This November marks a significant milestone for Tacony Library as it celebrates 120 years of fostering community connections through literature, education, and social engagement. The commemoration coincides with National Native American Heritage Month, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the deep historical roots of the area that predate the library’s establishment.
Situated on land that was once home to the Lenape people, Tacony’s origins stretch back long before the library’s doors opened. The Lenape thrived along the Delaware River for many generations, but were displaced by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Despite this, Lenape communities continue to preserve and promote their cultural heritage, including languages like Munsee and Unami.
How the Library Began
The library’s journey began in 1876, when M. Louise Thomas founded the Keystone Scientific and Literary Association. Thomas, a social reformer known for her efforts in aiding ill and injured soldiers during the Civil War, also engaged in writing letters to their families. Later, she relocated to Tacony, managing a 20-acre farm and staying active in women’s groups and philanthropic endeavors.
The association provided a modest collection of books, community events, and public lectures, offering a communal space for learning and interaction that paved the way for the present-day Tacony Library.
Critical support for a permanent library came from the Disston family. Henry Disston, an English immigrant and industrialist, played a pivotal role in shaping the neighborhood through his saw manufacturing enterprise. His family generously donated land at Torresdale Avenue and Knorr Street for the establishment of a public library.
Thanks to $43,380 in funding from Andrew Carnegie, the Tacony Library officially opened on November 27, 1906, becoming the fourth Carnegie-funded branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Growing with the Neighborhood
Throughout the years, Tacony Library has evolved to better serve its community. In 1927, the building’s rear lecture room was transformed into a children’s reading area. By 1959, renovations had modernized the flooring, lighting, and circulation desk.
A 1998 renovation revealed original stained-glass panels and murals from the 1920s. As part of the “Changing Lives” campaign, the library also introduced internet access.
After undergoing significant renovation and expansion, Tacony Library reopened on December 2, 2017. The upgrades included an accessible entrance and elevator, revamped areas for children and teens, meeting and study rooms, and a computer section.
As Tacony Library celebrates its 120th anniversary, it acknowledges that its narrative is just one chapter in a broader historical context. During National Native American Heritage Month, the Lenape people’s enduring cultural legacy is honored, while the library continues to serve as a gateway to exploring the diverse histories that have shaped the community.
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