Whitman Library
Summer Reading (“Summer of Wonder”) is happening June 6-August 12! We have programs for all ages, including:
Adult raffle at front desk
Teen take & make kits
Children’s activity sheets and weekly prizes
| Sunday, 8/7 | Closed |
| Monday, 8/8 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 8/9 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 8/10 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 8/11 |
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. * |
| Friday, 8/12 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 8/13 | Closed |
- * Thursday has hour changes – due to staff development
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Sep. 5 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 8 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Oct. 10 : Closed Indigenous People Day
- Thu., Oct. 13 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
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)
- Scanner
- Printing (black/white)
Upcoming Events
Summer Storytime at Dickinson Square Park
Join Whitman librarian Ms. Rachel for an outdoor family storytime at Dickinson Square Park in South Philly. Please bring your own blanket to sit on. No large groups, please. Any cancellations will…
Mindful Meditation
Ground your mind and body with this virtual Mindful Meditation using a brief body scan. Listen to peaceful music while you relax and bring compassion and kindness to your body and mind. Please…
Summer Reading Finale
Join library staff outside in front of the library to celebrate the last day of summer reading! We'll have snacks, free books and giveaways for all, and certificates for summer reading…
Build It!
Come play with LEGO, Magna-Tiles, and more! Blocks will be set up on the children's side of the library. No large groups, please. For children ages 5-12.
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.