Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
Six Day Service Returns to the Free Library
PHILADELPHIA, September 17, 2019— The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to offer six days of service throughout the neighborhood and regional libraries starting Saturday, September 21.
“Providing access to the Library throughout the city is our top priority. Offering every community a sixth day of service at their neighborhood library allows more of our customers to access the important resources and programs that make the Free Library a vital Philadelphia institution,” said Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director of the Free Library.
Ms. Reardon will be joined by Mayor Jim Kenney Saturday, September 21 at Whitman Library at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate the expanded service.
Additional funding from the City of Philadelphia was included in the budget for FY2020, with $2 million of that funding allotted to hire additional staff needed to open all neighborhood libraries for a sixth day of service.
The Free Library was able to hire 25 new librarians, as well as add seasonal positions for library assistants and library facility guards. Hiring for the seasonal positions is ongoing. Library facility guards maintain a clean and safe environment for our customers, while seasonal library assistants perform circulation tasks, including handling materials and shelving.
Most neighborhood libraries will have hours Monday through Saturday. Northeast Regional Library, Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, and Lucian E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library will be open Tuesday through Sunday. South Philadelphia Library and Parkway Central Library have hours seven days a week.
To view the hours of all neighborhood and regional libraries, please visit freelibrary.org/locations.
09/17/2019
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850