Whitman Library
200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148-2620
(2nd St. & Snyder Ave.)
215-685-1754
Closed Today
| Sunday, 10/13 | Closed |
| Monday, 10/14 |
Closed |
| Tuesday, 10/15 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 10/16 | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 10/17 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 10/18 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 10/19 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Monday has hour changes – Columbus Day
| 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
- Mon., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 14 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Thu., Dec. 12 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Wed., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
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
Yoga
Wed, Oct 16, 6:30 P.M.
A free, inclusive yoga class for people of all skill levels and abilities. Mats are available, or you can bring your own. Wear something…
Crimes and Mysteries Bookish Club
Thu, Oct 17, 11:30 A.M.
Join us each month for a casual chat about our favorite detective series, true crime podcasts, unsolved cases, cozy mysteries and more.…
Drop In Help for Job Seekers
Thu, Oct 17, 12:00 P.M.
Looking for a new job or updating your resume? Stop in to speak with a Careerlink specialist for one on one help with applications, resumes, and…
Teens, Tech, and Love: Technology and Relationships
Thu, Oct 17, 4:00 P.M.
Second in a three-part series on our relationships to technology, and each other. In this session, participants will describe their likes…
Early Reading Skills Workshop for Parents
Thu, Oct 17, 4:00 P.M.
Are you the parent or caregiver of a child in K-3 grade and want help with supporting their reading skills? Come to this workshop and learn the…
Build It!
Fri, Oct 18, 3:00 P.M.
Build with LEGO, Magna-Tiles, Keva Planks and more! For ages 7 and up.
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.