Katharine Drexel Library

11099 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154-3516
Knights & Fairdale Rds.
Open today until 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10/6 Closed
Monday, 10/7 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 10/8 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 10/9 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 10/10 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 10/11 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *
Saturday, 10/12 Closed
  • * Friday has hour changes – preparation for the Indigenous Peoples' Day
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

  • Fri., Oct. 11 : Closing at 1:00 PM preparation for the Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Mon., Oct. 14 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Mon., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
  • Thu., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Book drop box
  • Computers for public use
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Parking lot
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Street parking (free)
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Preschool Storytime

Thu, October 10, 2024 10:30 A.M.

Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays! For children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult.

PA CareerLinkĀ® Job Search Assistance

Fri, October 18, 2024 2:00 P.M.

Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career…

Fall Holiday Crafts

Tue, October 22, 2024 5:30 P.M.

Join us to celebrate the fall holidays with a Pumpkin Scene! Space is limited, seating is first-come, first-served. For children in K-5th grade, preschoolers are welcome with an accompanying adult.

Preschool Storytime

Thu, October 24, 2024 10:30 A.M.

Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays! For children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult.

About

Located near the Franklin Mills Mall, this branch serves the communities of Normandy, North and West Torresdale, Morrell Park, Millbrook, Parkwood, Crestmont Farms,

History

As late as the 1950's, the area served by the Katharine Drexel Branch was mostly lush farmland and open space. This otherwise unremarkable rural area was the birthplace of Benjamin Rush, the renowned Revolutionary War physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

In 1954, the city opened the area to development, and the rapid construction of housing followed, transforming the area into typical Philadelphia neighborhoods of row homes, recreation centers and schools. 1989 saw the opening of the Franklin Mills Mall, the largest privately financed project in city history.

The Katharine Drexel branch of the Free Library opened its doors on September 24, 1969. There were so many requests for books and information that it was impossible to count them accurately.

The branch was dedicated in November of that same year to Mary Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia heiress who founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, an order devoted to the education of African American and Native American children. Mother Drexel was named a saint of the Roman Catholic Church on October 1, 2000. Look for her portrait in the entrance of the branch.

Also look for the teakwood sculpture, The Reading Bench by Evelyn Keyser. In a tribute to the Free Library’s commitment to literacy, this work depicts a mother and child reading together.

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