Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Library

1935 West Shunk Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145-4234
20th & Shunk 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
  • Book drop box
  • Change machine
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Street parking (free)
  • Street parking
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance

Mon, June 9, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling, and professional development workshops. Call 1-833-750-5627 to learn more! PA CareerLink®…

Sew What?! Donatucci Evening Sewcial

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

Sew What?! Is a clever and creative get together for crafters who do crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, quilting, felting, and more.  Want to share what you're making with other fabric crafters? Join us to collaborate and learn.  In-person, Tuesdays from 4-6pm.  Bring in…

Sew What?! Donatucci Afternoon Sewcial

Fri, June 13, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Sew What?! Is a clever and creative get together for crafters who do crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, quilting, felting, and more.  Want to share what you're making with other fabric crafters? Join us to collaborate and learn.  In-person, Fridays from 2-4pm. Bring in…

Summer of Wonder Kick-Off Party with The Philly Goat Project

Tue, June 17, 2025 12:30 P.M.

Kids and teens are invited to the library to kick-off the Summer of Wonder with The Goat Project and Taffy the Entertainer! Enjoy a story walk with the goats and free food and drink. Taffy will offer face-painting and balloon animals for children. While you're here, make sure to sign up for…

About

The Donatucci Branch (known as the Passyunk Branch until 2004) has been a vibrant and evolving institution since 1914. Situated at 20th and Shunk Streets, the library serves the neighborhoods of Girard Estate, Packer Park, Passyunk Homes, St. Richards, and West Passyunk.

History

On April 23, 2004, the Passyunk Branch was renamed the Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Branch in honor of the lifetime resident of South Philadelphia whose service to the community began in the 1930s and continued until his death in 1970. Mr. Donatucci held positions as the chairman and leader of the 26th Ward.

The Passyunk Library first opened its doors on April 14, 1914 on a tract of land received from the estate of Stephen Girard (1750-1831). Girard was a French immigrant who was estimated to be the richest man in America at the time of his death. The building was one of 25 libraries built with funds that the great philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, donated to the Free Library of Philadelphia.

There are several murals in the branch by Calvin Jones. The mural in the meeting room includes Ben Franklin, Stephen Girard, Andrew Carnegie, and young patrons of the library.