Welsh Road Library
Upcoming Events
Family Storytime at Glen Foerd!
Thu, September 11, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Welsh Road Library
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…
Canticuentos: Spanish Storytime with Ana
Tue, September 16, 2025
11:30 A.M.
Welsh Road Library
****If Welsh Rd is not open due to buiding issues, we will move the program to Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 KNIGHTS RD (at Fairdale)**** Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Join local storyteller Ana Atach for Canticuentos ! We’ll explore songs and stories in Spanish through movement,…
Family Storytime at Glen Foerd!
Thu, September 25, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Welsh Road Library
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…
About
Welsh Rd is currently closed due to HVAC repair. In the meantime, please call 215-685-0502 for updates during the week.
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 Library 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 behind 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..
The library has a 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. The building was awarded the "Distinguished Building Award" by the Pennsylvania Society of Architects in 1970.
The library was last renovated in 1996 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which brought Internet service to every library.