Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library is a branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia located on Girard Avenue in the Kensington neighborhood. Named in 1977 to honor an outstanding Puerto Rican educator and community leader, the library serves the communities of Olde Kensington, Kensington South, Ludlow, Yorktown, and surrounding areas. The branch offers free access to books, computers, Wi-Fi, and a variety of family-friendly programs including storytimes, arts and crafts, and educational workshops.
The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity.
Originally opened as the Girard Avenue Branch on December 16, 1968, the library was renamed on May 27, 1977 to honor Ramonita G. de Rodriguez, a supervisor in the Bilingual Program with the School District of Philadelphia. The branch was renovated in 1996 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign and features public art including a colorful mural by the Mural Arts Program and an abstract relief sculpture by sculptor Joseph J. Greenberg, Jr.
The library offers diverse programming for all ages, including Toddler Storytime with Miss Chelsea (Fridays at 11:00 AM), Crafty Mornings, Palestinian Storytime & Art Making, and the Science of Soccer series. Additional programs include Clay, Play, Read (a creative workshop series with the Clay Studio), Miss Molly's Music Class, and Revolution at the Library educational programs. Teen and adult participants can join The Clay Studio's hands-on ceramics workshops.
Upcoming events include Palestinian Storytime & Art Making (June 20), Think Fast! The Science of Soccer (June 22), Crafty Mornings (Tuesdays), Toddler Storytime (Fridays), Ants on a Log Pride Concert (June 27), Clay, Play, Read workshops (multiple Wednesdays), and Revolution at the Library programs exploring Philadelphia history. The library hosts regular storytimes, music classes, and arts and crafts activities throughout the summer and fall.
Join Miss Chelsea for storytime! This program is geared towards toddlers, but can be adapted for younger and older children. Read, sing, and play at the library! Every Friday at 11:00 AM - See you there!
Join the Clay Studio for a hands-on clay-making experience! Our professional teaching artists are bringing the Claymobile, a pop-up ceramics studio, to Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library this summer. In this workshop, teen and adult participants will explore their creativity and imagination while…
Books spark imagination at Clay, Play, Read , a creative workshop series from the Clay Studio where stories come alive through artmaking. Each workshop features a read-aloud, a hands-on clay project, and a book for every family to take home. Activities welcome all ages, with book choices…
Books spark imagination at Clay, Play, Read , a creative workshop series from the Clay Studio where stories come alive through artmaking. Each workshop features a read-aloud, a hands-on clay project, and a book for every family to take home. Activities welcome all ages, with book choices…
Books spark imagination at Clay, Play, Read , a creative workshop series from the Clay Studio where stories come alive through artmaking. Each workshop features a read-aloud, a hands-on clay project, and a book for every family to take home. Activities welcome all ages, with book choices…
Books spark imagination at Clay, Play, Read , a creative workshop series from the Clay Studio where stories come alive through artmaking. Each workshop features a read-aloud, a hands-on clay project, and a book for every family to take home. Activities welcome all ages, with book choices…
In this super-secret meeting, join museum staff as we learn about the spies of the Revolution! From shopkeepers and mystery women to enslaved men who served as double agents, let's discover who these spies were and how they operated undercover. We'll solve some of our puzzles,…
