library of Philadelphia

Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia.

Bridging Blocks | Aging in the City

When: January 29, 2026
Where: Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine St Philadelphia, PA 19103

Is Philadelphia doing all it can to ensure its older residents can retire in comfort and security? What is it like for older residents in the city?

Gentrification: Prosperity or Displacement?

When: February 3
Where: Fishtown Community Library 1217 E Montgomery Ave Philadelphia, PA 19125

How does gentrification affect affordability and housing scarcity? Is neighborhood culture dead?

Health Care Access

When: February 4
Where: Hockessin Public Library 1023 Valley Road Hockessin, DE 19707

What can be done to ensure that Delawareans are getting the care they need?

Is Free Speech Truly Free?

When: February 10
Where: Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

What are the challenges to free speech? Has social media helped or hurt free speech? Is there too much or too little freedom? Do you feel your speech is free and protected?

Mummers Festival of Many Colors

When: February 17
Where: Mummers Museum 1100 S. 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

The conversation will address the traditions, challenges and the potential of Mummery as well as the annual Philly Caribbean Carnival and Carnaval de Puebla.

Economic Inequality: More than a Matter of Money

When: February 18
Where: Tredyffrin Public Library 582 Upper Gulph Road Strafford, PA 19087

Are there adequate opportunities to work toward lessening this systemic problem, or are we doomed? What economic conditions are we leaving for future generations?

Is Free Speech Truly Free?

When: February 23
Where: Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library 125 S. 52nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19139

What are the challenges to free speech? Has social media helped or hurt free speech? Is there too much or too little freedom? Do you feel your speech is free and protected?

Is Free Speech Truly Free?

When: February 24
Where: Paschalville Library 6942 Woodland Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19142

What are the challenges to free speech? Has social media helped or hurt free speech? Is there too much or too little freedom? Do you feel your speech is free and protected?

The Power of Social Media

When: February 25
Where: Upper Dublin Public Library 520 Virginia Drive Fort Washington, PA 19034

How is social media helping or hurting society? What influence does it have on U.S. and world populations?

Aging in the City

When: February 26
Where: Parkway Central Library Conference Room 131/132 1901 Vine Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

Is society — or more specifically, Philadelphia — doing everything possible to ensure our oldest residents can live comfortably and safely?