David Cohen Ogontz Library

Tuesday, July 30 – Message from Staff

As a reminder, the drop box should be used only for returning library materials. Please do not drop in any personal items. We do not accept donations, per the posted signage. Thank you for your interest in supporting the library and for your cooperation!

 

6017 Ogontz Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
Church Lane & Ogontz 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 Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
  • Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
  • Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
  • Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • Computers for public use
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Parking lot
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Make Scrubs and Bath Bombs

Wed, June 18, 2025 1:00 P.M.

Learn how to create your own scrubs and bath bombs in this hands-on workshop.  Using natural ingredients, this process provides a creative outlet and an introduction to DIY self-care, and allows participants to take home their own creations. All supplies will be provided and this…

Summer Kickoff Party!

Mon, June 23, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Let's kickoff our Summer of Wonder with the Amazing Mr. Q, who will put our imaginations to the test with magic, balloon animals, and more! Then get your facepainted by Fabulous Faces.  Pick up a free book when you sign up for our Summer Reading program, while supplies last. …

Black American Sign Language: An Introduction

Wed, June 25, 2025 1:00 P.M.

Through storytelling, poetry, and discussions, we will learn the basics of BASL while exploring its historical and cultural context. This program is presented by Tempest Cooper and is designed to foster deeper communication skills and cultural understanding in an interactive setting. 

Eagles Eye Mobile at the Library

Thu, August 7, 2025 10:00 A.M.

This summer, the Eagles Eye Mobile, powered by Vision to Learn, is providing no-cost eye exams and glasses for children in grades K-12 who have previously failed a vision screening or are having vision problems.  Visit the link below to schedule an exam appointment for your child (available…

About

Serving the communities of Ogontz and Belfield, this branch is located at Church Lane and Ogontz Avenue.

History

Ogontz is named after the Oak Lane mansion of Jay Cooke, a Civil War financier. As a young boy, he met Chief Ogontz in Ohio and later named his home for the Indian leader.

The community first requested a library in 1961, but due to problems with sites, funding and construction, the library was not opened until 1997. David and Florence Cohen helped get the community organized by circulating petitions and even hosting a meeting at their home. In the 1960's and 70's the area was served by a bookmobile, and various sites were considered, and even purchased, but the plans were rejected and funding was rescinded.

In 1984, the neighborhood association requested a library on the site of the former Ogontz Theatre and the library applied for library construction funds from the state. In 1994, groundbreaking was held at 6017 Ogontz Avenue, next to the site of the theatre. The library was to be a pre-engineered modular building, with carousel book shelves.

On February 10, 1997, the new library was finally opened, with a special poem written and recited by Nikki Taylor, who fondly remembered the weekly bookmobile visits and considered the new library a blessing for the entire community.