Whitman Library

While we were planning to announce reopening to the public on January 19, we are unfortunately experiencing a staff shortage (several staff needing to quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure) and the branch will be closed until further notice. There will be no holds pickups, returns, and phone assistance during this time. Please stay safe, and if you need to get in touch you can reach out to us here or by email at [email protected].

Our e-newsletter comes out every other Tuesday. If you didn't get it in your email yesterday, you can read it here and subscribe if you'd like! http://conta.cc/3c0Dofp

Please note that our helpline and other Free Library services will not be available on Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. However...freelibrary.org is always open!

There will be no curbside pickups tomorrow (Thursday 1/14) because we are closed for carpet cleaning.

Today we are reading books about food! "Hello Friends" song Little Taco Truck by Tanya Valentine and Jorge Martin "Zoom Zoom Zoom" fingerplay... Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang and Charlene Chua Hug stretch "Goodbye Friends" song See more

To learn more about The Tradition, its companion titles and the upcoming One Book, One Philadelphia season, read our new blog post from Brittanie Sterner, OBOP Program Director. Happy One Book Day!

Stay tuned for an update about next week's hours!

This week at Whitman Library! Curbside appointments are available Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Place holds online with your library card number and PIN, by calling us at 215-685-1754, or by emailing [email protected]. Once your holds arrive you'll be notified to contact us to schedule an appointment. This photo is our holds shelf; we are happy to see many of our neighbors using and enjoying this service! Our returns drop box, located outside the front door, is open 24/7. Virtual Storytime with Rachel is Friday at 10:30 a.m. Last week's storytime is available to watch in our videos tab.

Today, Rachel is reading two new library books! "Hello Friends" song Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall "Zoom Zoom Zoom" fingerplay... Be You by Peter H. Reynolds Hug stretch "Goodbye Friends" song See more

Starting today, we are now open to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. for in-person services including browsing, holds pickup, computer use, printing, and copying. Here are a few things to know before your visit: Masks covering nose and mouth are required and patrons must maintain a distance of six feet from staff and other patrons. There is reduced building capacity (maximum 12 patrons inside at a time.) If building capacity is reached pa...trons will be asked to wait outside until space is available. Visits and computer sessions are limited to 30 minutes per day. Due to social distancing guidelines library staff may not be able to provide assistance to patrons using computers. Hand sanitizer is located at the entrance and, along with alcohol wipes, at several service points throughout the library. All returns must be deposited in the book drop. Clear barriers have been installed around staff desks. Patrons should still keep a distance of six feet when possible. Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. We know this new library experience will feel very different and we truly appreciate your patience and cooperation as we create a safe environment for everyone. We are excited to welcome you back! See more

This week at Whitman Library! Our book drop opens today at 9 am for returns and remains open overnight until Friday at 2 pm. Our building is open to the public for in-person services Tuesday-Thursday 1-4 pm. Remember to wear a mask! Curbside delivery is still available by appointment Monday-Friday. Give us a call at 215-685-1754 if you prefer to pick up your holds right outside our front door without coming inside.

Whitman's virtual storytime returns next month In the meantime, check out today's Facebook storytime with Miss Sunita from our neighboring Donatucci Branch!

Starting next month, our Adult/Teen Librarian will be assisting with this new program series. Click the link for more information!

Unfortunately we are closed today due to a building emergency. The book drop remains open until tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. for returns.

12-2 p.m. tomorrow on our back patio!

Check our page Friday at 10:30 for a new storytime video!

Make your voice heard. TODAY is the last day to register to vote or make updates to your voter status for the November 3 election. Don't wait, register now https://bit.ly/3kdjVJF

It's been a while since we've done a #FridayReads post so here's our Staff Picks display! Browsing these shelves while you're in the library is a great way to get to know our staff and you may find a new favorite while you're at it

Library Friends! We’re so thankful for the Friends of Whitman Library who help us connect with our neighbors, fundraise, advocate, and participate in amazing events like yesterday’s Reading Promises Literacy Festival. Next week is #NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek, but we couldn’t wait to share our appreciation for these incredible volunteers (pictured and not pictured). If you’re interested in learning more about our group, email [email protected] or join us at the next virtual meeting on November 2 at 6:30 pm

Find your story during our Fall Reading Challenge! Sign up today at: https://freelibrary.beanstack.org #flpyouthservices... #fallreadingchallenge See more

Come to Mifflin Square Park (6th & Ritner) tomorrow for some art activities, free books, and check out the new StoryWalks!

Take a stroll and read a book! Our TWO StoryWalks are up in the park! Enjoy the beautiful art and stories. Thanks to Ms. Rachel from Whitman Library - Free Lib...rary of Philadelphia for creating them. Books are Daniel's Good Day by Micha Archer and Quizás Algo Hermoso by F Isabel Campoy, Theresa Howell and Rafael López. Thanks to Friends of Mifflin volunteers Ed and Sonny, Seamaac, Inc. staff Joel and Andrew and LoMo Civic Association board members Julie and Patti for helping install!

Rachel is setting up two new StoryWalks today at Mifflin Square Park!

We're excited to participate in Wednesday's event at Mifflin Square Park (6th & Ritner)!