Torresdale Library
| Sunday, 4/20 | Closed |
| Monday, 4/21 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 4/22 |
Closed * |
| Wednesday, 4/23 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 4/24 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 4/25 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 4/26 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Tuesday had hour changes – due to staff shortage. Materials Pickup is available.
| 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., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor 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
"Wicked" Sing-A-Long Movie!
Tue, April 29, 2025
6:00 P.M.
Presented by Representative Ed Neilson and Penn-Crisp Gym (9151 Academy Rd). Sponsored by Torresdale & Welsh Road Libraries. Soft pretzels, bottled water, and bleacher seating will be provided. You may also bring blankets and beach chairs, along with your singing voice. No…
Family Storytime
Wed, April 30, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Please join us for stories, songs, and interactive play for children ages 6 months to 5 years old. The program is geared towards the audience. All abilities welcome! All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Philly Goat Project at the Pennypack Pier!
Tue, May 6, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Please join us and our friends from Philly Goat Project on Tuesday, May 6th for a live, interactive performance - starring goats! - outside on the Pier at Pennypack on the Delaware, followed by a goat parade and storywalk! Participants will also have an opportunity to…
Family Storytime
Wed, May 14, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Please join us for stories, songs, and interactive play for children ages 6 months to 5 years old. The program is geared towards the audience. All abilities welcome! All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
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.