Haverford Library

5543 Haverford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19139-1432
56th St. & Haverford Ave.
Open today until 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2/16 Closed
Monday, 2/17 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Closed *
Tuesday, 2/18 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 2/19 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 2/20 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 2/21 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 2/22 Closed
  • * Monday had hour changes – Presidents' 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 Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Fri., Apr. 18 : Closed Good Friday
  • Sun., Apr. 20 : Closed Easter
  • Thu., Apr. 24 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Mon., May. 26 : Closed Memorial 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

LEAP: Game Day!

Fri, February 21, 2025 3:30 P.M.

End the week with fun and games! From board games to group challenges, come enjoy some friendly competition and laughter from 3:30–4:30  PM.

LEAP: Art Day!

Mon, February 24, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Let your creativity shine! Join us from 4:00–6:00 PM for hands-on art projects and crafts like bracelet making and more.

Mindful Movement w/ Mx. Craig

Mon, February 24, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Join Mx. Craig in Mindful Movement at the Haverford Avenue Library.  We will explore different methods of meditation - moving, sitting and sound bath meditation. Please bring water, dress…

Read, Baby, Read Storytime & Playdate!

Tue, February 25, 2025 1:00 P.M.

Join Miss Ariel for  Read, Baby, Read storytime every other Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 pm. Stay after storytime for playtime! Intended for babies and toddlers ages 0-2, but all are welcome.

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.