Charles Santore Library
932 South 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-2932
(7th & Carpenter Sts.)
215-686-1766
Immigration Resources Fair | New Americans
Sat, September 23, 2017 | 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at South Philadelphia Library
Are you a new immigrant to the Philadelphia area? Would you like to learn about resources available to you? Stop by and you can learn about employment, housing, health, English classes, and more! This event is free and no registration is required. For more information click here or call Abbe at 215-685-1758.
Open today until 6:00 p.m.
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Sep. 4 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 14 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Oct. 9 : Closed Columbus Day
- Thu., Oct. 12 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Nov. 9 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Building with Blocks for Preschoolers
Fri, Aug 18, 11:00 A.M.
Join us for a Wooden Block Party in the library. Children ages 6 and under and their caregivers are encouraged to build, create, and play! For…
International Freestyle Dance Club
Fri, Aug 18, 2:00 P.M.
Do you like to learn cool new dance moves? Share this passion with others at the Freestyle Dance Club. For teens and tweens (ages…
ESL Conversation Group
Mon, Aug 21, 1:00 P.M.
This group is a great way to practice speaking everyday English. ALL are welcome.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!
Mon, Aug 21, 1:30 P.M.
A partial solar eclipse will be visible from Philadelphia! We will be making pinhole viewers and talking about the effects of the sun with the…
ESL Conversation/Tutoring
Mon, Aug 21, 6:30 P.M.
Looking for some conversation practice or one-on-one help with your English? We have an ESL teacher available to work with you.
Yoga
Mon, Aug 21, 6:30 P.M.
Monday night yoga for all levels with certified instructor. Adults and teens of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Please, bring…
About
Formerly the Southwark Branch, the library was renamed in 2004 to honor political leader Charles Santore. Located a short distance from the Italian Market, the library serves the South Philadelphia communities of Bella Vista, Queen Village, and Hawthorne.
History
Initially named Wicaco, Southwark is the oldest settlement in Philadelphia. King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden granted a charter for settlement in 1638, and Swedish settlers were already established before William Penn's arrival. The Southwark district was created in 1762, named after a neighborhood in London. In the 1960's, the district became known as Queen Village.
The original Southwark Library was a Carnegie Building located at 5th and Ellsworth on land donated by the Young Man's Institute. It opened on November 15, 1912.
The Library opened in its current location on November 1, 1963. It was renovated in 1998 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and ensured Internet access.
The library was re-named on March 26, 2004 to honor Charles Santore. A South Philadelphia native born in 1910, Santore was a former boxer, Republican ward leader, and founder of Municipal Employees Union Local 696. At the time of his death he was the oldest active ward leader in any party.
The library is a short distance from the Italian Market on 9th Street. There is a lovely courtyard, accessible from the fiction room, which is perfect for relaxed reading.