Independence Library
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Feb. 20 : Closed Presidents' Day
- Fri., Apr. 7 : Closed Good Friday
- Sun., Apr. 9 : Closed Easter
- Mon., May. 29 : Closed Memorial Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Printing Services
Facilities
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Computers for public use
- Handicapped accessible
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Screen-reading software (JAWS)
- Self-service checkout
- Street parking (metered)
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
A Celebration of Black American Music
Join us for a concert highlighting the contributions of Philadelphia composers to the rich and varied cultural tradition of Black American Music. The Renaissance Sextet, led by Leon Jordan Sr.,…
From Armstrong to Bridges: Celebrating a Century of Genius in Black American Music
As part of Black History Month, we are excited to present- “From Louis Armstrong to Leon Bridges- Celebrating a century of genius in Black American Music”, a live musical performance…
Movement Adventure: An Active Story Time
In this active story time we move through the story with actions, exercise, dance and yoga. Dramatic and pretend play will keep little ones engaged, while giving them a workout for the body and…
Dissect a Squid!
Discover how unique marine animals are! Discuss the fascinating characteristics of these strange animals and dissect a squid with your own hands. Yes, that's right, you get to dissect an…
About
Named for its proximity to Independence National Park, this branch serves people who live in Society Hill, Old City, Queen Village, Washington Square West, and Chinatown. Independence Branch also houses the Barbara Gittings Gay/Lesbian Collection.
History
For almost thirty years, residents of the eastern part of Center City had been asking for a branch. In 1997, the East Philadelphia Coalition for a Free Library Branch was formed. The coalition's carefully planned and well-presented case enabled the library to successfully persuade City Council to fund a new branch library serving residents in Society Hill, Old City, Chinatown, Washington Square West, and Queen Village.
Space for the new branch was found in what was then the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies. Architect Ignatius Wang led the renovation of the former exhibit space into a library. Meanwhile, representatives from the communities served on a fundraising committee to raise money to build the library collection. The names of the major donors are currently listed on a Chinese moon gate at the library.
Independence Branch opened on February, 28, 2001. The library serves as a community center for Chinatown and the other nearby neighborhoods. The name "Independence" recognizes the proximity to Independence National Historic Park.
The children's area features a mural of changing seasons by Jing-Xiang Liang, and also a multicolored carpet, which is a tribute to the architect's favorite children's book, Elmer the Multicultural Elephant.
Facts about the neighborhoods served by Independence Branch:
- Society Hill is the southern portion of the original settlement by the Free Society of Traders in 1681.
- Old City was the city's first commercial district. The area includes Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuous residential street in America.
- Chinatown's first residents arrived in the mid-1840's, and the first business was established in 1850. Today's Chinatown is the cultural and commercial hub for Asian-Americans in Philadelphia.
- Washington Square is one of the original squares laid out by William Penn. The Unknown Soldier from the Revolutionary War is buried there.
- Originally named Southwark, Queen Village was the city's first neighborhood, taking its name from an area of London, and replacing the Swedes' community of Wicaco. The name "Queen Village" dates from the late 1960's.