Petit Branch Library

Currently closed
Sun: Closed
Mon: 9:00 am-7:30 pm
Tue - Wed: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Thu: 9:00 am-7:30 pm
Fri - Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Library Information

Address: 
105 Victoria Place
Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: 
(315) 435-3636
Fax: 
(315) 435-2731
Accessibility: 
Full

Holiday Closings

Easter03/31/24
Staff Development Day05/03/24
Memorial Day Weekend05/25/24, 05/26/24
Memorial Day05/27/24
Juneteenth06/19/24
Independence Day07/04/24
Labor Day Weekend08/31/24, 09/01/24
Labor Day09/02/24
Veteran's Day11/11/24
Thanksgiving Eve (closes at 5:00 PM)11/27/24
Thanksgiving11/28/24
Day After Thanksgiving11/29/24
Christmas Eve (closes at 5:00 PM)12/24/24
Christmas12/25/24
New Year's Eve (closes at 5:00 PM)12/31/24

  • PETIT: Haudenosaunee Women - From SkyWoman to Influence on American Suffrage, Saturday March 23, 2:30 PM
  • PETIT: Calligraphy Workshop: The East Asian Language of Writing, Saturday, April 6, 2:30 PM
  • Completely fine free
  • Fees still charged for lost items

Petit Branch Library is located on Victoria Place, off Westcott Street. This branch is on the near east side of Syracuse in an eclectic area known as the University Neighborhood (for its proximity to Syracuse University) and the Westcott Nation. The library is named after Douglas E. Petit who served as President of the Board of Syracuse Public Library until his death in 1926.

Petit, then called Westcott Station, first opened in 1912 in the Lawrence Drug Store at the corner of Westcott and Dell Streets. The Westcott Station was discontinued in 1926 in anticipation of the Douglas E. Petit Branch, which opened on November 20, 1928 at 746 South Beech Street. The current location on Victoria Place was dedicated on May 10, 1961.

Petit is a bright, open building which offers a large collection of children’s picture books and features a children’s toy library. Computers and printing are available, and the library’s collection provides a wide range of adult, teen, and children’s materials in multiple formats including print, DVD, Blu-Ray, and CD. Petit patrons can also access a great number of audio books, eBooks, and digital media through Libby and Hoopla.

In addition to providing materials to borrow, Petit Branch is also a venue for sharing community resources through exchange programs and displays such as the Puzzle Exchange, the Magazine Exchange, and a seasonal seed library.

Programs for children and teens are regular features at this branch. Children enjoy weekly Story Hours involving stories, songs, and rhymes. Over summer break, children and teens enjoy Petit’s summer reading program which includes fun events and prizes for reading.

Throughout the year, Petit provides community programs for adults and families that reflect their needs and interests. Popular programs include a monthly book discussion group, craft classes, musical performances, poetry readings, and gardening programs. Petit also supports local artists who display work on the walls of the library in featured exhibits each month.

Petit plays a key role in neighborhood events, such as the Westcott Street Cultural Fair in September. The library staff leads families and children in the parade down Westcott Street, making noise and holding signs to promote reading. After the parade, many of the Fair’s “Kids’ Korner” performances take place in an area right in front of the library.

Since 2000, Petit has held an enormously popular annual book sale in conjunction with the Fair. Throughout the year, patrons bring in book donations, and volunteers sort them by genre. On the week leading up to the sale, Petit welcomes a crowd of volunteers who transform the library into a giant book sale, where all donated materials are sold for prices under $5. This community effort helps Petit raise money for programming for the rest of the year.

The Petit Garden Courtyard represents a collaborative community project that began in 2000 as a joint effort between neighborhood residents and OCPL. Planned and created by members of the Westcott community, the garden consists of stone pathways, flower plantings, shrub beds, trees, a water feature, and a brick courtyard. Individuals, families, organizations, and local businesses have purchased bricks for the courtyard engraved with quotations, logos, and names.

Petit Branch Library cannot be meaningfully separated from the patrons who frequent it. It is known for its welcoming community and engaging programs. Today, Petit is a cornerstone of the Westcott Nation and a vital part of the neighborhood.

Staff: 

Branch Manager: Carol Johnson