Queen Memorial Library
Queen Memorial Library is now offering limited remote, curbside, and in-person services to our patrons:
In-Person Services - The library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm for in-person browsing and public computer usage. There is a capacity of 10 patrons at a time, and a one-hour limit for your stay in the building. Computer reservations are limited to 30 minutes.
Material Returns - Library materials may be returned 24 hours a day in our outdoor dropbox
Phone Reference - Staff are onsite to answer phone queries Monday through Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm. Call (215) 685-1899 for assistance. You can also TEXT US at 484-580-9927 (text messaging only)
Curbside Pickup - Available holds can be picked up by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm & 1:30pm-4:00pm. You can place your holds online or via phone, and when the items become available you can set up a pickup appointment with us by calling (215) 685-1899, texting 484-580-9927, or emailing Gardinere@freelibrary.org
Virtual Storytimes - Daily storytimes for kids are posted each weekday afternoon on our facebook page. You can also find all past virtual storytimes on our YouTube Channel
Remote Printing - Text 484-580-9927 or email QMBprinting@gmail.com to arrange for remote printing & pickup
Find out more about the library's current service offerings systemwide here.
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | By Appointment |
| Tuesday | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | By Appointment |
| Thursday | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Friday | By Appointment |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Feb. 15 : Closed Presidents' Day
- Fri., Apr. 2 : Closed Good Friday
- Sun., Apr. 4 : Closed Easter
- Mon., May. 31 : Closed Memorial Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Reference Services
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Computer Use
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
Located on the lower level of the Landreth Apartments, the Queen Memorial Branch serves all ages. 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. 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 variets of events and programs to our patrons.
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, Executive Director of the Point Breeze Federation, was a prime leader behind the renovation of the school into a "multi-purpose achievement center."