Michael Barsanti is the Edwin Wolf 2nd Director of the Library Company of Philadelphia. He is the 30th person to lead the organization since its founding by Benjamin Franklin in 1731.

Dr. Barsanti holds a bachelor’s degree from Williams College, a Master’s degree from University of Miami, and a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania, where he specialized in twentieth century literature and the works of James Joyce. He has led an eclectic career in the Philadelphia cultural community that includes positions at the Rosenbach Museum & Library, the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, and the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Drexel University and has served on the Board of Trustees of Pig Iron Theatre and Independence Charter School.

Dr. Barsanti lives in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia with his wife, Erin Mooney, and their three children.