The Charles Santore Library serves the residents in the Bella Vista, Queen Village, and Hawthorne areas of South Philadelphia. The library belongs to the Free Library of Philadelphia, which maintains 2.8 million volumes and circulates 7.5 million items per year. The Charles Santore Library was opened in 1912 as the Southwark Branch and renamed in 2004 in memory of the political activist. It provides meeting spaces, a children's room, public computers, printers, copiers, a baby changing station, and other facilities. Programs available at the library include Bingo, Musicals, Chess Club, English Conversation class, Job Search Assistance, and more.