South Philadelphia Library

1700 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145-2392
Broad & Morris Sts.
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10/6 Closed
Monday, 10/7 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
11:45 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. *
Tuesday, 10/8 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 10/9 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 10/10 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 10/11 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *
Saturday, 10/12 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Monday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up services offered 11 - 11:45 a.m.
  • * Friday has hour changes – preparation for the Indigenous Peoples' 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 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Closures

  • Fri., Oct. 11 : Closing at 1:00 PM preparation for the Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Mon., Oct. 14 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Mon., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
  • Thu., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
View all holiday closings

Services By Appointment

Services

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Change machine
  • Children's only restroom
  • Computer lab
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Self-service checkout
  • Street parking
  • Study rooms
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Open Computer Lab and Computer Assistance

Wed, October 9, 2024 2:00 P.M.

Do you need extra assistance on the computer or a longer timeframe to apply for jobs, take a test, or fill out applications? Walk in to receive computer help or call 215-685-1866 to register for a…

Toddler Storytimes

Wed, October 9, 2024 3:30 P.M.

Fun stories and sing-alongs for early literacy development! Ages 1-3 recommended.  

Open Computer Lab and Computer Assistance

Thu, October 10, 2024 10:00 A.M.

Do you need extra assistance on the computer or a longer timeframe to apply for jobs, take a test, or fill out applications? Walk in to receive computer help or call 215-685-1866 to register for a…

Toddler Storytimes

Thu, October 10, 2024 10:00 A.M.

Fun stories and sing-alongs for early literacy development! Ages 1-3 recommended.  

About

Welcome to our new South Philadelphia Library in the Community Health and Literacy Center at Broad and Morris Streets!

History

This area of south Philadelphia was mainly small farms until the mid-1800's. Broad Street was named by William Penn, who described it as "a Broad Street in the middle of the city, from side to side" between the rivers. It ran from Vine to South (then Cedar) Streets, since they were the original boundaries of the city. In 1819, the street went as far south as Dickinson. By the middle of the 19th century, it was extended to the navy yard.

The original South Philadelphia Branch was located at Broad and Ritner Streets in a T-shaped Carnegie building that opened on November 24, 1914. In 1965, the building was closed and the South Philadelphia Branch reopened at its current location.

In June 2016, the new South Philadelphia Library Reopened to the public.  It is the first of five pilot neighborhood libraries to be reimagined and reshaped to meet the changing needs of today’s library customers. Located on the first floor of the South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center, it includes a Community Health Resource Center with staff trained by the University of Pennsylvania Center for Public Health Initiatives, as well as a central “living room” area, a teen space, a Pre-K Zone, a computer lab, and updated study rooms. Its nearly 12,000 square feet of space serve more than 150,000 customers annually.

South Philadelphia Library was designated a Zone of Peace in 2019 by the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia for its work in answering the call to stop violence by “making our homes and neighborhoods zones of peace free from fear, filled with respect, and marked by deeds of kindness."