Torresdale Library

Torresdale Library is temporarily closed.
Friday, September 5 – Message from Staff

The Torresdale Library will be closed from September 8 to October 20 for building repairs. We know this may be inconvenient, and we encourage you to visit a nearby branch or use our 24/7 digital resources at freelibrary.org. We’ll keep you updated on progress and look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Upcoming Events

Storytime with the Geography Lady at Glen Foerd-Ethiopia!

Thu, October 16, 2025 10:30 A.M.
Torresdale Library

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…

Fall Migration Bird Walk with Expert Birder, Holger Pflicke, at Glen Foerd on the Delaware River!

Sat, October 25, 2025 10:00 A.M.
Torresdale Library

Please join the Free Library of Philadelphia and Holger Pflicke for a Fall Migration Bird Walk!  We plan to stay out for 1-2 hours, depending on the location, and walk mostly on flat and well-traveled paths. All events are open to everyone and all skill levels. We will go over binocular…

Spooky Storytime at Glen Foerd for Halloween!

Thu, October 30, 2025 10:30 A.M.
Torresdale Library

Little ones and their caregivers are invited to a special "spooky" Halloween story time at beautiful Glen Foerd on the Delaware.   Children are encouraged to come in costume but not required   For ages 6 months to 4 years old with adult caregiver.  Come and get…

Storytime with the Geography Lady at Glen Foerd-India!

Thu, November 6, 2025 10:30 A.M.
Torresdale Library

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.