Whitman Library
Check out our new StoryWalk® (featuring Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall) in front of the library along Snyder Avenue. A StoryWalk® is a fun way to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time!
We are open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-4:30 p.m. for in-person services including browsing, holds pickup, computer access, printing, and copying.
Library staff are unable to provide computer assistance due to social distancing guidelines.
Hand sanitizer is located at the entrance and at various points throughout the library. Children under 10 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Curbside holds pickup is available by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays if you prefer to get your holds without coming inside. Call us at 215-685-1754 or email SolomonR@freelibrary.org to schedule.
Returns are accepted in the book drop, located outside our front door and open 24/7 for your convenience.
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | By Appointment |
| Tuesday | 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | By Appointment |
| Thursday | 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Friday | By Appointment |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Sep. 6 : Closed Labor Day
- Mon., Oct. 11 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Thu., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 25 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
- Printing Services
Facilities
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Baby changing station
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking (free)
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
- Printing (black/white)
Upcoming Events
[Outdoors] Summer Reading 2021 Giveaways
Stay busy this summer! Whitman Library staff will be tabling in the back patio area with new & free books (for adults, teens, and children) and summer reading activity packets (for teens and…
[Outdoors] Summer Reading 2021 Giveaways
Stay busy this summer! Whitman Library staff will be tabling in the back patio area with new & free books (for adults, teens, and children) and summer reading activity packets (for teens and…
Virtual Friends of Whitman Library Meeting
Curious about getting involved with your neighborhood library? The Friends of Whitman Library will be holding their monthly meeting on the first Monday of the month. This meeting is free and open…
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.