Charles Santore/Southwark Branch
Historical Images of Philadelphia Free Library Departments and Branches
Item Info
Historic Street Address: 932 South 7th Street
Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Print and Picture Collection
Notes:
The original Southwark Branch opened in 1912, and was the 13th Andrew Carnegie-funded Free Library branch. Located at 5th & Ellswoth Streets, on a smaller lot than a typical Carnegie library, it eventually became inadequate for the needs of the community.
In 1963, the Southwark Branch reopened in this new building, at 7th & Carpenter Streets. This 1964 image is of a copper and bronze sculpture installed in the library's courtyard; it is titled "Phoenix Rising," created for the library by Bernard Brenner, as part of the 1% For Art initiative. In 2004, the branch was renamed in honor of Charles Santore, a long-time South Philadelphia leader.
The Southwark Branch, located near the Italian Market, serves the South Philadelphia communities of Bella Vista, Queen Village, and Hawthorne.
Geocode Latitude: Geocode Longitude:-75.155274
Geocode Latitude:39.937044