Whitman Library
200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148-2620
(2nd St. & Snyder Ave.)
215-685-1754
Open today until 8:00 p.m.
| 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
- Mon., Jan. 21 : Closed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Thu., Feb. 14 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Feb. 18 : Closed Presidents' Day
- Thu., Mar. 14 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Apr. 11 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Change machine
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking (free)
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Nearby Libraries
Support Whitman Library
Donate NowUpcoming Events
FAFSA Night
Wed, Jan 16, 5:30 P.M.
Learn why high school seniors need the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to go to college, what the FAFSA does, and how to complete…
Friends of Whitman Library Meeting
Wed, Jan 16, 6:30 P.M.
Curious about getting involved with your library? The Friends of the Whitman Library will be holding their monthly meeting. This meeting is free…
SmART Readers
Fri, Jan 18, 3:30 P.M.
Students ages 7-12 can join us for an exciting visual art and literacy program! A visiting artist will engage students in fun art making…
Storytime
Tue, Jan 22, 10:00 A.M.
Join us for rhymes, songs, movement activities, and stories! This program is intended for babies thru preschoolers and their caregivers; older…
Play Group
Tue, Jan 22, 10:30 A.M.
Socialize and play with the library's toys after storytime! This program is intended for children 0-5 years old and their caregivers; older…
Paper Craft Club
Tue, Jan 22, 4:00 P.M.
Let's make origami, kirigami, and other crafts using simple materials and big imaginations. We'll even work together to build a display…
About
Serving the diverse communities of Whitman and Pennsport, this neighborhood library is located on Snyder Avenue between 2nd Street and S. Philip Street. It is close to several shopping areas, including Snyder Plaza and Whitman Plaza, I-95, and Columbus Boulevard.
History
The neighborhood of Whitman and its library branch derive their names from the nearby Walt Whitman Bridge. In 1854, the community was included in what was then Passyunk Township. It was marshland, and many of the inhabitants raised pigs. The area south of Moore and between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers was known as "the Neck."
Growing out of European customs, the famous Philadelphia Mummers originated in the Neck. "Neckers" formed social clubs and visited each other in pop-in style and dressed in outlandish costumes for the fun of it. Out of this grew the "pea-shooters" who shot in the New Year.
The first official city parade was sponsored in 1901. Every year on New Year's Day, mummers dressed in elaborate costumes strut their stuff down Broad Street and later on 2nd Street or "Two Street." Mummery is particularly associated with Two Street, where a number of Mummers clubs are located.
The Whitman Branch of the Free Library opened on January 24, 1977. The library was renovated in 2000 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service.
When you visit the library, look in the meeting room to see scenes of South Philadelphia painted by well-known Philadelphia watercolorist Howard N. Watson.