Torresdale Library
| Sunday, 5/28 | Closed |
| Monday, 5/29 |
Closed * |
| Tuesday, 5/30 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 5/31 | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 6/1 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 6/2 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 6/3 | Closed |
- * Monday has hour changes – Memorial Day
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 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., Jun. 15 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Tue., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Thu., Jul. 20 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
Facilities
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Computers for public use
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking (free)
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
- Baby changing station
- Electrical outlets available
Upcoming Events
Story Moves: Arts & Crafts Series
This six week series for preschoolers is based on a movement book, followed by a fun project that will allow each child to experience and process art they can be proud of and take…
Animal Champions
Join us for Animal Champions with the Center for Aquatic Sciences! Meet animals with amazing adaptations that help them thrive! All ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Story Moves: Arts & Crafts Series
This six week series for preschoolers is based on a movement book, followed by a fun project that will allow each child to experience and process art they can be proud of and take…
Snake Party!
Join snake expert Scott Prior to meet his favorite scaly friends as they visit the library. He'll share interesting facts about snake behaviors and habitats, and answer your questions. If you…
About
In addition to Torresdale, the library serves the communities of Academy Gardens, Ashton-Woodbridge, Holme Circle, Pennypack, Pennypack Woods, and Upper Holmesburg.
History
The first settlers in the Torresdale area were the Swedes and then the English, who were possibly led by Thomas Holme, the Surveyor-General who helped William Penn lay out much of the original city of Philadelphia. In 1682, Holme received a grant of 1,646 acres from Penn. He is buried near the library, in Crispin Cemetery.
The area was originally part of Lower Dublin Township, and the earliest record of it is 1693. It was known as Delaware Township from 1852-1854, and then it became part of the city of Philadelphia. The area began to develop around 1850, when Charles Macalester bought a large tract of land and named it "Torrisdale," after his family's estate in Scotland.
The Torresdale Branch of the Free Library opened in February 1972. It features wooden cathedral ceilings. The library was renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign.
A highlight of the building is the Mother Goose mural in the preschool area. It has Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, and a real clock with a painted mouse.