Queen Memorial Library

1201 South 23rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146-4316
Federal St. between 22nd & 23rd
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., Sep. 2 : Closed Labor Day
  • Thu., Sep. 12 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Mon., Oct. 14 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Mon., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Street parking (free)
  • Street parking
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

StoryQuilts with Mama Carla

Mon, July 29, 2024 5:00 P.M.

  Combine the tales of the African diaspora with the opportunity to create your very own tied quilt square. Mama Carla Wiley will show you how to tell your stories in words and cloth. This…

Tuesday Chess Club with Mx. Kate

Tue, July 30, 2024 4:00 P.M.

Kids 12 and under are welcome to play and learn with support from Mx. Kate. All supplies provided. No experience is necessary; all skill levels welcome! Chess Club will be held inside the library…

Chair Yoga for Adults in the Garden

Wed, July 31, 2024 1:00 P.M.

Ground your mind and body with a full hour of FREE chair yoga. This is a twist on traditional yoga, making it accessible for any age or ability.

Chair Yoga for Adults in the Garden

Wed, August 7, 2024 1:00 P.M.

Ground your mind and body with a full hour of FREE chair yoga. This is a twist on traditional yoga, making it accessible for any age or ability.

About

The Queen Memorial Library is located on the lower level of the Landreth Apartments, the former Landreth School. The entrance is on Federal Street between 22nd and 23rd streets. Its amenities include a vibrant children's area, a dynamic space for teens, and a suite of longstanding programs like Chair Yoga for adults and Kids Can Cook culinary classes for kids and teens (temporarily on hiatus due to safety concerns). The library has partnered with UPenn's Graduate School of Education, the Neighborhood Gardens Trust, Union Baptist Church, and many more community partners to offer a variety of events and programs to our patrons.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what we're up to!

 


Want a new way to get in touch? Text a Queen Memorial staff member at 484-580-9927!

We will return your message during operating hours (Monday-Thursday 10-6 & Friday 10-5)


 

History

Named in honor of a Philadelphia optician, pioneer microscope maker and philanthropist, the James W. Queen Memorial Library was founded in 1907. It was originally housed in the Hope Presbyterian Church at 33rd and Wharton Streets. This library became the Queen Memorial Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on December 13, 1912. In 1945, it was relocated to a rented building at 1313-15 Point Breeze Avenue.

Queen Memorial Branch opened in its current location on Tuesday, January 17, 1995 in the Landreth Apartments, a residence for seniors. The building, built in 1889, is a renovated elementary school - the former Landreth School. Mamie Nichols, then Executive Director of the Point Breeze Federation, was a prime leader behind the renovation of the school into a "multi-purpose achievement center."