Kingsessing Library

1201 South 51st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19143-4353
5lst St. between Kingsessing and Chester Avenues
Closed Today
Sunday, 6/29 Closed
Monday, 6/30 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 7/1 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 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 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed *
Saturday, 7/5 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Friday had hour changes – Independence Day
Sunday Closed
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 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
  • Thu., Jul. 24 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
  • Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
View all holiday closings

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
  • Scanner
  • Street parking (free)
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Adult Basic Literacy Classes

Mon, June 30, 2025 12:00 P.M.

Do you know an adult who wants to learn to read or write? We are offering FREE basic literacy course for adults to help them improve their basic skills. For more information, call 215-868-8664 or email adultlearning@freelibrary.org. Adult Basic Literacy classes at Kingsessing…

Social Services at the Library with a Social Worker

Mon, June 30, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Stop by for Open Office Hours with a Social Worker where you can receive help finding, navigating, and connecting to relevant community and government agencies.  This service will be available today from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. If you have questions, you can email…

Checkmate Chess Mentorship Program

Tue, July 1, 2025 1:00 P.M.

All youth aged 10-19 are encouraged to sign up for this fun and uplifting 9-week summer program! The Checkmate Chess Club, facilitated by MBK Cares, will encourage teens to build their emotional resilience while learning the game of chess. All attendees will receive professional chess…

Lego Club!

Tue, July 1, 2025 2:30 P.M.

Take a break from the summer heat in the library while putting together legos and making your own original constructions. Tubs of legos will be available at both the children’s and teen tables.

About

Located near the Kingsessing Recreation Center, this branch serves the Kingsessing neighborhood. The building is a half block south of Chester Avenue.

History

Kingsessing gets its name from the Indian word Chincessing, meaning "bog meadow" or "place of the big shells." This name was applied by the Dutch and the Swedes to the whole region along the west bank of the lower Schuylkill River. First officially mentioned in 1667, Kingsessing was the first village within the territory of Philadelphia.

The township of Kingsessing became a part of Philadelphia in 1854. At that time, the Belmont Cricket Club Playing Field occupied the land on which the library and recreation center now sit.

Kingsessing Branch opened on November 29, 1919, the 22nd library in Philadelphia to be constructed with Carnegie funds. The library was renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library.

While you're in the neighborhood, you can visit Bartram's Garden at 54th and Lindbergh Boulevard. Established by John Bartram in 1730, it’s now the oldest botanical garden in the country.