Kensington Branch

Hours

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
CLOSED
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
CLOSED

Nearby Saturday Service

Fishtown Community Branch
McPherson Square Branch

Public Transportation

Bus Routes: 3, 39, 89 We are right next to the eastbound York/Dauphin El steps!Surface: Market/Frankford El (York-Dauphin Station)

For bus/train schedules visit SEPTA

Branch History

In the early 1700's, Anthony Palmer, an English businessman working in Barbados, purchased a large tract of land that he called Kensington after a suburb of London. Early residents were shipbuilders and fishermen, but by the 1830's Kensington had become the textile center of Philadelphia. In 1922, the Frankford elevated line began operation, passing through Kensington Avenue. The textile mills moved south by the end of the 1930s.

Kensington Branch was originally known as Frankford Avenue Branch, Branch Number 3 of the Free Library system. It opened on May 21, 1894 at 1856 Frankford Avenue. The name was changed to the Kensington Branch in 1900. In August 1902 it moved to an empty church building at 2055 East Dauphin Street where it remained for 51 years. In 1953, pending completion of plans for a new location, the agency moved to a small rented shop at 2508 North Front Street.

The current Kensington Branch opened on July 20, 1956. It was renovated in 1997 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library. When you visit, take a look at the mosaic in the meeting room. It was designed by Network Arts and created with the help of neighborhood children.

Spotlight On...

Elite Strings Youth Orchestra Spring Concert - Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 4:00PM

Elite Strings Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
Join us at Kensington Branch for a delightful family concert event performed by the Elite Strings Youth Orchestra. Your entire family will be able to enjoy an interactive Spring celebration of classical, Latin, jazz, and contemporary music performed by students and faculty from the acclaimed Elite Strings Youth Orchestra. This concert is made possible due to the courtesy and generosity of Philadelphia City Councilwoman, Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, and The Friends of the Kensington Library. For more information, contact the Librarian at 215-685-9996.
Tuesday | June 11 | 4:00 p.m.

---

Summer Reading Program Kickoff - Monday, June 17, 2013 at 4:00PM

Summer Reading Program Kickoff
Join us for an enthralling afternoon program of Latino Storytelling. Carla “Mama Carla” Wiley will regale you with a variety of stories that are told with the flavor of a distinctly traditional Latino style. Ms. Ann will also begin registering participants for our exciting Summer Reading Program that will begin on Monday, June 17th and continue through Friday, August 9th. For more information, contact the Librarian at 215-685-9996.
Monday | June 17 | 4:00 p.m.

---

Block Printing Workshop - Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 2:00PM

Block Printing Workshop
Local printmaker, Meg Richter, will teach all participants design fundamentals and techniques of block printing. This will be a hands-on and interactive workshop presented in partnership with Art-Reach.

Space is limited, for more information, contact the Librarian at 215-685-9996.
Wednesday | July 24 | 2:00 p.m.

---