Oak Lane Library
Join us for a StoryWalk®
The book, “Gracias / Thanks” by Pat Mora, is posted at the front gate of Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School, located at 6301 N 2nd St. It is a picture book for ages 4 and up about a little boy and what he is thankful for. The text is in Spanish and English. Stop by! The project is a collaboration between Hostos and Oak Lane Library, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Lane Library.
Great news! We are offering Materials Pickup M - F from 10 - 12 and 1:30 - 4, by appointment only. You must contact the branch in advance to schedule your pickup. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Our book drop is open 24/7 and staff are available to answer questions by phone M - F 10-4. Call us at 215-685-2847.
| Sunday, 6/13 | Closed |
| Monday, 6/14 | Closed |
| Tuesday, 6/15 | Closed |
| Wednesday, 6/16 | Closed |
| Thursday, 6/17 | Closed |
| Friday, 6/18 |
– 1:00 p.m.* |
| Saturday, 6/19 | Closed |
- * Friday has hour changes – preparation for Labor Day
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Sun., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Mon., Jul. 5 : Closed Independence Day (Observed)
- Mon., Sep. 6 : Closed Labor Day
- Mon., Oct. 11 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' 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
Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Comics for Middle Grades (Ages 8 - 12)
There are many LGBTQ+ comics and graphic novels for teenagers and adults, but what about preteens? In this program, learn about graphic novels for kids ages 8 - 12! We will provide book recommendations as well as information on how to find other LGBTQ+ books for this age range (called…
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.