Welsh Road Library

9233 Roosevelt Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19114-2205
Welsh Road & Roosevelt Blvd.
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 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 Closed

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
View all holiday closings

Services By Appointment

Services

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Book drop box
  • Computers for public use
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Little Ones' Storytime

Mon, April 28, 2025 12:00 P.M.

Experience fun and welcoming storytimes with books, laughter, songs to sing, and play led by librarian, Mr. Jay. Best for families with children ages 0-5. Caregivers are required to be present during storytime

Claymobile Pop Up Ceramics Studio

Mon, April 28, 2025 4:30 P.M.

This Spring, get in touch with your inner creative side with some new hands-on art!  Join us for a visit from The Clay Studio with their Claymobile.  Together, we will explore the medium of clay and the importance, variety, and beauty of ceramics. All ages welcome!

"Wicked" Tuesday at Welsh Rd!

Tue, April 29, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Before you head off to Penn Crisp Gym for the Wicked Sing-A-Long, stop here for a "Wicked"ly fun time! We'll have crafts, experiments, games, & other fun all related to the blockbuster hit, "WICKED"!  At 6PM sharp, we'll be over at Penn Crisp Gym (9151…

Writing Wednesdays: Snail Mail Letters

Wed, April 30, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Join us every Wednesday from 2-4 PM as we encourage the lost art of letter writing. Practice your penmanship, enjoy a soothing, meditative hobby, or gain a new pen pal & brighten someone's mailbox with a handwritten letter. Supplies will be offered. All ages welcome! 

History

Welsh Road is named for the Welsh settlers from North Wales who came down this rough road in the 1700's to go to the grist mill on Pennypack Creek. The last section of Welsh Road, from Mower Street to Roosevelt Boulevard, was completed as an improved blacktop road and dedicated in 1954.

The community served by the Welsh Road branch began to develop after World War II, when returning servicemen received government-backed mortgages, and developers like the Korman and Orleans families bought large parcels of land.

The Welsh Road branch opened to the public on November 11, 1968. The library was one of the first in the country to be built in a shopping center, although it is really in back of the Northeast Shopping Center. At the time of its opening, it was predicted that the unique location would enable Welsh Road to circulate in excess of 200,000 items per year. That prediction turned out to be remarkably accurate, and it still holds true today.

The library has a futuristic design that relies on three walls of glass to add to the interior lighting. The black and white marble mosaic "Space Cage" dominates the entryway, and the preschool center has a carousel theme. The building was awarded the "Distinguished Building Award" by the Pennsylvania Society of Architects in 1970.

The library was renovated in 1996 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which brought Internet service to every library.