Lillian Marrero 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., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 5 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Book drop box
- Computer lab
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Parking lot
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Scanner
- Self-service checkout
- Street parking (free)
- Study rooms
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
I Did That! (Balloon Art)
Thu, April 24, 2025
3:30 P.M.
A hands-on balloon twisting class for all ages is happening on April 24th, 2025 at 3:30 pm. Come one come all as the library provides key characteristics needed to become a successful balloon artist. This will help with stage presence while building confidence. We all have star…
Edible Alphabet: Learn English through Cooking
Fri, April 25, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Adults are invited to this FREE class for English language learners. Each week we read, write, and speak in English - and cook a meal together! The class is in the basement meeting room. Register at www.bit.ly/EAEnglish Questions? Email us at …
Career Exploration Workshops
Mon, April 28, 2025
10:00 A.M.
Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you feeling stuck in a low-paying job or wanting a new or better employment situation? Join us at the Free Library of Philadelphia at 10 am- 2 pm with Lillian Merraro for an upcoming Career Exploration Workshop. Explore careers…
Philly Career Launch - Career Exploration Workshop
Mon, April 28, 2025
10:00 A.M.
Explore careers that build on your strengths and interests and get hands-on experience with online resources, such as the Free Library’s database of training opportunities at careertraining.freelibrary.org. The workshop goes from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Boxed lunch provided. Free.…
About
¡Bienvenido! The Lillian Marrero Branch is your Library, featuring books, DVDs, CDs, computer classes, free wi-fi, job search workshops and programs for children. It serves the communities of Central North Philadelphia, Fairhill, St. Edwards/Hartranft, and West Kensington ¡Libros en español!
History
This neighborhood developed in the 19th century as a region of multiplying industry. Hardwick and Magee had a carpet mill at 7th and Lehigh. The world-famous Stetson Hat Factory at 5th and Montgomery, which closed in 1971, was once the city's largest employer. However, as early as the late 1930's, the area's industry started to move south and jobs disappeared.
The Lehigh Avenue Branch of the Free Library, built with funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, opened on November 20, 1906. Within a few days, the neighborhood children had "practically wiped the children's department out of existence" by checking out so many books. At the time, this white limestone Grecian-style building was the largest library in Pennsylvania, and the large lecture hall in the basement was used for lectures and story hours.
The branch was saved from a planned relocation in the mid-sixties and was instead rehabilitated in 1967, and again in 1997 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library. During this renovation, the original chandeliers were refurbished.
Lillian Marrero Library was designated a Zone of Peace in 2018 by the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia for its work in answering the call to stop violence by “making our homes and neighborhoods zones of peace free from fear, filled with respect, and marked by deeds of kindness."