Whitman Library

200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148-2620
2nd St. & Snyder Ave.
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
  • Thu., Sep. 11 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Street parking (free)
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Crafternoon for Kids- Beading

Thu, July 17, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Join us for a new self-directed craft every week starting July 19th until August 21st. Drop-in on Thursday afternoons 2:00-4:30 p.m. July 17: Beading July 24: Make Your Own Comic Book July 31: Scratch Art August 7: Rock Painting August 14: Friendship Bracelets August 21: Assortment of crafts…

Build It! for Kids at Whitman Library

Fri, July 18, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Come play with LEGO, Magna-Tiles, and more! Blocks will be set up on the children's side of the library from 2pm until 4:30pm. No large groups, please. Younger siblings are welcome and we will have larger blocks for them to play with. When? - Fridays, starting July 11th thru August 22nd -…

Family Movies at Whitman - Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

Mon, July 21, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Join us every Monday in July and August for a screening of a family-friendly movie. No camp groups permitted at this program due to limited space. Children under 7 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult while at the library. Movie schedule is subject to change without notice. Movie…

PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance

Mon, July 21, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling, and professional development workshops. Call 1-833-750-5627 to learn more! PA CareerLink®…

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.