Independence Library
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., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 11 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
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
Intermediate ESL
Mon, June 23, 2025
1:30 P.M.
Join us as we read about and talk about a variety of topics, including current events, American cultural issues, English grammar, current American expressions, etc. - all with the goal of improving participants' proficiency in spoken and written English. Each week participants…
Pride Craft Party!
Mon, June 23, 2025
2:00 P.M.
Rainbows, pride, and love! Celebrate pride month with some fun crafts, stickers, and coloring! There will be activities for kids of all ages.
Social Services at the Library with a Social Worker
Mon, June 23, 2025
2:00 P.M.
Stop by for Open Office Hours 2pm-5pm on Monday June 23rd with a Social Worker where you can receive help finding, navigating, and connecting to relevant community and government agencies. If you have questions, you can email socialservices@freelibrary.org. Social Workers are…
English Conversation Group - Intermediate+
Tue, June 24, 2025
2:00 P.M.
Build your confidence in speaking English while meeting other adults in a casual learning environment. No registration is required. This group is for intermediate/advanced English speakers and is led by Free Library volunteer Stan. Questions? Email adultlearning@freelibrary.org or call…
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.