Walnut Street West Library (Free Library of Philadelphia)

Walnut Street West Library (Free Library of Philadelphia) Serving West & Southwest Philly since 1895! After expanding to 5 rooms, the branch moved to the Hamilton School Building, 4105-09 Chestnut Street on May 1901.

Support us here: www.wswlibraryfriends.org

The Walnut Street West Branch opened on May 28, 1895, making it the fifth Philadelphia Public Library branch. It was housed in a suite of three rooms on the first floor of the West Philadelphia Institute at 40th and Ludlow Streets, and became a branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on January 1, 1896. The branch was known as the West Philadelphia br

anch at this time. The building Walnut Street West is currently housed in opened to the public on June 26, 1906. It was the first of thirty libraries funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie and was built at a cost of $80,387.68 on land donated by Clarence Clark, a West Philadelphia banker. Mr. Clark’s will deeded the land to the city "in perpetuity" as long as a library sat on it. During the first year of operation, 79,683 books were borrowed from the branch. A lecture hall seating 300 people was part of the lower level. In 1960, the branch added air conditioning and moved the public entrance to Walnut Street. From 1998 to 2004, the library was housed in temporary quarters at 3927 Walnut Street as the facility underwent a complete renovation, adding a second level and making use of “green” environmentally-friendly materials and technology. The entrance was then moved again to the original location on 40th Street. A mural of West Philadelphia scenes by artist Paul Santoleri now welcomes visitors.

Looking for a musical way to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday? Gather with local community members to enjoy a free jazz ...
06/13/2026

Looking for a musical way to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday? Gather with local community members to enjoy a free jazz concert at Walnut Street West Library. Leon Jordan Jr, and the Local 77 Band will perform sets inspired by Philadelphian musicians and composers. This Tuesday, June 16th, from 1:00-2:00pm at Walnut Street West Library!🎷❤️💙🤍

06/11/2026

The city has declared a code red from now through Friday, June 12. There are resources available for people who need help staying cool, hydrated and safe through these extreme temperatures.

Anyone who sees someone outside who needs help, call the 24/7 homeless outreach hotline at 215-232-1984 for resources and support.

Swipe for select Free Library locations that will serve as cooling centers during the citywide heat health emergency on ...
06/11/2026

Swipe for select Free Library locations that will serve as cooling centers during the citywide heat health emergency on June 11–12 until 7:00 p.m.
Residents can get out of the heat and into an air-conditioned space at these neighborhood libraries with access to books, computers, wireless internet, and other Free Library amenities:

Fox Chase Library | 501 Rhawn Street (19111)
Frankford Library | 4634 Frankford Avenue (19124)
Haddington Library | 446 North 65th Street (19151)
Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library | 68 West Chelten Avenue (19144)
Lillian Marrero Library | 601 West Lehigh Avenue (19133)
Logan Library | 1333 Wagner Avenue (19141)
Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library | 125 South 52nd Street (19139)
Northeast Regional Library | 2228 Cottman Avenue (19149)
Parkway Central Library | 1901 Vine Street (19103)
South Philadelphia Library | 1700 South Broad Street (19145)
Walnut Street West Library | 201 South 40th Street (19104)
You can also phone our Library helpline for information on hours, renewals, and more at 1-833-TALK-FLP (825-5357).

Walnut Street West Library will be closing at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday , June 10th in order for staff to attend his memori...
06/10/2026

Walnut Street West Library will be closing at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday , June 10th in order for staff to attend his memorial.

Friends of Mr. Bruce are invited to join his family at Parkway Central Library from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Montgomery Auditorium. Mr. Bruce's family is coming from Wisconsin and would love to meet his "Free Library family!"

06/09/2026

Join us IN-PERSON AND ONLINE for the Men's Coffee Talk, 6/9, from 11 am to 12 pm. ZOOM LINK: bit.ly/HOPEPHLCOFFEETALK.

Celebrate pride month as a family! Join us Saturday, June 13th at 3:00pm for a Pride story time with books, music, movem...
06/08/2026

Celebrate pride month as a family! Join us Saturday, June 13th at 3:00pm for a Pride story time with books, music, movement and more!

After, stay for refreshments and crafts, and make a sign to carry in our own pride parade around the library. Copies of the book The Meaning of Pride by Rosiee Thor will be available for families to take home (book availability is first come first served).

Stretch and reset with gentle chair yoga!🪑Instructor Megan Do Nascimento is a breast cancer survivor and yoga instructor...
06/08/2026

Stretch and reset with gentle chair yoga!🪑Instructor Megan Do Nascimento is a breast cancer survivor and yoga instructor known for her inclusive teaching style. She has taught in Philadelphia schools, Magee Rehab, & various fitness centers in the area. She currently serves as the wellness coordinator at Awbury Arboretum. Beginners welcome! BYO mat optional.🪷🧘‍♂️ Cool down with us on Wednesday, July 8th from 2-3pm.

Join us this Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30pm for VOGUE 101 W/ JIHAD MARTIN🕺💃Learn the foundations of VOGUE in this intro wor...
06/04/2026

Join us this Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30pm for VOGUE 101 W/ JIHAD MARTIN🕺💃
Learn the foundations of VOGUE in this intro workshop as we explore the culture and movement of one of the most influential dance styles to come out of the Ballroom culture. No experience (or rhythm) necessary for this FREE EVENT! Just be ready to strike a pose!

Our community crafters return this Monday, June 8th, for Stitch & Sip @ 5pm. Join our host, David, for chill vibes and s...
06/03/2026

Our community crafters return this Monday, June 8th, for Stitch & Sip @ 5pm. Join our host, David, for chill vibes and supportive conversation. Get to looping! Some yarn will be available. Browse our pattern books on the 2nd floor. *BYO project. 🍵🧶 See you there!

It is with heavy hearts, but immense gratitude for a life beautifully shared, that we announce the passing of our belove...
05/28/2026

It is with heavy hearts, but immense gratitude for a life beautifully shared, that we announce the passing of our beloved retired librarian, Mr. Bruce Siebers, on April 29, 2026.
For over 35 years, Mr. Bruce was the heartbeat of our library family. Mr. Bruce dedicated more than 35 years of love, laughter, and literacy to our neighborhood branches before retiring in September 2023, his legacy lives in every corner of our community.
Ways to Help Us Celebrate a Life Well Lived:
• Community Memory Table: June 1st - 10th
• Special Tribute Storytime: June 10th @ 10:30AM
• Public Memorial Program: June 10th , Parkway Central Library in the Montgomery Auditorium | 5:00 - 7:00pm

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.
Well done Bruce, good and faithful servant.

Address

201 S 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA
19104

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 7pm
Tuesday 11am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+12156857671

Website

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