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
- Thu., Aug. 8 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Sep. 2 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 12 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Oct. 10 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Oct. 14 : Closed Columbus 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)
Nearby Libraries
Support Whitman Library
Donate NowUpcoming Events
Yoga for Kids
Wed, Jul 17, 5:30 P.M.
A fun and free yoga class for children ages 7-12, led by instructor Anne-Marie Mulgrew. Yoga helps children be active, learn to concentrate, and…
English Classes for Families
Thu, Jul 18, 10:00 A.M.
This five-week series of English classes from the Center for Literacy is for adults with children. Snacks and activities will be available for…
Do’s and Don’ts of Resumes
Thu, Jul 18, 10:00 A.M.
This workshop, led by a Careerlink specialist, will help you craft a better resume for your job search. The workshop will run from 10:00 to 11:00…
Crimes and Mysteries Bookish Club
Thu, Jul 18, 11:30 A.M.
Do you love a good mystery? Join us on the third Thursday of each month for a casual chat about our favorite detective series, true crime…
Teen Cooking: Summer Reading Rolls
Thu, Jul 18, 4:00 P.M.
Let's work on our culinary literacy skills by making healthy snacks and desserts. Today we’ll be making Summer Reading Rolls, a…
Adult Coffee and Coloring
Fri, Jul 19, 12:00 P.M.
Color away your stress and enjoy a beverage with other community members. All coloring supplies, tea, and coffee will be provided.
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.