Walnut Street West/West Philadelphia Branch

Historical Images of Philadelphia Free Library Departments and Branches
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Walnut Street West/West Philadelphia Branch

Item Info

Item No: pdcf00533
Title: Walnut Street West/West Philadelphia Branch
Additional Title: Interior view of the remodeled West Philadelphia Branch, 1966
Historic Street Address: 40th & Walnut Street, SE corner
Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Print and Picture Collection
Notes:

 The West Philadelphia Branch of Philadelphia Public Library, located at 40th and Ludlow Streets, became a branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on January 1, 1896. In May of 1901, the branch moved to the Hamilton School Building, at 4105-09 Chestnut Street.

On June 26, 1906, the branch moved into the first of the Andrew Carnegie-funded branches, located at 40th and Walnut Streets.  In 1960, the branch was remodeled. In comparison with the previous 1960 image (#pdcf00532), this 1966 interior view shows greater warmth in the decor and furnishings.

The branch was renamed the Walnut Street West Branch sometime in the 1970s.  Located near the University of Pennsylvania, the branch serves the West Philadelphia communities of University City and Spruce Hill.


Creation Year: 1966
Geocode Latitude: Geocode Longitude:-75.202584
Geocode Latitude:39.954112

Creator Name: Lawrence S. Williams, Inc. - Photographer