Bushrod Library is a branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia located in Northeast Philadelphia at 6304 Castor Avenue, serving the communities of Oxford Circle, Castor Gardens, Upper Northwood, Summerdale, and the Lower Northeast. Founded in 1950 as the first newly constructed branch since the Central Library's completion in 1927, it offers public access to books, computers, Wi-Fi, and community programming. The library hosts regular events including storytimes for babies and toddlers, English conversation groups, and educational workshops for all ages.
The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity.
Bushrod Library was established through the bequest of Dr. Bushrod Washington James, a Philadelphia eye surgeon and humanitarian who dedicated his life to serving poor children and adults. The library opened on October 25, 1950, in the Oxford Circle neighborhood, which had developed from farmland into a residential community following the opening of the Frankford Elevated and Tacony Palmyra Bridge in the 1920s. The facility was renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library location.
Bushrod Library offers "Read, Baby, Read" storytime and playgroup sessions every Thursday at 10:30 AM for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. The library also hosts regular English Conversation Groups for intermediate and advanced speakers led by volunteer Miriam, as well as special programs such as "The Geography Lady Presents" and "Aunt Orphia's Breaking Into Baking for Teens." The library provides standard services including book browsing, computer access, printing, scanning, reference services, and Wi-Fi.
Bushrod Library hosts a variety of recurring and special events throughout the year. Regular programming includes weekly English Conversation Groups (Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:00 AM), Thursday storytimes for young children, and seasonal events like summer reading programs. Special events have included "The Geography Lady Presents" and teen baking workshops. The library participates in system-wide initiatives and maintains an active calendar of community-focused programming.
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