Whitman Library

Tuesday, September 3 – Message from Staff

LEAP has homework help & activities every weekday after school! LEAP hours are Monday & Tuesday 3pm-6pm and Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday 3pm-4:45pm. No need to sign up, just drop in!

LEAP Activity Schedule:

Mondays: STEAM

Tuesdays: Play Tower and D&D ( D&D is every other Tuesday)

Wednesdays: Board games

Thursdays: Homework Power Hour

Fridays: Build It!

200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148-2620
2nd St. & Snyder Ave.
Closed Today
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., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
  • Thu., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
  • Thu., Dec. 12 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Wed., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • 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

Friends of Whitman Library Monthly Meeting

Mon, November 4, 2024 6:30 P.M.

The Friends of Whitman Library is an adult volunteer group who meets once a month (usually on the first Monday of the month) to discuss library happenings and fundraising opportunities. This…

Walking Wednesdays

Wed, November 6, 2024 10:15 A.M.

Put on your walking shoes as you join us every Wednesday for Walking Group. We meet at Whitman Library, walk up to Washington Ave and walk back to Whitman Library. No need to be a speed walker,…

English Conversation Group - Intermediate+

Thu, November 7, 2024 2:00 P.M.

Build your confidence in speaking English while meeting other adults in a casual learning environment. No registration is required. This group is for intermediate/advanced English speakers and is…

Yoga for Adults

Thu, November 7, 2024 3:30 P.M.

Free yoga every Thursday at Whitman Library, with instructors Janet Faulls and Anne-Marie Mulgrew! This class is for all levels of practice and beginners are welcome. Bring your own mat or use one…

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.