Kingsessing Library
| 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
- 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
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
- Scanner
- Street parking (free)
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Palestine Storytime & Crafts
Sat, August 9, 2025
10:30 A.M.
This event has already happened.
Join us for a storytime presented by Families for Ceasefire Philly! We will read and learn about Palestine, followed by crafts inspired by the stories we've read. For children of all ages and their families.
Board Game Bonanza
Sat, August 9, 2025
2:30 P.M.
This event has already happened.
Chess, Blockus, Jenga, Mastermind and other favorites at both the children’s and teen tables.
Adult Basic Literacy Classes
Mon, August 11, 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…
Checkmate Chess Mentorship Program
Tue, August 12, 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…
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.