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.
From 1953-1956, pending completed construction of its new location, the branch moved temporarily into a small rented shop at 2508 N. Front Street. The new building, at Hope & Dauphin Streets, opened on July 20, 1956. This is a ca. 1956 interior view of the completed branch.
The Kensington Branch serves Kensington, West Kensington, and Norris Square.
Geocode Latitude: Geocode Longitude:-75.132613
Geocode Latitude:39.984736