Free Library of Philadelphia – Nicetown-Tioga Branch

Pay attention and keep your eyes peeled. The second smallest library in the Free Library system, the Nicetown Branch is easy to miss sitting smack on the NW corner of the large and bustling Broad Street and Germantown Avenue intersection in North Philadelphia, straight up Broad Street from Temple University, Shriners Children’s Hospital, and Zion Baptist Church.
The outside of the branch blends in with its immediate surroundings and has the same gritty look that every other building on the block has. The floor to ceiling front windows covered in a translucent white window covering and a large red rendition of the Free Library’s logo is the first hint that this location might be different from its neighbors. Take the hint: go inside!
Inside is a cool, clean, quiet, bright and colorful oasis far from the madding hustle of the stark urban milieu outside. The front desk staff is efficient and quick, the librarians are caring, friendly, and helpful. The collection is small, but kept current and relevant. NIcetown has a useful reference section, a numerous amount of «street lit/​urban lit» titles, and a thorough collection of Animé and Manga titles. What they don’t have, they can get for you, within the week most times and sometimes within a few days.
For the little ones there are themed story times once or twice a month. For older kids, there is the after school program, Wii and DDR events, and activities such as poetry writing. Daycares and school classes are encouraged to make an appointment for a program tailored especially for there students.
You might have to look a little to find this diamond in the rough, but the effort will be well rewarded.