Wynnefield Library

5325 Overbrook Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131-1498
54th St. & Overbrook Ave.
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
  • Thu., Dec. 28 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Thu., Jan. 25 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Thu., Feb. 22 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Handicapped accessible
  • Street parking
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
  • Street parking (free)
  • Street parking (metered)
  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box

Upcoming Events

Preschool Storytime with Ms. Susan

Thu, November 30, 2023 10:30 A.M.

Join Ms. Susan for stories, songs, and rhymes, and stay for playtime afterwards! Intended for children ages 2-6, and their caregivers.

Saturday Storytime and Craft with Ms. Susan

Sat, December 2, 2023 11:00 A.M.

Join Ms. Susan for an interactive Storytime followed by a fun craft activity for children and families.

Sensory Storytime

Tue, December 5, 2023 11:00 A.M.

Sensory storytime is designed for children ages 10 and under who are on the autism spectrum.  We will read stories, sing songs, and do other interactive exercises to promote engagement and…

Math and Science Enrichment and Tutoring

Tue, December 5, 2023 3:30 P.M.

Teens and tweens are invited to join us virtually or in person for Math and Science tutoring provided by Saint Joseph’s University. For more information or to register for the program,…

About

One block from City Line Avenue, the Wynnefield Branch serves the communities of Wynnefield and Overbook Farms. The library is next door to the John C. Anderson Cultural Center, and is very close to the campus of St. Joseph's University.

History

Dr. Thomas Wynne, Welsh physician to William Penn and Speaker of the first two provincial assemblies of Pennsylvania, gave the neighborhood its name when he built his home, Wynnestay, in 1690.  Stay is Welsh for field. The house still stands at the corner of 52nd and Woodbine.

 

Around 1904, the Wynnefield Improvement Company built several homes in the area in the style of Wynnestay.  In the 1920s, the numerous row homes throughout the area were built.  In the 1950s, the two shopping areas in the neighborhood gained prominence; one at City Line and 47th Street , and the other at 54th Street near City Line.

 

With the opening of the Wynnefield Branch in June 1964, the current configuration of the neighborhood was completed.  The building was the end result of a long campaign by the Wynnefield Residents Association, and included the establishment of the Wynnefield (now John C. Anderson) Cultural Center under the direction of the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation.

 

In September 2000, the Wynnefield Branch re-opened after extensive technological upgrades and the addition of several public computers.