Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library

By Appointment services available - call to schedule

600 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123-1311
6th St. & Girard Ave.
Closed Today
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. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Thu., Oct. 5 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
  • Mon., Oct. 9 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Thu., Nov. 2 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
  • Sat., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

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

Upcoming Events

Toddler Storytime

Fri, September 29, 2023 11:00 A.M.

Join Miss Chelsea for storytime! We’ll read, sing, and play! This program is geared towards toddlers, but can be adapted for younger and older children.  

English Conversation Group

Tue, October 10, 2023 12:00 P.M.

Build your confidence in speaking English while meeting other adults in a casual learning environment. Questions? Email adultlearning@freelibrary.org or call 215-686-8664.  

English Conversation Group

Tue, October 17, 2023 12:00 P.M.

Build your confidence in speaking English while meeting other adults in a casual learning environment. Questions? Email adultlearning@freelibrary.org or call 215-686-8664.  

English Conversation Group

Tue, October 24, 2023 12:00 P.M.

Build your confidence in speaking English while meeting other adults in a casual learning environment. Questions? Email adultlearning@freelibrary.org or call 215-686-8664.  

About

Located on Girard Avenue, this branch was known as the Girard Avenue Branch until 1977, when it was named for an educator and community leader. The branch serves the communities of Olde Kensington, Kensington South, Ludlow, Yorktown, East and West Poplar, Northern Liberties, and Girard/Poplar.

History

The neighborhood of Northern Liberties dates from the 1860s. To encourage settlement, William Penn gave those who purchased a lot of land within the city limits (north of Spring Garden Street) a free property in the "Liberty Lands," the wilderness to the north. The district was incorporated into the city of Philadelphia in 1854.

Girard Avenue's story began when the wealthiest man in America, Stephen Girard, decided to make a new street. According to his 1830 vision, the street would be lined with mansions. However, as the city's population grew, Girard Avenue became the city's “"second Market Street,"” with four covered markets.

Ramonita G. de Rodriguez library opened for business as the Girard Avenue Branch on December 16, 1968. The City Council renamed the branch on May 27, 1977 to honor the memory of Ramonita G. de Rodriguez. Rodriguez was an outstanding Puerto Rican educator and community leader who served with the School District of Philadelphia as a supervisor in the Bilingual Program.

The library was renovated in 1996 as part of the “"Changing Lives"” campaign, which refurbished branches and ensured Internet access. As part of the Girard Avenue Coalition's effort to revitalize the street, The Mural Arts Program of the City of Philadelphia has created a colorful mural for the library's exterior. You might also notice the abstract relief sculpture on the concrete fascia encircling the building, which was crafted by sculptor Joseph J. Greenberg, Jr.