Kensington Library
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 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. 4 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Scanner
- Street parking (free)
- Street parking
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Preschool Storytime
Tue, June 24, 2025
11:00 A.M.
Join us inside the library for stories, rhymes, songs, and movement with your children's librarian! Best suited for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
Headshot Photography with Albert Yee
Tue, June 24, 2025
4:30 P.M.
Photographer Albert Yee will create headshots, using a camera with a lens, three-light setup, and neutral backdrop to create clean, striking portraits. Albert can accommodate individuals, couples, and groups. Participants will view their photos during the session and can select two for Albert to…
Claymobile
Wed, June 25, 2025
12:00 P.M.
Every week enjoy a read-aloud story followed by a clay craft based on the theme of the story. Best suited for ages 4-7.
Storytime for Preschoolers - en español
Thu, June 26, 2025
11:00 A.M.
Tiempo de cuentos y cantos en español y diversión para bebés y niños pequeños. El segundo y cuarto jueves de cada mes a las 11 de la mañana: 8 y 22 de mayo y 12 y 26 de junio Come and enjoy spanish stories and songs and playtime for babies and toddlers…
About
Located near the York-Dauphin El station, the Kensington Branch serves Kensington, West Kensington, and Norris Square. ¡Bienvenidos! Libros, videos, revistas y música en español.
History
In the early 1700s, Anthony Palmer, an English businessman working in Barbados, purchased a large tract of land that he called Kensington after a suburb of London. Early residents were shipbuilders and fishermen, but by the 1830s Kensington had become the textile center of Philadelphia. In 1922, the Frankford elevated line began operation, passing through Kensington Avenue. The textile mills moved south by the end of the 1930s.
Kensington Branch was originally known as Frankford Avenue Branch, Branch Number 3 of the Free Library system. It opened on May 21, 1894 at 1856 Frankford Avenue. The name was changed to the Kensington Branch in 1900. In August 1902 it moved to an empty church building at 2055 East Dauphin Street where it remained for 51 years. In 1953, pending completion of plans for a new location, the agency moved to a small rented shop at 2508 North Front Street.
The current Kensington Branch opened on July 20, 1956. It was renovated in 1997 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library. When you visit, take a look at the mosaic in the meeting room. It was designed by Network Arts and created with the help of neighborhood children.