Charles Santore Library
| 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., Oct. 9 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Thu., Oct. 12 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
- Thu., Nov. 9 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
- Sat., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Printing Services
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
- Baby changing station
- Electrical outlets available
- Meeting space (reservation required)
Upcoming Events
Library Playgroup
This is a free, child-focused playgroup for young children and their caregivers that will take place in the library meeting room. Groups please call to set up a separate appointment.
Knitting with Miss Merrily
Miss 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.
Chess Club for Kids and Teens
Learn to play chess, or learn to play better chess! This program is intended for school age children and teens, grades 2-12.
Storytime at the Library |Toddlers and Preschoolers
Have fun at the library reading books, singing songs and moving our bodies with children's librarian, Ms. Lindsay. This storytime is intended for children 18 months to 5 years old.…
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.