Charles Santore Library
| 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
- Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Friday
- Thu., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
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)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Halloween Storytime and Costume Parade
Fri, October 31, 2025
10:30 A.M.
This event has already happened.
Join us for a special Halloween storytime with Ms. Lindsay and parade led by the best security guard in all of Philadelphia, Mr. Kevin! Come in costume and Trick-or-Treat for stickers and prizes throughout the library!
Dance Together: Creative Movement Class
Mon, November 3, 2025
11:00 A.M.
Discover the joy of ballet with The Philadelphia Dance Academy! This monthly series incorporates music, imagination, ballet vocabulary, and movement to introduce participants to the structure of dance class. This free program is recommended for children ages 2-4. This program series…
Chair Yoga with Lindsey
Mon, November 3, 2025
5:45 P.M.
Chair Yoga is a form of yoga that uses a chair as the main prop versus a traditional mat. This makes the practice more accessible to those that have trouble putting pressure on the knees and wrists, and is suitable for all levels and ages. The program will be taught by Lindsey Gill, a certified…
Toddler and Preschooler Storytime
Wed, November 5, 2025
10:15 A.M.
We’re going to read books, sing songs and move our bodies at the library with Ms. Lindsay. This storytime is intended for children 18 months to 5 years old. Siblings welcome. Groups can call to arrange a separate visit at 215-686-1766.
About
Formerly the Southwark Branch, the library was renamed in 2004 to honor political leader Charles Santore. Located a short distance from the Italian Market, the library serves the South Philadelphia communities of Bella Vista, Queen Village, and Hawthorne.
History
Initially named Wicaco, Southwark is the oldest settlement in Philadelphia. King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden granted a charter for settlement in 1638, and Swedish settlers were already established before William Penn's arrival. The Southwark district was created in 1762, named after a neighborhood in London. In the 1960's, the district became known as Queen Village.
The original Southwark Library was a Carnegie Building located at 5th and Ellsworth on land donated by the Young Man's Institute. It opened on November 15, 1912.
The Library opened in its current location on November 1, 1963. It was renovated in 1998 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and ensured Internet access.
The library was re-named on March 26, 2004 to honor Charles Santore. A South Philadelphia native born in 1910, Santore was a former boxer, Republican ward leader, and founder of Municipal Employees Union Local 696. At the time of his death he was the oldest active ward leader in any party.
The library is a short distance from the Italian Market on 9th Street. There is a lovely courtyard, accessible from the children's room, which is perfect for relaxed reading.