Charles L. Durham Library
| Sunday, 6/15 | Closed |
| Monday, 6/16 |
4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. * |
| Tuesday, 6/17 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 6/18 |
Closed * |
| Wednesday, 6/18 |
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Thursday, 6/19 |
Closed * |
| Friday, 6/20 |
Closed * |
| Saturday, 6/21 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Monday had hour changes – Closed at 2:45 p.m. and reopened at 4:15 p.m. due to police activity.
- * Wednesday had hour changes – Due to cooling issues. Materials pick up services offered 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- * Wednesday had hour changes – preparation for the Juneteenth holiday
- * Thursday had hour changes – Juneteenth
- * Friday had hour changes – Due to cooling issues.
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Thu., Jul. 24 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Scanner
- Street parking (free)
- Street parking
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Summer Fest 2025
Sat, June 21, 2025
12:00 P.M.
We are partnering up with the James Wright Rec Center to celebrate the beginning of summer! Join us for free swim gear, signing up for summer reading, face paint, meet with community partners all while dancing to a fun DJ. We can’t wait to celebrate the summer with you!
Wonder Wednesdays
Wed, July 2, 2025
2:00 P.M.
From building challenges to arts and crafts and beyond, we will have a fun-filled Wednesday afternoon all summer long! This program will have activities for ages from 2 to 12.
Wonder Wednesdays
Wed, July 9, 2025
2:00 P.M.
From building challenges to arts and crafts and beyond, we will have a fun-filled Wednesday afternoon all summer long! This program will have activities for ages from 2 to 12.
Science in the Summer: Be a Health Scientist
Fri, July 11, 2025
2:00 P.M.
Science in the Summer is a free, informal science program for children entering grades 2 - 6. Supported by GSK and offered in collaboration with The Franklin Institute, the goal of the program is to increase children's interest and confidence in doing science and pursuing STEM careers…
About
Formerly the Mantua Branch, the library was renamed in 1995 to honor Judge Charles L. Durham. Serving the Mantua and Powelton communities, the library is located near the Drexel University campus and the Philadelphia Zoo.
History
Part of this neighborhood was purchased from the Lenni Lenape Indians in 1677 by William Warner. In 1692, a young Welsh carpenter, William Powel, opened a ferry over the Schuylkill River at the foot of the present Spring Garden Bridge. Lancaster Pike and Haverford Road were the first routes providing access from the west.
Mantua was named in 1809 by Judge Richard Peters, who designed a grid of lots with 36th St. and Haverford Ave. as the center. He named the area for a city in Italy.
Powelton was named for the family of William Powell, whose son purchased additional land. By the mid-1880's, Powelton was a fashionable area, becoming part of Philadelphia after the Consolidation Act of 1854.
Designed as part of the multipurpose Mantua Community Center, the Mantua library branch opened July 9, 1979. The building also includes a Department of Recreation gymnasium, a community office and a meeting room.
The branch was renamed the Charles L. Durham Free Library in 1995. Born in Mantua, Durham served on City Council from 1967 to 1974, when he was appointed to the Common Pleas Court. He was a strong advocate for the community, deeply involved in the struggle for civil rights, and was part of the first black caucus on Council.
The library was renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and ensured Internet access.