Philadelphia City Institute Branch
Historical Images of Philadelphia Free Library Departments and Branches
Item Info
Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Print and Picture Collection
Notes:
The Philadelphia City Institute opened its doors at 18th and Chestnut Streets in 1855, principally as a library and reading room for area youth. In 1923, the Institute moved to a former residence, the Craig-Lippincott House, at 218 S. 19th Street (West Rittenhouse Square).
In 1944, the Institute joined the Free Library of Philadelphia as a branch, pictured in this image. This view, from the circulation desk to the back, shows the interior space converted for library use. The branch remained there until the building was demolished in 1955.
On May 11, 1957, PCI reopened in its present quarters, at approximately the same site, designed to be incorporated into the first floor and lower level of a newly-built high-rise apartment building.
PCI serves the communities of Rittenhouse Square, Fitler Square, and people who live and work in Center City west of Broad Street.
Creation Year: ca. 1944
Geocode Latitude: Geocode Longitude:-75.172646
Geocode Latitude:39.948625