Queen Memorial Library

Monday, September 22 – Message from Staff

Drop by any day for a free, nutritious afterschool snack! Available to all kids 18 and under.

 

1201 South 23rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146-4316
Federal St. between 22nd & 23rd
Closed Today
Sunday, 11/9 Closed
Monday, 11/10 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *
Tuesday, 11/11 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Closed *
Wednesday, 11/12 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 11/13 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 11/14 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 11/15 Closed
  • * Monday had hour changes – in observance of Veterans Day
  • * Tuesday has hour changes – Veterans Day
Sunday Closed
Monday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
  • Fri., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Friday
  • Thu., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Street parking (free)
  • Street parking
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Beginner English

Wed, November 12, 2025 10:30 A.M.

  Wednesdays and Fridays 10:30 am - 12 pm (September 24 - December 5, 2025) Learn and practice English for daily life in this course taught by University of Pennsylvania graduate students. Practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing to build your confidence in using English. For…

Wednesday STEAM LEAP Activity

Wed, November 12, 2025 3:00 P.M.

An activity that changes from week to week to explore language, art, and/or STEM topics in the children's section from 3pm-4:45pm.  

Beyblade Tournament

Wed, November 12, 2025 3:30 P.M.

School aged kids, ages 5-12 years, are invited to our first-ever BEYBLADE tournament. Bring your own Beyblades or use one of ours! All supplies provided.

Thursday LEAP Construction Club

Thu, November 13, 2025 3:00 P.M.

Create with LEGO and other building toys 3pm-4:45pm in the meeting room.      

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!

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."