Falls of Schuylkill Library

3501 Midvale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19129-1633
Warden Dr. & Midvale Ave.
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 5/18 Closed
Monday, 5/19 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 5/20 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 5/21 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 5/22 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 5/23 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *
Saturday, 5/24 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Friday has hour changes – preparation for the Memorial Day holiday
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

  • Fri., May. 23 : Closing at 1:00 PM preparation for the Memorial Day holiday
  • Mon., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
  • Thu., Jun. 12 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Book drop box
  • Community Fridge
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Street parking (free)
  • Street parking (metered)
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

“Mommy’s Khimar” Presented by the Enchantment Theatre Company

Sat, May 24, 2025 2:00 P.M.

With expressive masks, life-size puppets, original music, and imaginative scenic effects, Enchantment Theatre Company brings to life “Mommy’s Khimar” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. In this story, a Black, Muslim girl imagines all the things she can be in her mother’s…

Stop the Bleed Training

Tue, May 27, 2025 1:00 P.M.

Death due to traumatic bleeding can occur in less than 5 minutes. In under 1 hour, you can learn to save a life.  Individuals will receive formal Stop the Bleed training, which includes a presentation followed by hands-on practice of applying direct pressure, packing a wound, and using a…

Blood Pressure Screening for All

Tue, May 27, 2025 1:00 P.M.

Stop in for a free blood pressure screening by Jefferson Health staff.  Learn about factors that can impact your health and check out a blood pressure monitor to track your blood pressure at home. From 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  

Fiber Arts Group

Tue, May 27, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Stop by the library and bring a portable craft project (knitting, crochet, hand-sewing, embroidery, etc) that you are working on. Don't know how, but want to learn to hand-craft from others who are passionate about their work?  Stop in and watch and learn some basics. This program is…

About

Located at the intersection of Midvale Avenue, Warden Drive, and Conrad Street, the Falls of Schuylkill Branch has a lovely garden tended by volunteers. The branch serves the community of East Falls with a variety of programs for all ages.

History

Industrial activity marked the early history of the Schuylkill River and nearby waterways. Even before the fishery of Fort St. Davids was established by Welshmen at the Falls of the Schuylkill in 1734, other settlers were building mills along the Wissahickon and the Falls Creeks.

Don't bother trying to find the Schuylkill Falls themselves, however. The Fairmount Dam, constructed in 1822, raised the river's water level and obliterated the rapids. The area near the present library was a brewery from 1873 to 1894. After it fell into disrepair, the springs turned it into a swimming hole.

The first library in East Falls opened on June 1, 1901 as a Deposit Station on the second floor of the Old Academy, the first community center in Philadelphia. It was built in 1819 as a place of education and worship. Since 1932, the building has been used as a theater, and was the scene of Grace Kelly's acting debut.

Featuring English Collegiate architecture, the current library opened on November 18, 1913. The building was funded by Andrew Carnegie, and the land was donated by William H. Merrick and the Warden Estate. The library was renovated in 1997 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and ensured Internet access.

Atop the library, you'll see a catfish weathervane on the cupola. The preschool center also features a catfish. They are symbols of the thousands of catfish that thronged the Schuylkill River two centuries ago, when East Falls was known as Fort St. Davids. One fisherman in the 1830's caught 3,000 in one night with his dip net. Catfish and waffles were a popular meal in the inns and taverns that surrounded the river.

While you visit, take a look at the beautiful garden outside the library. It has been maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers since the late 1980's.