South Philadelphia Branch

Hours

Nearby Friday Service

Fumo Family Branch
Queen Memorial Library

Public Transportation

Bus Routes: 29, C
Subway/Surface: Broad Street line to Tasker/Morris stop.

For bus/train schedules visit SEPTA

Branch History

This area of south Philadelphia was mainly small farms until the mid-1800's. Broad Street was named by William Penn, who described it as "a Broad Street in the middle of the city, from side to side" between the rivers. It ran from Vine to South (then Cedar) Streets, since they were the original boundaries of the city. In 1819, the street went as far south as Dickinson. By the middle of the 19th century, it was extended to the navy yard.

The original South Philadelphia Branch was located at Broad and Ritner Streets in a T-shaped Carnegie building that opened on November 24, 1914. In 1965, the building was closed and the South Philadelphia Branch reopened at its current location on May 3, 1965 in a new building at Broad and Morris Streets.

The library was designed by architects Nolen, Swinburne and Associates. It features a number of unique features, including a wood sculpture entitled Rhythm #1 (1965) by Wharton Esherick, a 2002 mural of a circus by local artist James Dupree, and a copy of the bronze statue of David by 15th-century Italian sculptor Andrea Del Verocchio. The city of Florence, Italy presented the statue to the city of Philadelphia on October 11, 1964 in celebration of the naming of Florence and Philadelphia as sister cities.

South Philadelphia Branch was renovated in 2000 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which brought Internet service to every library.

Spotlight On...

Yoga with Janet - Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 6:30PM

Yoga with Janet
South Philadelphia Branch will now offer yoga classes on the first and third Tuesdays of every month through June. Janet McAllister-Faulls will be our program leader. Our yoga classes are open to all adults and experience levels. There will be a few mats available. If you have your own mat, please, bring it to the session. Space is limited. You should arrive before class begins to ensure a spot. For more information, contact the Librarian at 215-685-1866.
Tuesday | February 19 | from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays | March 5 and 19 | from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays | April 2 and 16 | from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays | May 7 and 21 | from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays | June 4 and 18 | from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Knit and Sip
South Philadelphia Branch will be hosting our Knit and Sip every Thursday from January 10th through May 30th. All levels of knitters are welcome. Bring your own project or start a new one. Yarn and basic instruction will be provided for newbies. Please, bring your own needles. If you are just learning, bring size 9 or larger. Hot tea will be served. For more information, contact Tiffany Smith at 215-685-1866.
Thursdays | January 10, 17, 24, and 31 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays | February 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays | March 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays | April 4, 11, 18, and 25 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays | May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Knit and Sip
South Philadelphia Branch will be hosting our Knit and Sip every Thursday from January 10th through May 30th. All levels of knitters are welcome. Bring your own project or start a new one. Yarn and basic instruction will be provided for newbies. Please, bring your own needles. If you are just learning, bring size 9 or larger. Hot tea will be served. For more information, contact Tiffany Smith at 215-685-1866.
Thursdays | January 10, 17, 24, and 31 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays | February 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays | March 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays | April 4, 11, 18, and 25 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays | May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.