Torresdale Library
| Sunday, 8/24 | Closed |
| Monday, 8/25 |
Closed * |
| Tuesday, 8/26 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 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. |
- * Monday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up services offered 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- * Friday had hour changes – preparation for the Labor Day holiday
| 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
- 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
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Scanner
- Street parking (free)
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Family Storytime at Glen Foerd!
Thu, September 11, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Enjoy story time at the historic and beautiful Glen Foerd mansion. For ages 1 to 5 with an accompanying adult. Presented by Torresdale and Welsh Rd Libraries! Hope to see you there! Thursdays, September 11 and 25 Glen Foerd is located at 5001 Grant Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19114, 215-632-5330…
Family Storytime at Glen Foerd!
Thu, September 25, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Enjoy story time at the historic and beautiful Glen Foerd mansion. For ages 1 to 5 with an accompanying adult. Presented by Torresdale and Welsh Rd Libraries! Hope to see you there! Thursdays, September 11 and 25 Glen Foerd is located at 5001 Grant Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19114, 215-632-5330…
Storytime with the Geography Lady at Glen Foerd-Mexico!
Thu, October 2, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Storytime with Torresdale Library, the Geography Lady, and Glen Foerd Would you like to see the world with your little one without leaving Philadelphia? Join the Geography Lady at Glen Foerd for a special series of around the world storytimes! We will be exploring five different countries…
Storytime with the Geography Lady at Glen Foerd-Ireland!
Thu, October 9, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Storytime with Torresdale Library, the Geography Lady, and Glen Foerd Would you like to see the world with your little one without leaving Philadelphia? Join the Geography Lady at Glen Foerd for a special series of around the world storytimes! We will be exploring five different countries…
About
In addition to Torresdale, the library serves the communities of Academy Gardens, Ashton-Woodbridge, Holme Circle, Pennypack, Pennypack Woods, and Upper Holmesburg.
History
The first settlers in the Torresdale area were the Swedes and then the English, who were possibly led by Thomas Holme, the Surveyor-General who helped William Penn lay out much of the original city of Philadelphia. In 1682, Holme received a grant of 1,646 acres from Penn. He is buried near the library, in Crispin Cemetery.
The area was originally part of Lower Dublin Township, and the earliest record of it is 1693. It was known as Delaware Township from 1852-1854, and then it became part of the city of Philadelphia. The area began to develop around 1850, when Charles Macalester bought a large tract of land and named it "Torrisdale," after his family's estate in Scotland.
The Torresdale Branch of the Free Library opened in February 1972. It features wooden cathedral ceilings. The library was renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign.
A highlight of the building is the Mother Goose mural in the preschool area. It has Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, and a real clock with a painted mouse.