Whitman Library
200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148-2620
(2nd St. & Snyder Ave.)
Upcoming Events
Writing Help from University of Pennsylvania Faculty
Mon, Apr 6, 5:00 P.M.
Whitman Library
Struggling with writer’s block? Don’t know where to start? Need a second pair of eyes on a document? Stop in to get free writing help…
Friends of Whitman Library Meeting
Mon, Apr 6, 6:30 P.M.
Whitman Library
Curious about getting involved with your neighborhood library? The Friends of the Whitman Library will be holding their monthly meeting to plan…
Storytime
Tue, Apr 7, 10:00 A.M.
Whitman Library
Join us for rhymes, songs, movement activities, and stories! This program is intended for babies thru preschoolers and their caregivers; older…
Play Group
Tue, Apr 7, 10:30 A.M.
Whitman Library
Socialize and play with the library's toys after storytime! This program is intended for children 0-5 years old and their caregivers; older…
Representative Elizabeth Fiedler Mobile Office hours at the Library
Tue, Apr 7, 10:30 A.M.
Whitman Library
Do you need help with any of the following state services? -Senior SEPTA IDs -PA state tax forms -Unemployment compensation -Birth certificate…
English for Beginners
Tue, Apr 7, 4:00 P.M.
Whitman Library
Free beginner level English classes for adults, with additional information about Citizenship Test preparation. All are welcome. Classes are…
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.