WHEREAS, Since its foundation in 1891, the Free Library of Philadelphia has worked to build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, Now, on its 24th annual season, the Free Library of Philadelphia’s One Book, One Philadelphia is a signature project of the Free Library of Philadelphia. It promotes literacy, library usage, and civic dialogue by encouraging the entire greater Philadelphia area to come together through the sharing of ideas and the joy of reading; and
WHEREAS, The 2026 selection for the One Book, One Philadelphia program,
Our Missing Hearts
, is a powerful novel that takes a deep dive into the values of family, resistance, and the impact government policy has on individuals as well as communities. The book tells the story of Bird Gardner and the search for his mother in a dystopian version of America. Following Bird on his quest, the book explores folktales, censorship, and the suppression of art; and
WHEREAS, Celeste Ng is an accomplished American writer and novelist. A Pennsylvania native, Ng has authored several best-selling novels, including
Little Fires Everywhere
and
Everything I Never Told You
. Born to immigrant parents, Ng prides herself on writing authentic stories that reflect her life as well as the stories of many Asian American immigrants. In addition to her novels, Ng has authored several short stories that have appeared in
The Guardian,
the
Kenyon Review
, and
The New York Times.
Ng has also been a fellowship recipient of the Guggenheim Foundation as well as the National Endowment for the Arts; and
WHEREAS, Managed by The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, One Book, One Philadelphia offers curricula, discussion guides, and a list of recommended reading for all ages that celebrates literature and connects with the themes in the featured book. Programming in 2026 runs from April 7 through May 28 with a series of free events, online and in-person, at Free Library locations across the City; and
WHEREAS, Programming will include sessions to help explore important themes within this year’s selection and the youth companion titles,
Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweets
by Laekan Zea Kemp and
How to Grow a Family Tree
by Bea Birdsong & Jasu Hu; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby celebrates the selection of
Our Missing Hearts
by Celeste Ng for the 2026 One Book, One Philadelphia program.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Celeste Ng evidencing the sincere respect of this legislative body.
End