Oak Lane Library
6614 North 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19126-3299
(12th St. & Oak Lane)
215-685-2848
Starting January12, we will also be open on Saturdays. Stop in from 10 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Open today 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
| 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 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., May. 27 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 20 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Thu., Jul. 18 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Aug. 15 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
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)
Nearby Libraries
Support Oak Lane Library
Donate NowUpcoming Events
June Jawn
Mon, Jun 3, 12:00 P.M.
Join us for a big day! Come sign up for the Summer of Wonder reading program and check out the library while you enjoy face painting*, music,…
First Monday Writers Group
Mon, Jun 3, 6:30 P.M.
Are you a writer who needs some motivation and encouragement? We can provide this, as well as technical skills and information that…
Teen Tuesdays: Guerilla Kindness Action
Tue, Jun 4, 3:00 P.M.
Teens and tweens are invited to join Ms. Deb in weekly wonderful activities. For kids in 6th to 12th grade. We'll meet from…
Young Writers' Group
Wed, Jun 5, 1:00 P.M.
Write with us. Fairytale and superhero themes. Group will be led by local author Hariett Atkerson. Also, July 31
Bibliophiles Reading Group
Wed, Jun 5, 6:00 P.M.
Join us as we discuss Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi. Tonight's discussion is led by Thomasene Mathis. Branch staff can assist you to obtain copies…
Kids' Story and Craft
Thu, Jun 6, 2:00 P.M.
Enjoy a story read-aloud and then tap into your creative side and make a new craft each Thursday.
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.