Charles Santore Library
| Sunday, 5/22 | Closed |
| Monday, 5/23 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 5/24 |
Closed |
| Wednesday, 5/25 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 5/26 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 5/27 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 5/28 | Closed |
- * Tuesday has hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up service offered 10am - 12pm and 2 - 6pm today.
| 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
- Mon., May. 30 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 9 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
- Sun., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Mon., Jun. 20 : Closed Juneteenth (Observed)
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
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
Storytime in the Park at Starr Garden |Toddlers and Preschoolers
Storytimes for the whole family! All are welcome to come at the time that works best! Bring your own blanket. Starr Garden is located at 600 Lombard Street. Cancellations will be announced on…
Storytime in the Park at Starr Garden |Babies
Storytimes for the whole family! All are welcome to come at the time that works best! Bring your own blanket. Starr Garden is located at 600 Lombard Street. Cancellations will be announced on…
Toddlers and Preschoolers Storytime at Gold Star Park
We're moving to Gold Star Park! Bring your little ones for singing, dancing and monkeys jumping on the bed! Cancellations will be announced on Charles Santore Library Facebook .
Baby Storytime at Gold Star Park
We're moving to Gold Star Park! Bring your little ones for singing, dancing and monkeys jumping on the bed! Cancellations will be announced on Charles Santore Library Facebook .
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.