South Philadelphia Library
| Sunday, 5/18 | Closed |
| Monday, 5/19 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 5/20 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 5/21 |
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. * |
| Thursday, 5/22 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 5/23 |
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Saturday, 5/24 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Wednesday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up services offered 10 -11 a.m. English Class participants admitted for programming.
- * Friday has hour changes – preparation for the Memorial Day holiday
| 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
- Mon., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 12 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
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
LEAP Fun Fridays!
Fri, May 23, 2025
3:30 P.M.
This event has already happened.
Celebrate the end of the school week with an afternoon of fun! Each week we will feature a different craft, game, or activity.
Dance Me a Story
Sat, May 24, 2025
12:00 P.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 the tale of The Story Orchestra to life at the South Philadelphia Library! This program is intended…
Tablet and Phone Help
Tue, May 27, 2025
11:00 A.M.
Need help printing a document from your phone? Can’t figure out how to work your iPad? Stop by our computer lab to receive help.
Chess Club
Tue, May 27, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Learn to play chess or improve your game! All ages and all levels welcome.
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."