Whitman Library
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 for December:
Mondays: Winter & holiday themed crafts
Tuesdays: Play Tower is open for climbing!
Wednesdays: Board games
Thursdays: Chess Club (Dec. 5 & 19) and Homework Power Hour (Dec. 12)
Fridays: Build It!
LEAP is on break December 23-January 1.
| Sunday, 12/22 | Closed |
| Monday, 12/23 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 12/24 |
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Wednesday, 12/25 |
Closed * |
| Thursday, 12/26 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 12/27 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 12/28 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Tuesday has hour changes – in preparation for the Christmas holiday
- * Wednesday has hour changes – Christmas Day
| 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
- Tue., Dec. 24 : Closing at 1:00 PM in preparation for the Christmas holiday
- Wed., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
- Tue., Dec. 31 : Closing at 1:00 PM in preparation for the New Year holiday
- Wed., Jan. 1 : Closed New Year's Day
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
Crafternoon: Origami
Crafternoon is back for Winter Break! A self-directed, drop-in craft for kids & teens will be available during select dates & times. Do it here at the library or take one home! No large…
Crafternoon: Bookmarks
Crafternoon is back for Winter Break! A self-directed, drop-in craft for kids & teens will be available during select dates & times. Do it here at the library or take one home! No large…
Crafternoon: Jigsaw Puzzles
Crafternoon is back for Winter Break! A self-directed, drop-in craft for kids & teens will be available during select dates & times. Do it here at the library or take one home! No large…
Crafternoon: Comic Books
Crafternoon is back for Winter Break! A self-directed, drop-in craft for kids & teens will be available during select dates & times. Do it here at the library or take one home! No large…
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.