Free Library of Philadelphia announces first wave of Saturday openings
Late last year, the Free Library of Philadelphia announced the return of consistent six-day service after a long hiatus. Six-day library service was made possible through the allocation of $37 million over five years by former Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia City Council.
“Philadelphians have been without consistent six-day library service for far too long, so this is truly a great day for our city,” said Kenney. “These additional hours will give residents more opportunities to access library resources that educate, entertain and empower.”
The first wave of libraries shifting to six-day service include the following nine locations, which are now open on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
- Charles Santore Library – Wyoming Ave. | 215-685-9158
- Thomas F. Donatucci Sr. Library – 1935 Shunk St. | 215-685-7671
- Walnut Street West Library – 201 S. 40th St. | 215-685-7671
- Wynnefield Library – 5325 Overbrook Ave. | 215-685-0298
- Wyoming Library – 231 E. 932 S. 7th St. | 215-686-1766
- Greater Olney Library – 5501 N. 5th St. | 215-685-2846
- Holmesburg Library – 7810 Frankford Ave. | 215-685-8756
- Katherine Drexel Library – 11099 Knight Rd. | 215-685-9383
- Lillian Marrero Library – 601 W. Lehigh Ave. | 215-685-9798
- Lovett Memorial Library – 6945 Germantown Ave. | 215-865-2095
In 2023, the Free Library hired 300 new part- and full-time staff members to stabilize library service; purchased new library materials; and expanded programming and community engagement. In 2024, the outdated staff and public computers will be replaced across the system. An additional $10 million was secured to address the capital needs of neighborhood libraries, as well as a $1 million grant to fund a strategic planning process that will help both the library and foundation set the course for the future.
The Free Library of Philadelphia system, with 54 locations, advances literacy, guides learning and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 31,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi; and rich special collections, including those at the Parkway Central Library. With more than five million in-person visits and five million more online annually, the Free Library is one of the largest public library systems in the United States.
For more information about the Free Library of Philadelphia, call 1-833-TALK FLP (1-833-825-5357) or visit FreeLibrary.org.
