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by a bookmobile, and various sites were considered, and even purchased, but the plans were rejected and funding was rescinded.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.

06/22/2026

Tomorrow at 3pm! Snacks and refreshments will be served.

Please join us on Tuesday June 23 at 3pm to welcome local author Katishka Johnson MS, MFT who will be sharing her new Children’s Book It’s Okay Not to Be Okay!

06/17/2026

The Free Library will be open from 10am-1pm tomorrow Thursday 6/18 and be closed for Juneteenth on Friday 6/19.

Thanks and have a wonderful day celebrating Freedom!

(also thanks to South Philadelphia Library for the lovely graphic!)

Photos from David Cohen Ogontz Branch Library's post

06/17/2026

Summer of Juneteenth has begun! We want to thank our community and staff for a wonderful celebration with food, friends, and a transformative Unity circle!

06/11/2026

Here is our full schedule for the month of June! For the most up-to-date information that may include changes or additions to our programs and events schedule, please see our page at freelibrary.org/coleman or click the link in our bio. Below are a few highlights. Happy Summer! 🌞

Please join us June 2nd at 4:00 p.m. for our Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration and the start of the Ultimate Quest, this year’s Free Library summer reading game! We will have live music, face painting, and crafts for kids and teens.

“To Be Free,” The Free Library’s oral history project, will be at Coleman Library on Saturday, June 6, all day. Come share your response to one basic and fundamental question, “What does it mean to be free?” The library will be collecting these recordings as a time capsule for future generations to understand Philadelphia today. People of all ages are encouraged to participate.

Starting on June 9th and running every week through August 11th, teens 12-18 years old are welcome to join us for a special anime-themed night. Come hang out with us this summer as we watch a different movie or TV series each week! Selections will range from action-packed shonen to adventurous, romantic shoujo and will include some Studio Ghibli selections.

And finally, join us at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, for a documentary screening and discussion for Talking Walls, a 2025 BlackStar Film Festival award-winning documentary short (27 min.) by Marcellus Armstrong.

06/11/2026

Come hang out with us this summer as we watch a different movie or TV series each week, drawn from the wide world of anime! Selections will range from action-packed shonen to adventurous, romantic shoujo and will include some Studio Ghibli favorites. Bring a friend or two and come share in the otaku fun! Snacks will be provided. This program is best for ages 12 - 18 years old.

Photos from Free Library of Philadelphia's post

06/11/2026

Amazing programs from Cecil B. Moore Library

06/11/2026

During the summer, many students learn in non-school settings like day and overnight camps, enrichment programs, internships, and jobs.

Tutor.com is another fantastic summer learning option to bridge the gap between the school years and meet students where they so often are: online! 💻 📚

Our tutoring services are free through our partner schools, libraries, and other organizations. Check with your local institutions to find out if you have access!

Learn more about Tutor.com for K–12 students: https://bit.ly/tdc-Summer26B