Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Library

1935 West Shunk Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145-4234
20th & Shunk Sts.
Open today 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 9/8 Closed
Monday, 9/9 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 9/10 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9/11 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 9/12 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. *
Friday, 9/13 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9/14 Closed
  • * Thursday has hour changes – Due to staff development.
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 Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., Oct. 14 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Mon., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
  • Thu., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
  • Thu., Dec. 12 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • Change machine
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Street parking (free)
  • Street parking
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Sensory Storytime

Thu, September 12, 2024 11:00 A.M.

Sensory Storytime is designed for children ages 5 and under who are on the Neurodivergent Spectrum.  We will read stories, sing songs, and do other interactive exercises to promote engagement…

Kids Chess Club

Thu, September 12, 2024 3:30 P.M.

Join us for Chess Club Thursdays!  Kids aged 13 and under are invited to learn, practice, and play this ancient board game that has roots in India going back 1500 years!  Any skill…

Homeschooler Hangout at Donatucci Library

Mon, September 16, 2024 11:00 A.M.

Join us for our weekly Homeschooler Hangout.  Sample activities include coloring, read-a-longs, blocks, and more!    

Kids Construction Club

Tue, September 17, 2024 11:00 A.M.

Build your dreams, one block at a time.  Explore different types of toddler-friendly construction toys including MagnaTiles, LEGOs, KEVA planks, and more.  For children ages 4…

About

The Donatucci Branch (known as the Passyunk Branch until 2004) has been a vibrant and evolving institution since 1914. Situated at 20th and Shunk Streets, the library serves the neighborhoods of Girard Estate, Packer Park, Passyunk Homes, St. Richards, and West Passyunk.

History

On April 23, 2004, the Passyunk Branch was renamed the Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Branch in honor of the lifetime resident of South Philadelphia whose service to the community began in the 1930s and continued until his death in 1970. Mr. Donatucci held positions as the chairman and leader of the 26th Ward.

The Passyunk Library first opened its doors on April 14, 1914 on a tract of land received from the estate of Stephen Girard (1750-1831). Girard was a French immigrant who was estimated to be the richest man in America at the time of his death. The building was one of 25 libraries built with funds that the great philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, donated to the Free Library of Philadelphia.

There are several murals in the branch by Calvin Jones. The mural in the meeting room includes Ben Franklin, Stephen Girard, Andrew Carnegie, and young patrons of the library.