Charles Santore Library
932 South 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-2932
(7th & Carpenter Sts.)
215-686-1766
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 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., May. 28 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 14 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Wed., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Thu., Jul. 12 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Aug. 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
Baby and Toddler Storytime
Tue, May 22, 10:15 A.M.
Bring your little one for lap time with stories, songs, rhymes and bounces. This program is intended for children 0 to 14 months and their…
Toddler and Preschool Storytime
Tue, May 22, 11:00 A.M.
Let’s read stories, sing songs and dance together! This program is intended for children 15 months to 4 years old and their caregivers.
Knitting and Crocheting Circle
Wed, May 23, 6:00 P.M.
This is an informal get together for neighborhood people who knit and crochet. Due to popular demand, this program now meets weekly.
ESL Conversation Group
Wed, May 23, 6:30 P.M.
This group is a great way to practice speaking everyday English. ALL are welcome.
OM My, Yoga Storytime! With Ms. Reet
Fri, May 25, 11:00 A.M.
A storytime with a meditative twist. Bring your preschooler and get ready for a calming storytime to stretch your body and mind.
Baby and Toddler Storytime
Tue, May 29, 10:15 A.M.
Bring your little one for lap time with stories, songs, rhymes and bounces. This program is intended for children 0 to 14 months and their…
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.