Queen Memorial Library
Queen Memorial Library is CURBSIDE ONLY until further notice due to water damage from a serious leak.
Please call 215-685-1899, text 484-580-9927, or email gardinere@freelibrary.org to arrange for materials pickup, printing, and copying. These services may occasionally be unavailable during the repair process.
We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to returning to full services as soon as repairs are complete!
The following services are still available:
Material Returns - Library materials may be returned 24 hours a day in our outdoor dropbox.
Virtual Storytimes - Storytimes for kids are posted several times each week on our facebook page. You can also find all past virtual storytimes on our YouTube Channel
In-Person Storytime - Each Friday at 10:00am outdoor Pre-K storytime is offered at the Queen Memorial Library Courtyard. See our facebook event for more details
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 25 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Sat., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Reference Services
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Computer Use
- Printing Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Book drop box
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking
- Street parking (free)
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
- Baby changing station
- Scanner
- Water fountain
- Bicycle rack
About
The Queen Memorial Library is located on the lower level of the Landreth Apartments, the former Landreth School. The entrance is on Federal Street between 22nd and 23rd streets. Its amenities include a vibrant children's area, a dynamic space for teens, and a suite of longstanding programs like Chair Yoga for adults and Kids Can Cook culinary classes for kids and teens (temporarily on hiatus due to safety concerns). The library has partnered with UPenn's Graduate School of Education, the Neighborhood Gardens Trust, Union Baptist Church, and many more community partners to offer a variety of events and programs to our patrons.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what we're up to!
Want a new way to get in touch? Text a Queen Memorial staff member at 484-580-9927!
We will return your message during operating hours (Monday-Thursday 10-6 & Friday 10-5)
History
Named in honor of a Philadelphia optician, pioneer microscope maker and philanthropist, the James W. Queen Memorial Library was founded in 1907. It was originally housed in the Hope Presbyterian Church at 33rd and Wharton Streets. This library became the Queen Memorial Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on December 13, 1912. In 1945, it was relocated to a rented building at 1313-15 Point Breeze Avenue.
Queen Memorial Branch opened in its current location on Tuesday, January 17, 1995 in the Landreth Apartments, a residence for seniors. The building, built in 1889, is a renovated elementary school - the former Landreth School. Mamie Nichols, then Executive Director of the Point Breeze Federation, was a prime leader behind the renovation of the school into a "multi-purpose achievement center."