Fasten your seatbelts and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we visit Pennsylvania on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on May 26th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT for a PBS Books Facebook Live event, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Winding from Pittsburg through the Appalachian Mountains to Philadelphia and every town in between, Pennsylvania’s story is steeped in history. From Benjamin Franklin’s contributions to our young nation, including publishing Poor Richard’s Almanack and founding the Library Company of Philadelphia, he helped establish the idea that community access to knowledge is a true public treasure. Through the years, this state has also been home to trailblazers such as Nellie Bly (Around the World in Seventy-Two Days), whose investigative reporting helped redefine how journalists uncover the truth, and Bayard Rustin (Time on Two Crosses), who advanced peaceful protest during the Civil Rights August Wilson (Fences) brought the life of his community to the stage, while Fred Rogers (It’s You I Like) inspired generations to be compassionate neighbors.
The Keystone State continues to shape today’s literary landscape. Poets Marjorie Maddox (Seeing Things) and Dr. Raina J. León (Black God Mother This Body) use the power of language to illuminate life’s unseen struggles. Jennifer Weiner (Good in Bed) redefines so-called “chick lit” with bold, empowering stories, while Eric Smith guides the next generation through change with YA novels like With or Without You.
Discover Pennsylvania’s rich literary landmarks across this surprisingly expansive state. Browse the shelves of historic libraries like the Athenaeum in Philadelphia and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, explore distinctive bookstores such as City of Asylum and Giovanni’s Room, and visit remarkable museums like the Mütter Museum, which highlights Philadelphia’s long history of medical innovation and writing.
About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
Pack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures.
From iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores, amazing libraries, and the real-life locations that inspired great works, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way, we’ll meet bestselling authors, passionate booksellers, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart, history, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling.
New episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
About PBS Books
PBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more.
