Charles Santore Library

Charles Santore Library is temporarily closed.
Friday, January 10 – Message from Staff

While we do not have a firm date for repair to the heating system we believe it will be repaired soon.  Therefore holds are not being rerouted.  We will extend the pickup date for anything that is currently available.

The drop box has temporarily been locked.  Due to the heating problems we have been unable to empty it and process the items in a timely manner.  It will reopen when the branch does.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

932 South 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-2932
7th & Carpenter Sts.
Closed Today

Upcoming Events

State Representative Ben Waxman Mobile Office

Mon, January 13, 2025 11:00 A.M.

State Representative Ben Waxman will be offering mobile office hours in South Philly! Every 2nd Monday from 11a-3p, you can find them at Santore Library. Rep. Waxman's…

PA CareerLinkĀ® Job Search Assistance

Mon, January 13, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling,…

Teen Video Game Hang-out

Mon, January 13, 2025 3:30 P.M.

Gaming and Snacks every Monday at Charles Santore Library! Come solo or with friends to play our Nintendo Switch on the BIG screen.  Option to BYO Switch for local or online…

Knitting with Ms. Merrily

Mon, January 13, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Ms. 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.      

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.