David Cohen Ogontz Branch Library

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David Cohen Ogontz Branch Library Ogontz is named after the Oak Lane mansion of Jay Cooke, a Civil War financier. In 2011, over 93,000 people visited the branch.

David Cohen Ogontz Branch at a Glance:
The David Cohen Ogontz Branch, serving the communities of Ogontz and Belfield, is located at Church Lane and Ogontz Avenue. History Ogontz is named after the Oak Lane mansion of Jay Cooke, a Civil War financier. As a young boy, he met Chief Ogontz in Ohio and later named his home for the Indian leader. The community first requested a library in 1961, but due to problems with sites, funding and construction, the library was not opened until 1997. David and Florence Cohen helped get the community organized by circulating petitions and even hosting a meeting at their home. In the 1960's and 70's the area was served by a bookmobile, and various sites were considered, and even purchased, but the plans were rejected and funding was rescinded. In 1984, the neighborhood association requested a library on the site of the former Ogontz Theatre and the library applied for library construction funds from the state. In 1994, groundbreaking was held at 6017 Ogontz Avenue, next to the site of the theatre. The library was to be a pre-engineered modular building, with carousel book shelves. On February 10, 1997, the new library was finally opened, with a special poem written and recited by Nikki Taylor, who fondly remembered the weekly bookmobile visits and considered the new library a blessing for the entire community. Facts about the neighborhoods served by the David Cohen Ogontz Branch
The median age is 33.6 years. Household types include married couples, single-parent families, and other families. Grandparents are caregivers in many households; many homes are multigenerational. Nearly 7 in 10 residents are black, and 2 in 10 are white. Twelve percent of the population is Hispanic. More than 20 percent of the employed residents work for the government. Approximately one-third of the households are on Social Security or public assistance. Although education attainment levels are below the US level, a slightly higher proportion of residents aged 25 or older have graduated from high school. In FY 2011:
• Over 93,000 people visited the branch.
• 272 programs were attended by 1998 people.
• 33,137 reference questions were answered.
• Library computers were used 15,495 times. Other Highlights:
One of the smallest branches in the Free Library system, the construction of the building is modular, from the ceiling to the floor. Every part of the building is metal or plastic, except the chairs, tables, librarians’ desks, and the circulation desk. The circular shelving was designed specifically for the building. The Spring Fling is an annual community event of games, cook-out, poetry, and yard sale held to raise money for the Friends of the David Cohen Ogontz Branch. This year's Spring Fling was held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 and attracted close to 100 seniors, adults, teens and children.

Drop in to fill out a 15 minute survey for the Planning Commission on how to improve our City. Here til 6pm.
10/13/2026

Drop in to fill out a 15 minute survey for the Planning Commission on how to improve our City. Here til 6pm.

Happening Now!The Ogontz Library Pokemon Club InaugurationWednesdays 3:30pm
10/07/2026

Happening Now!
The Ogontz Library Pokemon Club Inauguration
Wednesdays 3:30pm

Behold! Our October Calendar, which features the exciting debut of the Ogontz Library Kids and Teen Pokemon Club every ...
10/01/2026

Behold! Our October Calendar, which features the exciting debut of the Ogontz Library Kids and Teen Pokemon Club every Wednesday at 3:30pm!

AND.....in honor of the 2026-2027 NBA Season, we will be hosting Ogontz Library Kids NBA Chat on Thursdays starting October 22 from 3:30-4pm to discuss our perspectives on the current season, the SIXERS, game stats and recaps, and other fun topics about the great game of BALL.

10/01/2026
Today at 3:30!Join us in welcoming back Katishka Johnson, MS, MFT who will read from her book It's Okay Not to Be Okay. ...
09/28/2026

Today at 3:30!

Join us in welcoming back Katishka Johnson, MS, MFT who will read from her book It's Okay Not to Be Okay. Pizza will be served. Supplies limited!

Starting at 1pm! Come join us for this very helpful and informative program.
09/28/2026

Starting at 1pm! Come join us for this very helpful and informative program.

Financial Planning for Seniors at Ogontz Library!
Monday September 28 from 1pm-3pm
Join Certified Financial Planner Larry Farmbry for a 2-hour program designed to inform adult and senior participants on the many facets of financial planning. Learn about budgeting, investing, wills and estate planning, Medicare, savings plans and more. This course is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal, tax, or specific investment advice. Refreshments will be served.

Next Monday 9/28 at 3:30pm!Join us in welcoming back Katishka Johnson, MS, MFT who will read from her book It's Okay Not...
09/21/2026

Next Monday 9/28 at 3:30pm!

Join us in welcoming back Katishka Johnson, MS, MFT who will read from her book It's Okay Not to Be Okay!

Refreshments will be served!

Starting at Noon!
09/21/2026

Starting at Noon!

Chair Yoga
Mondays 12-12:30pm
Join us for 30 minutes of relaxing chair yoga, where we will do breathing exercises and light stretching. Tailored for older adults and those with mobility issues, but all adults welcome! Call ahead to make sure we're open!

Behold! Our September Calendar has arrived!
09/14/2026

Behold! Our September Calendar has arrived!

Address

6017 Ogontz Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19141

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