Oak Lane Library
6614 North 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19126-3299
(12th St. & Oak Lane)
215-685-2848
Closed Today
| Sunday, 7/15 | Closed |
| Monday, 7/16 | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 7/17 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 7/18 | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 7/19 |
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.* |
| Friday, 7/20 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 7/21 | Closed |
- * Thursday has hour changes – Due to staff development.
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Jul. 19 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Aug. 16 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Sep. 3 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 20 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Oct. 8 : Closed Columbus Day
Facilities
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking (free)
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
A Series of Unfortunate Read Alouds
Mon, Jul 16, 2:00 P.M.
We will be reading The Bad Beginning , the first book in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events series. Best for 3rd to 5th…
How I Spent My Summer @ the Movies
Mon, Jul 16, 6:00 P.M.
Join us for a sports-themed movie the Meeting Room. Stop by and see what this week's selection will be. Refreshments will be…
Science in the Summer 2018 - Science of Space!
Tue, Jul 17, 10:00 A.M.
GSK Science in the Summer™ is a fun and free science education program sponsored by GSK and administered by The Franklin…
Teen Tuesdays | Scrabble Scramble
Tue, Jul 17, 2:00 P.M.
Join Ms. Deb in wonderful weekly activities! Show us your best words! Prizes and refreshments! Bring a friend.
Kids' Arts & Crafts
Wed, Jul 18, 2:00 P.M.
Tap into your creative side and make a new craft, or piece of art, each Wednesday.
ASALH Explorers Presents | Imagine: Beautiful in All Shades
Thu, Jul 19, 10:00 A.M.
This series of unique programs highlights the history and culture of African Americans. The program is presented by the PhilaMontco branch…
About
Serving the community of Oak Lane, which is east of Broad Street at the city's northern border.
History
The neighborhood's earliest settlers arrived in 1697, when Griffith Miles and several Welsh families came to settle and farm. Miles built a log cabin in the vicinity of Old York Road and Haines Street. The area became known as Milestown in 1711.
After farming began to flourish, water power from streams was used to operate mills. The products of the mills were sold in the surrounding communities.
In 1761, Joseph Armitage built a school on the site of the present Ellwood School - a plot of land on the north side of Oak Lane, between 12th and 13th Streets. Subsequently, three larger schools were built on the site to accommodate the growing population. The name changed from the Armitage School to the Milestown School, and finally to the Ellwood School.
The name Oak Lane comes from a beloved, large oak tree that stood on the property of Hall W. Mercer, who lived on Martin's Mill Road. After the tree blew down during a storm in 1860, Mercer changed the name of the road to Oak Lane.
The Oak Lane Library was built in 1910-11 with the combined efforts of the Ladies Review Club of Oak Lane, the Library Association, and funding from Andrew Carnegie. During the Great Depression, a Friends of Oak Lane Library group formed in order to provide book funds until budgets were restored by City Council.
In 1958, the newly rehabilitated Oak Lane Branch held an open house, and a new "Friends" group formed, sponsoring lectures and purchasing materials. The library was renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which brought Internet service to every library.