South Philadelphia Library

1700 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145-2392
Broad & Morris Sts.
Open today 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, 6/8 Closed
Monday, 6/9 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 6/10 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 6/11 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 6/12 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. *
Friday, 6/13 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 6/14 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Thursday has hour changes – due to staff development
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 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Closures

  • Thu., Jun. 12 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
  • Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
  • Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Change machine
  • Children's only restroom
  • Computer lab
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Self-service checkout
  • Street parking
  • Study rooms
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

*FULL* Computer Skills for Beginners

Mon, June 9, 2025 3:00 P.M.

** Class is full and not accepting new students. Please call the number below to be placed on the waitlist or find an alternate class location. ** Need computer help? Take a free digital skills workshop at the Library! Learn how to use a computer, get online, and more. Training provided by…

StitchCraft

Mon, June 9, 2025 5:00 P.M.

Folks of all ages who knit, sew, crochet, weave, or stitch are welcome to bring their projects and join us to work on them in the company of other crafty people! Some materials and assistance may be provided based on availability.  

Foam Dance Party! Summer Reading Kickoff

Tue, June 10, 2025 3:30 P.M.

Children and families are invited to join us for a big foam dance party to kick off the summer! There will be music, face painting, and LOTS of foam . Bring a towel and clothes you don't mind getting wet because you will get soaked! This event will take place in the DiSilvestro Playground…

Chess Club

Tue, June 10, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Learn to play chess or improve your game! All ages and all levels welcome.            

About

Welcome to our new South Philadelphia Library in the Community Health and Literacy Center at Broad and Morris Streets!

History

This area of south Philadelphia was mainly small farms until the mid-1800's. Broad Street was named by William Penn, who described it as "a Broad Street in the middle of the city, from side to side" between the rivers. It ran from Vine to South (then Cedar) Streets, since they were the original boundaries of the city. In 1819, the street went as far south as Dickinson. By the middle of the 19th century, it was extended to the navy yard.

The original South Philadelphia Branch was located at Broad and Ritner Streets in a T-shaped Carnegie building that opened on November 24, 1914. In 1965, the building was closed and the South Philadelphia Branch reopened at its current location.

In June 2016, the new South Philadelphia Library Reopened to the public.  It is the first of five pilot neighborhood libraries to be reimagined and reshaped to meet the changing needs of today’s library customers. Located on the first floor of the South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center, it includes a Community Health Resource Center with staff trained by the University of Pennsylvania Center for Public Health Initiatives, as well as a central “living room” area, a teen space, a Pre-K Zone, a computer lab, and updated study rooms. Its nearly 12,000 square feet of space serve more than 150,000 customers annually.

South Philadelphia Library was designated a Zone of Peace in 2019 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."