Philadelphia Libraries Restore Saturday Hours

The Free Library of Philadelphia is restoring Saturday services as part of a post-pandemic expansion. 

Beginning on Saturday, April 18, 52 of the 54 locations will be open to the public. The two neighborhood branches that remain closed are the Dwight Evans Library in West Oak Lane, which is undergoing HVAC repairs, and the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians, a specialty branch that helps people unable to read standard print.

According to a PhillyVoice report, city budget increases have funded the hiring of more than 300 staff and facility improvements to support the expanded Saturday schedule. Over 900 people work for The Free Library, and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's 2027 budget would create an additional 100 funded positions, according to Mark Graham, the Free Library's communications director.

Graham added that library administrators are now considering the feasibility of adding Sunday hours at nine branches, although no timeline has been established.

As the PhillyVoice noted, last year, library officials planned to release a strategic plan for its future operations, informed by several town halls and a public survey. The plan was scheduled to be released in February, but Free Library officials stated they don't have an anticipated publication date for that plan.