Whitman Library
200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148-2620
(2nd St. & Snyder Ave.)
215-685-1754
Open today 12:00 p.m. – 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
- Thu., Nov. 9 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Sat., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 23 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Thu., Dec. 14 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
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)
Upcoming Events
Yoga for Adults
Wed, Oct 18, 6:30 P.M.
An inclusive yoga class for people of all skill levels and abilities. Mats are available, or you can bring your own. Wear something comfortable…
ESL Class
Thu, Oct 19, 10:00 A.M.
English Language Class is provided by the Center for Literacy. To register, please call 215-474-1235 ext. 229 and ask for English Test Days, or…
Build it!
Fri, Oct 20, 3:00 P.M.
Design and build imaginative structures using LEGO, Mega Bloks, Magna Tiles, and Keva Planks. We have blocks for kids of all ages, from toddler to…
GreatPhillySchools Kindergarten Selection Workshop
Mon, Oct 23, 6:00 P.M.
Alexis Mercado from GreatPhillySchools will be here to discuss kindergarten options for Philadelphia families.
Friends of Whitman Library Meeting
Mon, Oct 23, 6:30 P.M.
The Friends of the Whitman Library will be holding their first meeting of the year on Monday September 25th at 6:30 PM. The Friends of the…
ESL Class
Tue, Oct 24, 10:00 A.M.
English Language Class is provided by the Center for Literacy. To register, please call 215-474-1235 ext. 229 and ask for English Test Days, or…
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.