Treasure
Philly!
Treasure Philly!
nicetown-tioga
library
a new home for the library
From 1925 until the late 1950s, 3720-22 North Broad Street was home to Linton's Lunch. In 1958, the Nicetown-Tioga Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia moved into the structure. Formerly known as the Nicetown Branch, the library had occupied two previous locations: 4015 Germantown Avenue and 1715 Hunting Park Avenue.
Left: The newly renovated Nicetown-Tioga branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 3720-22 North Broad Street. 3/2/1961.. Photo: Widdop. Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
Above Center: Architect's Rendering of the To-Be-Remodeled Nicetown-Tioga Branch, ca. 1959. Architect: Wallace & Warner. Artist: Earle Oakes. Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
Above Right: The Nicetown-Tioga Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia before renovations. This building was previously occupied by Linton’s Lunch. 3720-22 North Broad Street. 12/10/1959. Photo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org, a project of the Philadelphia Department of Records.
settling in
In 1961, extensive interior and exterior renovations designed by architects Wallace & Warner transformed the building. During renovations, adult reading rooms were constructed on the ground floor. A children's reading room was built on the balcony level. New vinyl tile floors were added, along with new acoustic tile ceiling and florescent lighting. The architects designed a modern facade with a large plate glass window, polished black granite, ceramic tile trim, and a metal screen covering upper windows. The library re-opened to the public on April 16, 1961.
Right: Overhead view of the Nicetown-Tioga Branch. 1/24/1963. Free Library of Philadelphia Print and Picture Collection.
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