Independence Branch Free Library

Independence Branch Free Library “A library card is the start of a lifelong adventure.” Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Named for its proximity to Independence National Park, this branch of the Free Library serves people who live in Society Hill, Old City, Queen Village, Washington Square West, and Chinatown. The Independence Branch also houses the Barbara Gittings Gay/Lesbian Collection. Find us online at
http://libwww.freelibrary.org/branches/branch.cfm?loc=IND

Follow us at
https://twitter.com/IndependenceBr

Monday, 6/8 @ 3pm Pride Craft PartyRainbows, pride, and love! Celebrate pride month with some fun crafts, stickers, and ...
06/01/2026

Monday, 6/8 @ 3pm Pride Craft Party
Rainbows, pride, and love! Celebrate pride month with some fun crafts, stickers, and coloring! There will be activities for kids of all ages.

Monday, 6/15 @ 11:30am Drag Queen Storytime with Brittany Lynn
Join Brittany Lynn for a Drag Queen Storytime. Hear interactive stories about love, diversity, and acceptance!

Monday, 6/22 @ 11:30am Drag King Storytime with Brad Habit
Come practice the good habits of self love, music and movement, reading, and making art with drag king Brad Habit.

Join Ms. Chen today at 10:30am for Read, Baby, Read: Storytime & Playgroup! There will be stories, songs, rhymes, and bo...
05/29/2026

Join Ms. Chen today at 10:30am for Read, Baby, Read: Storytime & Playgroup! There will be stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces! Bubbles will end storytime. Then stay after for our playgroup! This program is for babies and toddlers with their caregivers. Siblings are welcome.

Join us today, May 28 from 10:00am to 2:00pm for our Art Book Sale. Sponsored by Friends of the Independence Library!
05/28/2026

Join us today, May 28 from 10:00am to 2:00pm for our Art Book Sale. Sponsored by Friends of the Independence Library!

Thank you to everyone who attended Derek’s workshop on Monday! To learn about our upcoming summer programs, all of which...
05/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended Derek’s workshop on Monday! To learn about our upcoming summer programs, all of which are FREE to attend, you can subscribe to our library’s monthly newsletter. Link in bio ✨

Join Ms. Chen for storytime today at 10am and every other Wednesday (5/20 - 10/21)! There will be storytelling, songs, r...
05/20/2026

Join Ms. Chen for storytime today at 10am and every other Wednesday (5/20 - 10/21)! There will be storytelling, songs, rhymes, dancing, and crafts in the Pavilion at Franklin Square (6th and Race St.) as we explore different themes throughout the spring, summer, and fall! Bubbles and fun crafts at the end of each session.

5/20, 6/3, 6/17, 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/12, 8/26, (NO 9/9), 9/23, 10/7, 10/21

Congratulations to the 3rd graders from Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School for publishing their fairytale stori...
05/18/2026

Congratulations to the 3rd graders from Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School for publishing their fairytale stories! Their books are on display at Independence Library this week. Come by and celebrate their accomplishments by reading their books!

Tonight from 5-6:30 pm, cool off and get creative with the soothing brushstrokes of Chinese painting. Instructor Derek H...
05/18/2026

Tonight from 5-6:30 pm, cool off and get creative with the soothing brushstrokes of Chinese painting. Instructor Derek Huangxin Wang returns to our library, this time using the subject of bamboo 🎋 as an example to learn special techniques. Materials provided! All ages welcome.

Address

18 S 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA
19106

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+12156851633

Website

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