Andorra Library
Sunday, 6/29 | Closed |
Monday, 6/30 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Tuesday, 7/1 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, 7/2 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Thursday, 7/3 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Friday, 7/4 |
Closed * |
Saturday, 7/5 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Friday had hour changes – Independence 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
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 11 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Accessible parking
- Baby changing station
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Parking lot
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Scanner
- Screen magnify tools
- Screen-reading software (JAWS)
- Stella Lighting
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
- ZoomText Keyboard & Special Key Features
Upcoming Events
Embodied Wisdom: Tai Chi as a Path to Cultural Connection
Wed, July 2, 2025
9:00 A.M.
Learn the traditional martial art of Tai Chi, a practice rooted in Chinese philosophy and culture. Classes will include an introduction to the practice of Qigong, coming out of traditional Chinese medicine with a focus on breathing techniques, meditation, gentle movement, physical and…
Preschool Storytime
Sat, July 12, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Join Ms. Molly as we read, sing, dance, and learn together. For children ages 0-5 and their families.
Snakes Alive!
Mon, July 14, 2025
3:30 P.M.
Join snake expert Scott Prior for a fun, interactive presentation of live snakes (all harmless) from around the world. We'll learn general information on types of snakes, their habits, care and conservation, and he will help dispell any negativity or fears. If you dare, you may…
PJ Storytime
Mon, July 14, 2025
5:00 P.M.
Join us for a special evening storytime! We'll read, sing, dance, and learn together. Pop on your favorite PJs and get ready for some fun! For children ages 0 through young school-age, along with their families.
About
Located in the Andorra Shopping Center where Henry and Ridge Avenues meet, the Andorra Branch is convenient to stores and parking. Look for the big red LIBRARY sign! The branch serves the Andorra and Upper Roxborough neighborhoods.
History
Richard Wistar named the area Andorra in 1857 after the small country in the Pyrenees Mountains of Europe because he felt the topography of the two regions was similar. From colonial days this region was bisected by a major highway called The Ridge (now Ridge Avenue). The road was originally laid out in 1706 to haul lime from Collegeville to Philadelphia.
Much of the land is part of Fairmount Park, and much of the adjacent land belonged to the Houston family. The area changed from rural to more urban with the construction of houses on land that was part of the Houston estate, and the completion and modernization of Henry Avenue.
Henry Avenue was probably named for Alexander Henry, Mayor of Philadelphia from 1858-1862. His brother had married the daughter of Henry Howard Houston, who owned much of the land in Andorra.
Cathedral Road is named for the cathedral that the Episcopal Diocese started building before World War II. Construction was interrupted because of the war, and was never resumed. The constructed portion is now a chapel. Cathedral Village, a community for older adults, was built on the surrounding land.
The Andorra Branch opened on March 31, 1975 in the Andorra Shopping Center, Cathedral Road and Henry Avenue. The library was renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches. Artists Max Mason and M. Webb created the mural above the picture book section depicting the Philadelphia skyline and the Andorra Woods.