David Cohen Ogontz Library

6017 Ogontz Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
Church Lane & Ogontz Ave.
Closed Today
Sunday Closed
Monday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Fri., Apr. 7 : Closed Good Friday
  • Sun., Apr. 9 : Closed Easter
  • Thu., Apr. 20 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
  • Thu., May. 18 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Book drop box
  • Computers for public use
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Parking lot
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Water fountain
  • Scanner
  • Bicycle rack

Upcoming Events

Intro to House Plants and Repotting

Wed, April 5, 2023 4:00 P.M.

Learn all about house plants and repotting, even if you do not have a green thumb!  Through this experience, we'll explore and share information on a variety of houseplants - how to care…

Introduction to Yoga

Wed, May 3, 2023 3:30 P.M.

Is life stressing you out? Join yoga instructor Janet Faulls who will teach beginner level poses, breathing and meditation techniques to relax the mind and body.  All ages are welcome. …

Book Making for Teens

Wed, May 10, 2023 3:00 P.M.

Join the Soapbox Community Print Shop for an interactive program that goes through simple book structures and how to make them.  All materials will be provided.  The program runs from…

About

Serving the communities of Ogontz and Belfield, this branch is located at Church Lane and Ogontz Avenue.

History

Ogontz is named after the Oak Lane mansion of Jay Cooke, a Civil War financier. As a young boy, he met Chief Ogontz in Ohio and later named his home for the Indian leader.

The community first requested a library in 1961, but due to problems with sites, funding and construction, the library was not opened until 1997. David and Florence Cohen helped get the community organized by circulating petitions and even hosting a meeting at their home. In the 1960's and 70's the area was served by a bookmobile, and various sites were considered, and even purchased, but the plans were rejected and funding was rescinded.

In 1984, the neighborhood association requested a library on the site of the former Ogontz Theatre and the library applied for library construction funds from the state. In 1994, groundbreaking was held at 6017 Ogontz Avenue, next to the site of the theatre. The library was to be a pre-engineered modular building, with carousel book shelves.

On February 10, 1997, the new library was finally opened, with a special poem written and recited by Nikki Taylor, who fondly remembered the weekly bookmobile visits and considered the new library a blessing for the entire community.