Charles Santore Library
| 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. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Feb. 9 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Feb. 20 : Closed Presidents' Day
- Thu., Mar. 9 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
- Fri., Apr. 7 : Closed Good Friday
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Printing Services
Facilities
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Handicapped accessible
- Street parking
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
- Computers for public use
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Water fountain
Upcoming Events
PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance
PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with…
Free Computer Assistance
Need help using a computer? Looking for assistance applying for a job online, writing a resume, or using email? Charles Santore Library offers free technology help every Tuesday from 4:30…
Knitting with Miss Merrily
Now on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Miss Merrily shares her knitting skills. All school age children (and parents) are welcome to try their hand at this fun and creative craft. Materials provided.
Storytime for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Storytime in the Children's Room! A new year, the same storytime! Bring your dancing shoes and your singing voice!
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 children's room, which is perfect for relaxed reading.