Who We Are

Anne Keenan, the Executive Director of the Philly Book Bank, has a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology and a master's in education Degree. Her teaching certifications include Elementary Education, Special Education, and English as a Second Language. A family tragedy ignited her personal journey, which led her to her current role, ensuring children have books to call their own. This passion now includes providing diverse books, from multicultural to empowering, social-emotional, and neurodivergent. Since 2018, under Anne's leadership, the Philly Book Bank has experienced significant growth, a testament to her dedication and the impact of her work. One of her favorite nicknames is the book lady.

Judith McDowell is the Site Coordinator for the Philly Book Bank since 2021. She taught for the Philadelphia School District for 20 years in the Head Start program. Before that she worked with KenCrest Services as an early interventionist. Ms. McDowell graduated with a masters in education from Temple University. She did additional course work in Montessori training at Chestnut Hill College. Ms. McDowell worked with a team of educators to develop an early childhood curriculum (EPIC) at the University of Penn Graduate School of Education that was implemented in the Philadelphia School District Head Start Program. 

Rachel Blanchfeld, MSW, is a Social Worker and has been with the Philly Book Bank since 2023. She engages in efforts to increase student access to books. Rachel obtained a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2), and a certificate in Organizational Leadership in Social Work through SP2 & Wharton business school partnership. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature and a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).