About Us

Folio is a nonprofit, member-supported library and cultural center devoted to the intellectually curious. Offering cultural conversations, literary and arts-related discussions, intimate concerts, a circulating collection of donated books, and accessible workspaces, it serves as an incubator to the region’s creative community.

Originally founded in 2014, Folio relocated from their first home on the ground floor of the downtown YMCA in July of 2018 to the Economy Building at First Avenue and Pike Street, in the heart of the Market community.

Inspired by the country’s earliest libraries, often called athenaeums, Folio provides its members access to lending from private book collections and fosters a haven for cultural collaboration. Public programming includes events such as readings, presentations of rare volumes, and performative events. Folio’s public rooms are also available for use by many other nonprofit groups needing attractive, affordable, downtown venue space.

Independent libraries in America have long provided access to private book collections and space for cultural engagement. The seminal idea came from Ben Franklin in 1731 and rapidly spread to hundreds of cities worldwide, welcoming citizens from all walks of life.

Bringing an active and inclusive 21st-century vision to such member-supported libraries, the founders of Folio have created an inviting, intimate home for “the community of the book” while producing enriching educational programs for the public at large.