Item Info
Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Print and Picture Collection
Notes:
The Kensington Branch, originally known as the Frankford Avenue Branch of the Philadelphia Public Library, became a branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia in 1896. Its name was changed to Kensington Branch in 1900, so as not to be confused with the newly-acquired Frankford Branch. The Kensington Branch moved in 1902 into the empty Messiah Baptist Church building, at 2055 East Dauphin Street, where it remained for 51 years.
This is a copy of the architect's rendering (ca. 1952) for a new building for the Kensington Branch, to be located at Hope & Dauphin Streets. It was designed by the architectural firm Martin, Stewart, & Noble. In 1953, pending completed construction of its new location, the branch moved temporarily into a small rented shop at 2508 N. Front Street. The completed new building opened on July 20, 1956.
The Kensington Branch serves Kensington, West Kensington, and Norris Square.
Geocode Latitude: Geocode Longitude:-75.132613
Geocode Latitude:39.984736
Creator Name: Long, Jack, 1925-2001 - Artist
Martin, Stewart & Noble (fl. 1954 - 1962) - Architect