Charles Santore Library
932 South 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-2932
(7th & Carpenter Sts.)
215-686-1766
Open today 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 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., Oct. 8 : Closed Columbus Day
- Thu., Oct. 11 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Nov. 8 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Sun., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 22 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
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)
Nearby Libraries
Support Charles Santore Library
Donate NowUpcoming Events
Jams! in the Park @ Dickinson Square
Wed, Sep 19, 10:00 A.M.
Meet us in the park for stories, music, and a sensory activity. This program will run every fair-weather Wednesday, through Ocotber 10.
ESL Class - Intermediate
Wed, Sep 19, 12:30 P.M.
If you are no longer a beginner, try this intermediate class. This two- hour class runs once a week on Wednesdays. This class is…
Knitting and Crocheting Circle
Wed, Sep 19, 6:00 P.M.
If you’re crafty, come hang out with us and make something! This is an informal get-together for neighorhood people who knit or…
ESL Conversation Group
Wed, Sep 19, 6:30 P.M.
This group is a great way to practice speaking everyday English. ALL are welcome.
Knitting With Miss Merrily
Fri, Sep 21, 3:30 P.M.
Miss Merrily shares her knitting expertise after school on Fridays. All school age children are welcome to try their hand at this fun and creative…
Philly Domino Topplers Club
Sat, Sep 22, 1:00 P.M.
Learn to set up dominoes for toppling with a neighborhood expert! This program is intended for children ages 6 and older. Questions? Call the…
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.