Queen Memorial Library

1201 South 23rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146-4316
Federal St. between 22nd & 23rd
Open today 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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

  • Mon., Jan. 20 : Closed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Mon., Feb. 17 : Closed Presidents' Day
  • Thu., Mar. 13 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Fri., Apr. 18 : Closed Good Friday
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

Monday LEAP Art Explorers

Mon, January 13, 2025 3:00 P.M.

Materials for self-guided artwork creation will be available from 3pm-5:45pm in the children's section.  

The Story Orchestra: Swan Lake

Wed, January 15, 2025 10:00 A.M.

Listen, move, and learn at this special interactive story time with The Rock School for Dance! Explore the joy of movement and storytelling with master educator, Jessica Kilpatrick as she brings…

Wednesday STEAM LEAP Activity

Wed, January 15, 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.  

Thursday LEAP Construction Club

Thu, January 16, 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!

 


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."