Lillian Marrero Library

601 West Lehigh Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19133-2228
6th St. & Lehigh Ave.
Open today until 6:00 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 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
View all holiday closings

Services By Appointment

Services

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

PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance

Mon, June 23, 2025 2:00 P.M. This event has already happened.

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 counseling, and professional development workshops. Call 1-833-750-5627 to learn more! PA CareerLink®…

Dungeons & Dragons Club (Beginners)

Mon, June 23, 2025 3:30 P.M.

Beginners Level D&D Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game which relies on imagination and teamwork. Players gather together at a table using dice, miniature figurines, maps, game rules and their imaginations to tell an exciting story together. Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30…

Dungeons & Dragons Club (Advanced)

Tue, June 24, 2025 3:30 P.M.

Advanced Level D&D Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game which relies on imagination and teamwork. Players gather together at a table using dice, miniature figurines, maps, game rules and their imaginations to tell an exciting story together. Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30…

Yarn It!

Thu, June 26, 2025 3:30 P.M.

Learn the calming art of finger knitting as we embark on fun and unique yarn art projects. This weekly club will give you the skills to make necklaces, scarves, hats and more! No experience necessary - all are welcome. Thursdays 3:30 to 4:30 PM

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."