Charles Santore Library
932 South 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-2932
(7th & Carpenter Sts.)
215-686-1766
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 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
- Thu., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Thu., Jul. 11 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Aug. 8 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Sep. 2 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 12 : 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)
Nearby Libraries
Support Charles Santore Library
Donate NowUpcoming Events
Baby Storytime
Tue, Jun 25, 10:15 A.M.
Storytime can be more than just books! Join us for songs, fingerplay and bounces galore!
Toddler and Preschool Storytime
Tue, Jun 25, 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…
Around the World with the Geography Lady!
Tue, Jun 25, 12:30 P.M.
Travel around the world while staying right here in the library! Take a chance to learn about different places and different cultures with Miss…
Jams! in the Park @ Dickinson Square
Wed, Jun 26, 10:00 A.M.
Meet us in the park for stories, music, and a sensory activity.
Knitting and Crocheting Circle
Wed, Jun 26, 6:00 P.M.
Join us for an informal get together for neighborhood people who knit and crochet.
ESL Conversation Group
Wed, Jun 26, 6:30 P.M.
This group is a great way to practice speaking everyday English. ALL are welcome.
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.