Whitman Library
We are now open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 1:00-4:00 p.m. for in-person services including browsing, holds pickup, computer use, printing, and copying.
Masks covering nose and mouth are required to enter the building and must be worn for your entire visit. There is reduced capacity (12 patrons inside at a time) and social distancing and 30-minute time limits will be enforced. Hand sanitizer is located at the entrance and at various points throughout the library. Children under 10 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Curbside holds pickup is still available by appointment. Call us at 215-685-1754 to schedule.
Our return dropbox is opened at 9 a.m. on Mondays and remains open overnight until 2 p.m. on Fridays. Your returned items are quarantined for 7 days and will remain on your account while we process them safely. We are a fine-free library system, so this quarantine period will not affect your library account.
| Sunday, 10/25 | Closed |
| Monday, 10/26 | Closed |
| Tuesday, 10/27 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 10/28 |
Closed |
| Thursday, 10/29 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 10/30 | Closed |
| Saturday, 10/31 | Closed |
- * Wednesday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage.
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Wed., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 26 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Change machine
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Street parking (free)
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
- Scanner
- Baby changing station
Upcoming Events
Virtual Friends of Whitman Library Meeting
Curious about getting involved with your neighborhood library? The Friends of Whitman Library will be holding their monthly meeting on the first Monday of the month. This meeting is free and open…
Virtual Storytime on Facebook Live
Weekly storytime for toddlers and preschoolers with Whitman’s Children’s Librarian on facebook.com/WhitmanLibrary
Virtual Storytime on Facebook Live
Weekly storytime for toddlers and preschoolers with Whitman’s Children’s Librarian on facebook.com/WhitmanLibrary
Virtual Storytime on Facebook Live
Weekly storytime for toddlers and preschoolers with Whitman’s Children’s Librarian on facebook.com/WhitmanLibrary
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.