Haverford Library

5543 Haverford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19139-1432
56th St. & Haverford Ave.
Closed Today
Sunday, 6/15 Closed
Monday, 6/16 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 6/17 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 6/18 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 6/19 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed *
Friday, 6/20 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 6/21 Closed
  • * Thursday has hour changes – Juneteenth
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 Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
  • Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
  • Thu., Jul. 24 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
View all holiday closings

Services By Appointment

Services

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • Change machine
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Screen magnify tools
  • Street parking (free)
  • Study rooms
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Summer of Wonder Kickoff Block Party

Mon, June 16, 2025 11:00 A.M.

Join us in celebration of community and summer reading at the Haverford Library's Kickoff Summer of Wonder Block Party on Monday, Monday June 16th from 11:00am-6:00pm. Enjoy a host of community partners such as DBHIDS, The Treehouse Book Mobile, Penn Nurses, the Food Trust, Unpopularly…

LEAP: Art Day!

Mon, June 16, 2025 3:00 P.M.

Let your creativity shine! Join us from 3:00–5:00 PM for hands-on art projects and crafts like bracelet making and more.

LEAP Into Art

Mon, June 16, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Sock puppet making, Grab a sock and get crafty! Create your own sock puppet friend using colorful decorations, googly eyes, and your wildest ideas. Then, put on a show with your new character!

LEAP: Homework Help

Tue, June 17, 2025 3:00 P.M.

Need a little extra support with your assignments? Drop by for personalized homework assistance  to help you stay on top of your studies. We’ll be here to help you tackle tough subjects and boost your confidence. Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, for grades K to 12.

About

Located at the busy intersection of Haverford Avenue, 56th and Westminster Streets, the branch serves the community of Haddington-Carroll Park. The library has a lively aquarium theme in the preschool center. Private study rooms are available by appointment.

History

The neighborhood had its beginning when John Rhoads received the land from William Penn. By 1847, the section between 65th and 67th Streets on Haverford Road appeared as "Haddington" on maps. Haverford was a main road in the area.

During the Civil War, this area was a center for training recruits for the Union Army. The Northwest Fellowship Council was founded in 1954. It was a forerunner of the Haddington Leadership Organization, which is still active today, working for the betterment of the community.

The Education Committee of the Haddington Leadership Organization led the drive to petition City Council to erect a library branch in their community. 5,000 signatures were collected and funding was placed in the 1976 city budget. Ground was broken in 1978, and the library opened on September 5, 1979.

The stained glass mural above the front door was created by artist Crosby Willet. The preschool area features an aquarium theme with lots of multicolored fish.

The library was renovated in 2000 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library.