Kensington Neighborhood Library

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Kensington Neighborhood Library Just west of the York-Dauphin El stop, the Kensington Library serves the Norris Square community and beyond.

Ubicada al oeste de la parada York-Dauphin de la línea "El" de SEPTA, la biblioteca Kensington sirve la comunidad alrededor de Norris Square. Neighborhood and Branch History

In the early 1700s, Anthony Palmer, an English businessman working in Barbados, purchased a large tract of land that he called Kensington after a suburb of London. Early residents were shipbuilders and fishermen, but by the 1830s Kensington had become the textile center of Philadelphia. In 1922, the Frankford elevated line began operation, passing through Kensington Avenue. The textile mills moved south by the end of the 1930s. Kensington Branch was originally known as Frankford Avenue Branch, Branch Number 3 of the Free Library system. It opened on May 21, 1894 at 1856 Frankford Avenue. The name was changed to the Kensington Branch in 1900. In August 1902 it moved to an empty church building at 2055 East Dauphin Street where it remained for 51 years. In 1953, pending completion of plans for a new location, the agency moved to a small rented shop at 2508 North Front Street. The current Kensington Branch opened on July 20, 1956. It was renovated in 1997 as part of the “Changing Lives” campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library. When you visit, ask to take a look at the mosaic in the meeting room. It was designed by Network Arts and created with the help of neighborhood children.

10/16/2026
10/16/2026

Did you know Philadelphia helped shape the history of libraries across the country? 📚

In a recent article from Billy Penn, the Free Library of Philadelphia is recognized for its longstanding commitment to making knowledge, resources, and opportunities accessible to all.

Since our founding in 1891, we’ve continued to grow and innovate, from expanding neighborhood libraries to introducing programs like our Culinary Literacy Center and birding backpacks that have inspired libraries nationwide.

We’re proud of our history and even more excited about the ways we continue to serve Philadelphia’s communities!

Thank you toBilly Penn for sharing our story! Read the full article 👉https://bit.ly/3TV9MIT

10/15/2026
Check out the libraries in the Free Library of Philadelphia system that have significant Spanish-language collections! ¡...
10/10/2026

Check out the libraries in the Free Library of Philadelphia system that have significant Spanish-language collections! ¡Exploren las localidades en el sistema de la Biblioteca Pública de Filadelfia que tienen colecciones significativas en español!

Según una entrada reciente en el blog de la Biblioteca Púbica:

"Leer en tu idioma te permite disfrutar de una buena historia, explorar tus intereses y compartir lecturas con tu familia. En la Biblioteca Pública de Filadelfia (The Free Library of Philadelphia), [hay] colecciones de libros en distintos idiomas (World Languages Collections)....

"Estas colecciones amplían el acceso a la lectura para las distintas comunidades de Filadelfia. Ofrecen oportunidades para mantener una conexión con tu idioma y tu cultura, leer en familia o practicar un idioma que estás aprendiendo.

"Cada una de las bibliotecas que destacamos...[al enlace que aparece a continuación] ha adquirido libros en español para su colección. Aunque la selección varía entre bibliotecas, puedes descubrir títulos para diferentes edades e intereses. Conoce lo que ofrece cada una y encuentra tu próxima lectura."

Visite el enlace a la entrada completa que aparece en el blog (hay que quitar todos los espacios y sustituir "." por "[punto]"):
libwww [punto] freelibrary [punto] org /blog /post /7695

Heads-up--new location for the library's cooking classes!Text from image: Cooking Class for KidsEvery Month! Last Monday...
10/07/2026

Heads-up--new location for the library's cooking classes!

Text from image: Cooking Class for Kids
Every Month! Last Mondays @ 3:30 PM
Starting in October!

New location! NKCDC Kensington Engagement Center
Ages 5-18
One adult required for each child 5-7 years old

Cooking class will be across the street from library. Join NKCDC every month .

Kensington Branch has the same hours as Fishtown's this holiday weekend (see image)!🎉HOLIDAY HOURS UPDATE🎉The Free Libra...
10/07/2026

Kensington Branch has the same hours as Fishtown's this holiday weekend (see image)!

🎉HOLIDAY HOURS UPDATE🎉
The Free Library system has adjusted hours this week into next, in anticipation of the Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday. Here are Fishtown's hours from Friday through Monday:
Friday 10/9: 10am-1pm
Saturday 10/10: 10am-5pm (stop by at 2:00pm for Kids Can Cook for K-12!)
Sunday 10/11: CLOSED
Monday 10/12: CLOSED
We'll open Tuesday at 11:00am!
❓DID YOU KNOW❓
The Lenape people are the original inhabitants of Eastern Pennsylvania. Many place names in Philadelphia - and in our neighborhood! - are derived from the Lenape language, such as Manayunk, Shackamaxon, and Wissahickon.
Knowledge is power! View a selection of kids books for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (and every day!) here:

🎉HOLIDAY HOURS UPDATE🎉

The Free Library system has adjusted hours this week into next, in anticipation of the Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday. Here are Fishtown's hours from Friday through Monday:

Friday 10/9: 10am-1pm
Saturday 10/10: 10am-5pm (stop by at 2:00pm for Kids Can Cook for K-12!)
Sunday 10/11: CLOSED
Monday 10/12: CLOSED

We'll open Tuesday at 11:00am!

❓DID YOU KNOW❓
The Lenape people are the original inhabitants of Eastern Pennsylvania. Many place names in Philadelphia - and in our neighborhood! - are derived from the Lenape language, such as Manayunk, Shackamaxon, and Wissahickon.

Knowledge is power! View a selection of kids books for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (and every day!) here:
❇️tinyurl.com/IPDbooksFLP❇️


51w

10/07/2026
Tonight!
10/07/2026

Tonight!

Need to register to vote or update the address on your voer registration? Want to apply for a mail-in ballot? The Office...
09/29/2026

Need to register to vote or update the address on your voer registration? Want to apply for a mail-in ballot? The Office of the City Commissioners is in the house to provide you with registration assistance and answer your questions.

Image description: A smiling human sets out flyers and postcards on a table in front of a bookcase. The tablecloth bears the Seal of the city of Philadelphia and the text: "The Office of the City Commissioners Voter Registration, Vote . Phila . gov, 215-686-VOTE."

Address

104 W Dauphin Street
Philadelphia, PA
19133

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

(215) 685-9996

Website

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