Lillian Marrero Library

601 West Lehigh Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19133-2228
6th St. & Lehigh Ave.
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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 Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., Oct. 14 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Mon., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
  • Thu., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
  • Thu., Dec. 5 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Book drop box
  • Computer lab
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Parking lot
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Self-service checkout
  • Street parking (free)
  • Study rooms
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

*FULL* Computer Skills for Beginners

Thu, October 3, 2024 2:00 P.M.

*Class is full and not accepting new students. Please call the number below to find an alternate class location.* Need computer help? Take a free digital skills workshop at the Library! Learn how…

Jewelry Club

Thu, October 3, 2024 3:30 P.M.

Join us to make fun and creative jewelry including friendship bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and more! Supplies and instruction will be provided. For school-aged children. 

Edible Alphabet: Learn English through Cooking

Fri, October 4, 2024 10:30 A.M.

Adults are invited to this FREE class for English language learners. Each week we read, write, and speak in English - and cook a meal together! The class is in the basement meeting…

Chess Club

Fri, October 4, 2024 3:00 P.M.

Lillian Marrero Library's Chess Club is open to players of all skill levels! From beginners to experienced players, any student that wants to deepen their understanding of chess tactics and…

About

¡Bienvenido! The Lillian Marrero Branch is your Library, featuring books, DVDs, CDs, computer classes, free wi-fi, job search workshops and programs for children. It serves the communities of Central North Philadelphia, Fairhill, St. Edwards/Hartranft, and West Kensington ¡Libros en español!

History

This neighborhood developed in the 19th century as a region of multiplying industry. Hardwick and Magee had a carpet mill at 7th and Lehigh. The world-famous Stetson Hat Factory at 5th and Montgomery, which closed in 1971, was once the city's largest employer. However, as early as the late 1930's, the area's industry started to move south and jobs disappeared.

The Lehigh Avenue Branch of the Free Library, built with funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, opened on November 20, 1906. Within a few days, the neighborhood children had "practically wiped the children's department out of existence" by checking out so many books. At the time, this white limestone Grecian-style building was the largest library in Pennsylvania, and the large lecture hall in the basement was used for lectures and story hours.

The branch was saved from a planned relocation in the mid-sixties and was instead rehabilitated in 1967, and again in 1997 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library. During this renovation, the original chandeliers were refurbished.  

Lillian Marrero Library was designated a Zone of Peace in 2018 by the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia for its work in answering the call to stop violence by “making our homes and neighborhoods zones of peace free from fear, filled with respect, and marked by deeds of kindness."