Wadsworth Library

1500 Wadsworth Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19150-1699
(Wadsworth & Michener Aves.)
215-685-9293

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Tuesday Storytimes!  Join us at 10:30 am for stories, songs and fun.  For children ages 3 to 5 years old, along with an adult.  Come one time, or all the time!  Groups are welcome but must call in advance to assure there is space.

Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, 12/8 Closed
Monday, 12/9 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 12/10 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 12/11 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, 12/12 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.*
Friday, 12/13 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 12/14 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Thursday had hour changes – Due to staff development.
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 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Closures

  • Tue., Dec. 24 : Open 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM preparation for holidays
  • Wed., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
  • Tue., Dec. 31 : Open 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM preparation for holidays
  • Wed., Jan. 1 : Closed New Year's Day
  • Thu., Jan. 9 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
View all holiday closings

Photo of Wadsworth Library

Facilities

  • Book drop box
  • Computers for public use
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
  • Bicycle rack
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Parking lot
  • Street parking (free)
  • Water fountain

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About

Located in the Wadsworth Avenue shopping district, this branch serves the Wadsworth, Cedarbrook, Ivy Hill, and East Mt. Airy communities. A free parking lot on Michener Street serves many of the stores in the area.
 

History

The Wadsworth area became part of the city of Philadelphia in 1854. Prior to a housing boom that began in the 1940's, the area was open woodlands and farms. Therefore, there are only two buildings in the community built before the 1940's. Wadsworth Avenue and Michener Street were named after two of the old family farms.

Before there was a branch library, the neighborhood made heavy use of the Free Library's bookmobile. Wadsworth Avenue Library, a modern building with a glass "storefront," opened on July 30, 1959. In 1992, the building reopened after being closed several years for asbestos removal and building renovations, including the addition of a meeting room. Colorful ribbons enlivened the glass façade and neon lights brightened the interior.

The library was further renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service.