Kingsessing Library
| Sunday, 8/24 | Closed |
| Monday, 8/25 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 8/26 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 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. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Saturday, 8/30 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Friday had hour changes – preparation for the Labor Day holiday
| 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
Artsy Craftsy Storytime
Sat, August 30, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Join Librarian Rachel for stories, songs and scarves in our community room. After storytime, stay for a craft. The last storytime of every month will be a STEM craft!
Adult Basic Literacy Classes
Wed, September 3, 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…
Read to a Therapy Dog!
Wed, September 3, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Young readers are invited to share stories with Cene, a local certified therapy dog from Comfort Caring Canines. Children can take turns of up to ten minutes reading aloud in a judgment free space. Children ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver. Space may be limited; first come,…
Read Baby Read Storytime & Playgroup
Thu, September 4, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Calling all babies, toddlers and twos! Librarian Rachel will lead families in stories, songs, tickles, bounces, bubbles and maybe a few peek-a-boos! Afterwards, families can stay in our community room to explore baby toys and socialize. Older siblings welcome.
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.