Whitman Library
200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148-2620
(2nd St. & Snyder Ave.)
215-685-1754
Open today 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
| Sunday, 12/8 | Closed |
| Monday, 12/9 | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 12/10 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 12/11 | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 12/12 |
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.* |
| Friday, 12/13 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 12/14 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Thursday has hour changes – Due to staff development.
| 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 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Tue., Dec. 24 : Open 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM preparation for holidays
- Wed., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
- Tue., Dec. 31 : Open 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM preparation for holidays
- Wed., Jan. 1 : Closed New Year's Day
- Thu., Jan. 9 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
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)
Support Whitman Library
Donate NowUpcoming Events
Build It!
Fri, Dec 13, 3:00 P.M.
Build with LEGO, Magna-Tiles, Keva Planks and more! For ages 7 and up.
Read to a PAWS Therapy Dog
Mon, Dec 16, 6:00 P.M.
Bella the French Bulldog will be at Whitman Neighborhood Library for one-on-one reading sessions. She is a PAWS-trained therapy dog who provides a…
Storytime
Tue, Dec 17, 10:00 A.M.
Join us for rhymes, songs, movement activities, and stories! This program is intended for babies thru preschoolers and their caregivers; older…
Play Group
Tue, Dec 17, 10:30 A.M.
Socialize and play with the library's toys after storytime! This program is intended for children 0-5 years old and their caregivers; older…
English for Beginners
Tue, Dec 17, 4:00 P.M.
Free beginner level English classes for adults, meeting for 13 weeks this winter. All are welcome. Classes are provided in partnership with…
The Geography Lady Presents: Lights Around the World
Wed, Dec 18, 4:00 P.M.
Join us as we make our way around the world and learn how different countries and cultures use light to celebrate their special days. There will…
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.