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Free Library of Philadelphia resumes Saturday hours for the first time in 3 years

After three years, folks can visit 10 local branches outside Monday to Friday hours.

Visit you local Free Library on Saturday between Feb.25 and June 10
Visit you local Free Library on Saturday between Feb.25 and June 10Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer

Philadelphians can now go to the Free Library on Saturday. For the last three years, folks have only been able to visit public libraries Monday through Friday, but that’s about to change on February 25.

No more adhering to a work schedule to pick up your favorite book or wishing for weekend library activities on Reddit threads. You can now visit 10 out of the 54 Free Library of Philadelphia branches from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. April 8 and May 26 are exceptions for Easter and Memorial Day holiday schedules.

» READ MORE: 9 free programs and services at the Free Library of Philadelphia that go beyond checking out books

The initiative is set to last until June 10. At that point, it will be re-evaluated to check for “changes to Saturday service and plan for additional weekend hours in the fall,” said library spokesperson Kaitlyn Foti.

Until then, the following libraries will be open on Saturday:

  1. Cecil B. Moore Library📍2320 Cecil B. Moore Ave., 📞215-685-2766

  2. Charles Santore Library📍932 South 7th St., 📞215-686-1766

  3. Eastwick Library📍2851 Island Ave., 📞215-685-4170

  4. Fox Chase Library📍501 Rhawn St., 📞215-685-0547

  5. Greater Olney Library📍5501 North 5th St., 📞215-685-2846

  6. Haverford Library📍5543 Haverford Ave., 📞215-685-1964

  7. Kensington Library📍104 West Dauphin St., 📞215-685-9996

  8. Nicetown-Tioga Library📍3720 North Broad St., 📞215-685-9790

  9. Tacony Library📍6742 Torresdale Ave., 📞215-685-8755

  10. Walnut Street West Library📍201 South 40th St., 📞215-685-7671

Will there be special programming?

Yes, Saturdays will come with their own set of library activities. Although the schedule is still in progress, you can save the date for:

February 25

  1. A Celebration of Black American Music: Featuring The Renaissance Sextet, led by Leon Jordan Sr. 📍Harerford Library, ⌚noon, 💵 free.

  2. From Louis Armstrong to Leon Bridges - Celebrating a century of genius in Black American Music: With performances by Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Roberta Flack, Alicia Keys, and Leon Bridges.📍Harerford Library, ⌚3 p.m., 💵 free.

» READ MORE: DIY kids activities to do at home, suggested by Philly museums and youth organizations

Will libraries be properly staffed?

Despite the announcement, concerns about staffing and budget remain. The Free Library received a $10.4 million increase in funding in May 20022, but by September, 300 positions still remained to be filled.

Budget and staffing are problems the library has been dealing with for some time now. It was the main reason why the Free Library originally reduced Saturday hours back in Sept. 2018 in 31 out of the 54 branches. Two months later though, the city managed to allocate enough funding to re-open Saturday hours in 35 library branches, however, the pandemic ultimately resulted in the service being shut down.