Whitman Library

200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148-2620
2nd St. & Snyder Ave.
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 8/24 Closed
Monday, 8/25 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. *
Tuesday, 8/26 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 8/27 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 8/28 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 8/29 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *
Saturday, 8/30 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Monday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up services offered 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • * Friday had hour changes – preparation for the Labor Day holiday
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
  • Book drop box
  • 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

Senior Strength Training

Tue, September 2, 2025 3:00 P.M.

This Senior Strength and Conditioning class, led by a certified instructor, combines hand weights, chair exercises along with cardio work to improve your fitness, strength and balance. All equipment is provided. Please wear comfortable and appropriate attire. This program is sponsored by the…

Adult Fiber Arts Club at Whitman Library

Tue, September 2, 2025 5:00 P.M.

Are you a fan of crocheting, knitting, weaving, or any other fiber art? Feel free to bring a project or start a new one to our drop-in fiber arts club and meet other fiber artists! All skill levels are welcome. Limited materials will be provided.

Walking Wednesdays

Wed, September 3, 2025 10:15 A.M.

Put on your walking shoes as you join us every Wednesday for Walking Group. We meet at Whitman Library, walk up to Washington Ave and walk back to Whitman Library. No need to be a speed walker, this group is a walk at your own pace, low-pressure walking program.  

Yoga for Adults

Thu, September 4, 2025 3:30 P.M.

Free yoga every Thursday at Whitman Library, with instructors Janet Faulls and Anne-Marie Mulgrew! This class is for all levels of practice and beginners are welcome. Bring your own mat or use one of ours. Cleaning wipes for mats are also available. This weekly class is sponsored by The Friends…

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.