The Kingsessing Library has a new teen and child reading area.

Here’s some great news for Southwest Philly residents. After being closed for a major renovation for more than two years, the Free Library of Philadelphia Kingsessing Branch, located at 1201 S. 51st St., has reopened this week and is welcoming visitors and patrons.

The century-old building (built in 1919) closed its doors in October 2022 to prepare for construction, which began the following winter.

Some of the upgrades and renovations at the library include:

• New teen and child reading area
• New roof, doors and windows which bring more light into the space
• Refurbished masonry
• New elevator
• New furniture, fixtures and finishes
• New lighting improvements on the exterior and interior
• HVAC improvements

The $7 million renovation project was conducted by the City’s Rebuild program, which is also involved in the renovation of Kingsessing Recreation Center (currently underway). The library had a soft opening yesterday, but a grand opening celebration is also being planned.

The library has also begun hosting events. One of the important upcoming events is a meeting with the candidates running for the Philadelphia District Attorney – DA Larry Krasner and Judge Pat Dugan. It will be held next Thursday, April 17 at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. In May, the library is hosting a Southwest Philly Job Fair where local residents can explore job openings from various employers. More details are available here.

As for children and youth, the library is bringing back baby storytimes, artsy craftsy storytimes, and fiber craft afternoons. Also, the library’s Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) is coming back with homework help available during the afterschool hours. The LEAP team will also be offering Teen programming to go with the library’s new dedicated Teen Space.

For more information about the library, including the hours of operation and upcoming events, visit the library website or Facebook page.

Photos courtesy of Rebuild Philadelphia