Charles L. Durham Library

The Charles L. Durham Library, located at 3320 Haverford Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a community hub serving the Mantua and Powelton neighborhoods. Formerly known as the Mantua Branch, the library was renamed in 1995 to honor Judge Charles L. Durham, a prominent figure in the community. The library offers a wide range of resources and services, including storytime sessions in both English and Spanish with children’s librarian Mr. Pagán.

Situated near the Drexel University campus and the Philadelphia Zoo, the library is a welcoming space for children and their caregivers to explore literature and engage in educational activities. The building is part of the multipurpose Mantua Community Center, which also houses a Department of Recreation gymnasium, a community office, and a meeting room.

The history of the Mantua and Powelton neighborhoods is rich and diverse, with roots dating back to the 17th century. Named after a city in Italy, Mantua was designed by Judge Richard Peters in 1809, while Powelton was named for the Powell family, who played a significant role in the area’s development. Over the years, both neighborhoods have evolved into vibrant communities with a mix of residential and commercial spaces.

The Charles L. Durham Library underwent a renovation in 1999 as part of the “Changing Lives” campaign, which aimed to modernize library branches and provide access to the Internet. Today, the library continues to be a valuable resource for residents of Mantua and Powelton, offering a range of programs and services to support lifelong learning and community engagement.