Wadsworth Library

By Appointment services available - call to schedule

Tuesday, September 19 – Message from Staff

SERVICE HOUR CHANGES BEGINNING MONDAY, OCTOBER 16TH:

Monday        11 am - 7 pm

Tuesday       11 am - 7 pm

Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm

Thursday     10 am - 5 pm

Friday           10 am - 5 pm

Saturday       Coming Soon

1500 Wadsworth Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19150-1699
Wadsworth & Michener Aves.
Closed Today
Sunday, 9/17 Closed
Monday, 9/18 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 9/19 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. *
Wednesday, 9/20 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. *
Thursday, 9/21 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, 9/22 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9/23 Closed
  • * Tuesday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up services offered 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. today.
  • * Wednesday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up services offered 10 - 10:30 a.m. today.
Sunday Closed
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 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

  • Mon., Oct. 9 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Thu., Oct. 12 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
  • Thu., Nov. 9 : 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
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
  • Bicycle rack
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Parking lot
  • Street parking (free)
  • Water fountain

Upcoming Events

Storytime and Playtime with Ms. Blake

Mon, September 25, 2023 10:30 A.M.

Join Ms. Blake for an engaging session of stories, rhymes and songs followed by a musical playtime.  This program is best for ages 5 and under. In the Meeting Room, most Mondays.

Read, Baby, Read Storytime

Tue, September 26, 2023 10:30 A.M.

Join Ms. Blake on Tuesday mornings for stories, songs and bounces specifically designed to prepare babies and toddlers for literacy.  Older siblings are welcome too!

Roald Dahl Fall

Wed, October 11, 2023 3:30 P.M.

Once a month come watch a movie based on one of Roald Dahl's books and enjoy a craft and a snack. Today we will be showing James and the Giant Peach and we'll make grated, frozen peaches…

Roald Dahl Fall

Tue, November 7, 2023 1:30 P.M.

Once a month come watch a movie based on one of Roald Dahl's books and enjoy a craft and a snack. Today we will be showing a double feature of Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate…

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.