Whitman Library
No printing at Whitman Library because our printer is currently out of service.
| Sunday, 1/19 | Closed |
| Monday, 1/20 |
Closed * |
| Tuesday, 1/21 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 1/22 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 1/23 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 1/24 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 1/25 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Monday had hour changes – Martin Luther King, Jr. 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
- Mon., Feb. 17 : Closed Presidents' Day
- Thu., Mar. 13 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Fri., Apr. 18 : Closed Good Friday
- Sun., Apr. 20 : Closed Easter
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)
- Public restrooms
- Scanner
- Street parking (free)
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Senior Strength Training
This Senior Strength and Conditioning class, led by a certified instructor, combines hand weights, chair exercises along with cardio work to improve your fitness, strength and balance. All…
Tuesday night yoga
Join us for a free weekly yoga class taught by Anne-Marie Mulgrew, All levels welcome! Bring your own mat or use one of ours. Cleaning wipes for mats are also available. No need to register, just…
Walking Wednesdays
Put on your walking shoes as you join us every Wednesday for Walking Group. We meet at Whitman Library, walk up to Washington Ave and walk back to Whitman Library. No need to be a speed walker,…
English Conversation Group - Intermediate+
Build your confidence in speaking English while meeting other adults in a casual learning environment. No registration is required. This group is for intermediate/advanced English speakers and is…
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.