Charles Santore Library
Sunday, 11/10 | Closed |
Monday, 11/11 |
Closed * |
Tuesday, 11/12 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, 11/13 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Thursday, 11/14 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Friday, 11/15 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Saturday, 11/16 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Monday has hour changes – Veterans Day
Sunday | Closed |
Monday | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Tuesday | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Thu., Dec. 12 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Wed., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
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
Chess Club for Kids
Learn to play chess, or learn to play better chess! This program is intended for school age children and teens, grades 2-12.
Toddler and Preschooler Storytime
We’re going to read books, sing songs and move our bodies at the library with Ms. Lindsay. This storytime is intended for children 18 months to 5 years old. Siblings welcome. Groups can call…
Baby Storytime
Bring your little one for lap time with stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces. This program is intended for children birth to 14 months and their caregivers. Groups can call to arrange a separate…
English Conversation Group - Intermediate+
Build your confidence in speaking English while meeting other adults in a casual learning environment. No registration is required. This group is for intermediate/advanced English speakers and is…
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.