Haverford Library

5543 Haverford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19139-1432
56th St. & Haverford Ave.
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 8/24 Closed
Monday, 8/25 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. *
Tuesday, 8/26 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 8/27 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 8/28 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 8/29 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *
Saturday, 8/30 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Monday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up services offered 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 6 - 7 p.m.
  • * Friday had hour changes – preparation for the Labor Day holiday
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., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
  • Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
  • Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • Change machine
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Screen magnify tools
  • Street parking (free)
  • Study rooms
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

One-on-One Tech Help

Mon, September 1, 2025 12:00 P.M.

Need computer help? Need assistance with a new labtop? Get 1-on-1 help at the Library! Learn how to use a computer, get online, and more. 

Donuts & Discussions: Free Groceries and Nutrition Education for Seniors

Tue, September 2, 2025 11:30 A.M.

Come for the donuts, stay for the conversation! Donuts & Discussions is a bi-weekly series of conversations for seniors to learn about nutrition, acess free meals and groceries, and build community. At Donuts & Discussions you'll get real talk and real solutions only. This program…

PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance

Wed, September 3, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling, and professional development workshops. Call 1-833-750-5627 to learn more! PA CareerLink®…

Donuts & Discussions: Free Groceries and Nutrition Education for Seniors

Tue, September 16, 2025 11:30 A.M.

Come for the donuts, stay for the conversation! Donuts & Discussions is a bi-weekly series of conversations for seniors to learn about nutrition, acess free meals and groceries, and build community. At Donuts & Discussions you'll get real talk and real solutions only. This program…

About

Located at the busy intersection of Haverford Avenue, 56th and Westminster Streets, the branch serves the community of Haddington-Carroll Park. The library has a lively aquarium theme in the preschool center. Private study rooms are available by appointment.

History

The neighborhood had its beginning when John Rhoads received the land from William Penn. By 1847, the section between 65th and 67th Streets on Haverford Road appeared as "Haddington" on maps. Haverford was a main road in the area.

During the Civil War, this area was a center for training recruits for the Union Army. The Northwest Fellowship Council was founded in 1954. It was a forerunner of the Haddington Leadership Organization, which is still active today, working for the betterment of the community.

The Education Committee of the Haddington Leadership Organization led the drive to petition City Council to erect a library branch in their community. 5,000 signatures were collected and funding was placed in the 1976 city budget. Ground was broken in 1978, and the library opened on September 5, 1979.

The stained glass mural above the front door was created by artist Crosby Willet. The preschool area features an aquarium theme with lots of multicolored fish.

The library was renovated in 2000 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library.