Widener Library
Sunday | Closed |
Monday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Tuesday | 10:00 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 | 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
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Book drop box
- Children's only restroom
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Parking lot
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Scanner
- Street parking (free)
- Street parking
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Birth Prep 101: Movement During Labor
Sat, August 9, 2025
12:00 P.M.
This event has already happened.
Birth Prep 101 Series with the Emerald Doula: Expecting parents will learn about the benefits of movement during pregnancy and while in labor. Parents will leave this program with a better understanding of their body anatomy and the stages/phases of labor and birth. Parents will also…
Scrabble Club
Mon, August 11, 2025
12:00 P.M.
Come join us for the afternoons at 12pm for Scrabble from June 16th – August 11th. In this hour-long club, students of all ages will not only learn to play Scrabble, but they ’ll also build confidence, learn teamwork & good sportsmanship, and expand on…
Crafternoon
Tue, August 12, 2025
12:00 P.M.
Would you like to make artwork this summer? Come show off your creative side during an afternoon of crafting. This program is intended for children 7 – 14 and their families. All materials provided - See you there! This program will run consistently on Thursday afternoons at 12:00 PM…
PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance
Tue, August 12, 2025
2:00 P.M.
Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling, and professional development workshops. Call 1-833-750-5627 to learn more! PA CareerLink®…
About
Recently moved into a brand-new glass-fronted building, the Widener Branch serves the communities of North Central Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion, and Allegheny West. The branch has an African Plains theme. Come in and try to find the hidden elephants and giraffes!
History
In 1807, Penn Township was formed from the western portion of the Township of Northern Liberties. The area surrounding Widener Branch was usually called North Penn. In the mid 19th Century, the neighborhood was known as Swampoodle. The area developed after trolleys became electrified in 1892 and is now known as Strawberry Mansion/Allegheny West.
In 1900, the H. Josephine Widener Branch of the Free Library was opened in the Widener Mansion at Broad and Girard, a gift of Peter A.B. Widener in memory of his wife. In 1946, the Widener mansion was sold. The proceeds were used to buy and remodel a former bank building at 2531 W. Lehigh Avenue.
Designed by architects Buell, Kratzer and Powell, the current building opened on January 31, 2005. The library is based on the theme of the African Plains, with four special areas for youths: Preschool Plains, School-Age Savanna, Pre-Teen Plateau, and Teen Terrain. Abstract elephants and giraffes are hidden in the design of the library. Can you find them?