Kingsessing Library

Kingsessing Library Monday: 10AM-6PM
Tuesday: 10AM-6PM
Wednesday: 10AM-5PM
Thursday: 10AM-5PM
Friday: 10AM-5PM
Saturday: 10AM-5PM

Kingsessing gets its name from the Indian word Chincessing, meaning "bog meadow" or "place of the big shells." This name was applied by the Dutch and the Swedes to the whole region along the west bank of the lower Schuylkill River. First officially mentioned in 1667, Kingsessing was the first village within the territory of Philadelphia. The township of Kingsessing became a part of Philadelphia in

1854. At that time, the Belmont Cricket Club Playing Field occupied the land on which the library and recreation center now sit. Kingsessing Branch opened on November 29, 1919, the 22nd library in Philadelphia to be constructed with Carnegie funds. The library was renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library.

Join us next Thursday, June 4 for a Philly 250 Takeover of our teen / tween crafternoon! Participants will hear the orig...
05/27/2026

Join us next Thursday, June 4 for a Philly 250 Takeover of our teen / tween crafternoon! Participants will hear the origin story of the corn husk dolls and will make their own from scratch, from softening the husks in water, to styling the figurine’s clothes, hair, and any other creative details. The final creation is a simple yet beautiful doll that can be played with or displayed.

In 2025, Philadelphia was recognized as the most walkable city in the U.S. for a third year in a row, according to USA T...
05/26/2026

In 2025, Philadelphia was recognized as the most walkable city in the U.S. for a third year in a row, according to USA Today and 10Best’s Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s also known to be one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Despite these accomplishments, concerns about the safety of people walking and biking in Philadelphia persist.

What can city leaders, decision-makers, and advocates do to improve safety? What is, and can we find a balance for everyone who shares our streets?

Join us for a community conversation to explore this challenging and often overlooked issue.

Click the QR Code or use the link in the comments to register for the conversation!

Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia.

We're happy to announce Fresh Start Friday, coming soon to Kingsessing Library. Ease into the weekend while unlocking in...
05/23/2026

We're happy to announce Fresh Start Friday, coming soon to Kingsessing Library. Ease into the weekend while unlocking inner peace in this weekly meditation program. Regular meditation practice helps you build focus, reduce stress, and reconnect with what matters most. Whether new to meditation or returning to it, this program meets you where you are and grows with you. No registration is required, and everyone is welcome.

Let's Go 1-2-3 (Philly!) and our neighbors at the Kingsessing Recreation Center have partnered for monthly litter cleanu...
05/12/2026

Let's Go 1-2-3 (Philly!) and our neighbors at the Kingsessing Recreation Center have partnered for monthly litter cleanups. Volunteers will primary work together to clean the perimeter of the rec center and library complex, and may be asked to do other specific jobs depending on the needs of the center.

Join us for litter cleanups on any or all of the following dates*:

🌻 Thursday, 6/25 10am-12pm (We'll focus on getting the pool deck area cleaned before it opens for the season!)
🌻Tuesday, 7/14 10am-12pm
🌻Thursday, 8/13 10am-12pm
🌻Saturday, 9/26 10am-12pm
🌻Saturday, 10/24 10am-12pm

*In the event of rain or inclement weather, the cleanups will occur the following day at the same time.

Bring a friend or two, and meet at the 50th/Kingsessing Ave Entrance. Let's Go 1-2-3 will provide all supplies as well as some snacks and drinks. Please RSVP (screenshot the flyer and press the QR code for link), to ensure enough supplies!

Study Skills for Students with ADHD, Friday May 8 at 1:30pm. Come learn brain hacks to get you ready for finals.
05/07/2026

Study Skills for Students with ADHD, Friday May 8 at 1:30pm. Come learn brain hacks to get you ready for finals.

The 2026 One Book One Philadelphia selection is here! Philadelphians are invited to delve into this year's featured sele...
05/06/2026

The 2026 One Book One Philadelphia selection is here! Philadelphians are invited to delve into this year's featured selection, Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng, a powerful novel exploring family, resistance, storytelling, and the impact of government policy on communities and personal identity. For a celebration of 250 years of American independence, Our Missing Hearts offers a cautionary yet hopeful look at the First Amendment.

A limited supply of copies of Our Missing Hearts are available at Kingsessing Library for free on a first come, first serve basis. To reserve yours, please contact librarian Brendan McCarty by calling 215-685-2690 or emailing: [email protected].

Patrons are welcome to reserve up to 5 copies and receive a list of suggested discussion questions to start a "One Book" club of their own!

Everyone has the potential for a career. You don’t just have to “find a job.” Take hold of your future with our upcoming...
04/28/2026

Everyone has the potential for a career. You don’t just have to “find a job.” Take hold of your future with our upcoming Career Exploration Workshop, in one week on Tuesday May 5th - we've got your lunch covered too! Sign up for the event using the QR code or link below in the comments. Here's to your future!

Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you feeling stuck in a low-paying job, or wanting a new...
04/08/2026

Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you feeling stuck in a low-paying job, or wanting a new or better employment situation? Take hold of your future with our upcoming Career Exploration Workshop, on Tuesday May 5th! Lunch is included! For guaranteed registration, please sign up with the included link. Here's to your future!

Check out this great children's program at the Parkway Central Library for Philadelphia 250!
04/01/2026

Check out this great children's program at the Parkway Central Library for Philadelphia 250!

Join us for The Magic of Storytelling Featuring Indigenous Artist Tchin on Saturday, April 11th at 11:00!

03/21/2026

Address

1201 S 51st Street (Between Chester And Kingsessing Aves)
Philadelphia, PA
19143

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 11am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 11am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+12156852690

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kingsessing Library posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Kingsessing Library:

Share

Category