Torresdale Library
| Sunday, 6/30 | Closed |
| Monday, 7/1 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 7/2 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 7/3 |
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Thursday, 7/4 |
Closed * |
| Friday, 7/5 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 7/6 | Closed |
- * Wednesday had hour changes – preparation for 4th of July holiday
- * Thursday has hour changes – Independence Day
| 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 | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Jul. 18 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Thu., Aug. 15 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Sep. 2 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 19 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking (free)
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
PreSchool Summer Storytime with Miss Dorothy!
Join the wonderful Miss Dorothy for some fun storytelling this summer! For children ages 2 to 5 with an accompanying adult.
PreSchool Summer Storytime with Miss Dorothy!
Join the wonderful Miss Dorothy for some fun storytelling this summer! For children ages 2 to 5 with an accompanying adult.
PreSchool Summer Storytime with Miss Dorothy!
Join the wonderful Miss Dorothy for some fun storytelling this summer! For children ages 2 to 5 with an accompanying adult.
PreSchool Summer Storytime with Miss Dorothy!
Join the wonderful Miss Dorothy for some fun storytelling this summer! For children ages 2 to 5 with an accompanying adult.
About
In addition to Torresdale, the library serves the communities of Academy Gardens, Ashton-Woodbridge, Holme Circle, Pennypack, Pennypack Woods, and Upper Holmesburg.
History
The first settlers in the Torresdale area were the Swedes and then the English, who were possibly led by Thomas Holme, the Surveyor-General who helped William Penn lay out much of the original city of Philadelphia. In 1682, Holme received a grant of 1,646 acres from Penn. He is buried near the library, in Crispin Cemetery.
The area was originally part of Lower Dublin Township, and the earliest record of it is 1693. It was known as Delaware Township from 1852-1854, and then it became part of the city of Philadelphia. The area began to develop around 1850, when Charles Macalester bought a large tract of land and named it "Torrisdale," after his family's estate in Scotland.
The Torresdale Branch of the Free Library opened in February 1972. It features wooden cathedral ceilings. The library was renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign.
A highlight of the building is the Mother Goose mural in the preschool area. It has Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, and a real clock with a painted mouse.