Whitman Library

200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148-2620
2nd St. & Snyder Ave.
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. – 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
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Street parking (free)
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Family Movies at Whitman - Harold and the Purple Crayon

Mon, August 11, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Join us every Monday in July and August for a screening of a family-friendly movie. No camp groups permitted at this program due to limited space. Children under 7 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult while at the library. Movie schedule is subject to change without notice. Movie…

Board Games for Kids & Teens

Tue, August 12, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Drop in any time between 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to play board games like Sorry, Candy Land, and many more! Games will be available to play on the children's side of the library. No large groups, please (10+ people) due to space constraints. Every Tuesday until August 19th. For children ages…

Teen Summer Hangout

Wed, August 13, 2025 3:00 P.M.

Calling all Teens! Join Whitman Library every week this summer for teen hangouts. Join us for low-key games, crafts, music, and snacks. This program is free and intended for ages 12-18. Sponsored in part by the Friends of the Whitman Library.  Every Wednesday this summer through July and…

Crafternoon for Kids - Friendship Bracelets

Thu, August 14, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Join us for a new self-directed craft every week starting July 19th until August 21st. Drop-in on Thursday afternoons 2:00-4:30 p.m. August 14: Friendship Bracelets August 21: Assortment of crafts from previous weeks No camp groups permitted at this program. Craft schedule is subject to change…

About

Serving the diverse communities of Whitman and Pennsport, this neighborhood library is located on Snyder Avenue between 2nd Street and S. Philip Street. It is close to several shopping areas, including Snyder Plaza and Whitman Plaza, I-95, and Columbus Boulevard.

History

The neighborhood of Whitman and its library branch derive their names from the nearby Walt Whitman Bridge. In 1854, the community was included in what was then Passyunk Township. It was marshland, and many of the inhabitants raised pigs. The area south of Moore and between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers was known as "the Neck."

Growing out of European customs, the famous Philadelphia Mummers originated in the Neck. "Neckers" formed social clubs and visited each other in pop-in style and dressed in outlandish costumes for the fun of it. Out of this grew the "pea-shooters" who shot in the New Year.

The first official city parade was sponsored in 1901. Every year on New Year's Day, mummers dressed in elaborate costumes strut their stuff down Broad Street and later on 2nd Street or "Two Street." Mummery is particularly associated with Two Street, where a number of Mummers clubs are located.

The Whitman Branch of the Free Library opened on January 24, 1977. The library was renovated in 2000 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service.

When you visit the library, look in the meeting room to see scenes of South Philadelphia painted by well-known Philadelphia watercolorist Howard N. Watson.