Oak Lane Library
Most Free Library of Philadelphia branches are opening to the public for browsing and computers on Monday, August 23, 2021. However, Oak Lane Library is undergoing roof renovations and will remain closed to the public at this time. Our re-opening date is not yet set, but keep checking back for updates.
We continue to offer phone reference (215-685-2847) and materials pick-up by appointment. We will have NEW hold pick-up hours beginning August 23! They will be Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Friday 10-4:30. Please still call to schedule a pickup appointment time.
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Oct. 11 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Thu., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 25 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Dec. 24 : Closed Christmas Day (Observed)
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
Postcards!
Did you know that postcards were invented 152 years ago this month? Join us on the front lawn of the library for a mail celebration! We will learn about Owney, a famous dog who was the mascot of the United States Postal Service in the 1800s and we will also learn how to…
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.