Ok, I was headed to my nearest SS office when I noted that this location had a 5 star Yelp rating…read moreand I was like:"huh?". Well, let me tell you that rating is spot ON! I arrived on a Thur morning 30 min prior to opening and the most wonderful security person was already outside making sure folks lined up appropriately, but also informing folks what could NOT get done at this location (no new applications for a SS card), as well as the things that could be done on line so folks didn't waste time in line unnecessarily! And it got better from there: doors opened on time, check-in orderly, plenty signage explaining processes, the same officer even came inside and explained where to find the stations and the bathrooms! Then when I was called, the representative not only addressed my issue, but took time to explain other aspects of SS that were available to me! I have been to a number of SS offices in the Philly area and this was BY FAR the best experience. Did I mention I was out within 35 min? Only issue: street parking is limited, but office is assessable by SEPTA. This is my go-to office from now on! Make it yours

I didn't get the name of the representative I spoke with today. I wish I had because she was…read morepleasant, thorough, and was able to provide me with an answer. This is not always the case when speaking with social security. The 4240 Market Street location is tops

I've been here twice and have had great experiences. The first time I had my citizenship test…read more Security process at the door went smooth and once I sat in the waiting area, I got called in early. The interview went well and the officer was friendly. The second time I went in for my oath ceremony. It was busier this time. Every employee that I encountered was friendly, helpful and patient. I did not see anyone that was rude to candidates or applicants. In fact, I felt their excitement for us becoming US citizens which I thought was so sweet of them. What also stood out to me was that the employees were very friendly, warm and respectful to each other, which is more than you can say of some work environments in corporate America. There is a parking lot across from the building. I believe it's free to use if you have an appointment, but we parked on the street a block away.

The officer acted unprofessionally during the interview. He refused to accept my interpreter's U.S…read more passport as ID (even though it is valid government identification), argued unnecessarily, and only allowed the interview to continue after delay. He required my spouse to leave the room without clear explanation. He then asked me a confusing question ("What's happening in Florida in 2023?"), did not allow the interpreter to fully translate, and raised his voice at me when I tried to clarify.

I had mixed feeling going here. I was prepared to spend my whole day sitting and waiting but nope!!…read more I was in and out within 15 minutes. I needed my birth certificate so I can get the Real ID. I got there as soon as they opened (highly recommended), got a ticket, filled out the application, and soon as I was done my number was called. I showed them my current ID and paid $20. Just 5 minutes later, my birth certificate was ready.

Vital Records in Willmington Delaware. I had ordered a copy of my birth certificate in August of…read more2025. It's now April 2026. I have yet to receive it. I've called numerous times. No solution. I want my $60 back. They won't give it to me. They said it could be another 20 weeks until you'll receive it your birth certificate. FRAUD! Contacting the Better Business Bureau, for answers. I have never come across such an unethical place. Do Not use them. Go to your local town, where you were born. Pay $10. You're done!!! And with no headache!

Showed up a half hour before closing time to a completely locked and dark post office that was open…read moreearlier in the day. No sign acknowledging they closed early.

For my one and only attempted interaction with this branch, they have a letter on the door saying…read morethey can't accept packages today. Apparently their door (not the front door) is broken which has crippled them for doing any sort of business. The Wanamaker branch had a line snaking out the door and I had assumed this would be a good alternative. I'll add the University City Post Office to the heap of unpredictable and unreliable businesses I've attempted to use in Philly.

Organized and friendly staff near and clean. A lot of seating area. Timely announcementread more

Very disappointed in my experience at the PHL Social Security Office. First time I've had to visit,…read moreand I hope it's the last. For starters, be prepared to WAIT! Your visit may easily take two hours (and I think that may have been on a good day for me). Directions: you'll have to walk in to 2 Penn Center, and find the elevators to get to the 20th floor. Once you're in the right area (I only needed a replacement card), you get any personal items searched, and then get a chance to speak with an initial representative. The rep will ask for your SS#, and then you will be placed into the queue. Waiting: security will strictly enforce the fact that talking on cell phones is not allowed. Eating or drinking is also prohibited, but they do have a water fountain and 2 small gender neutral restrooms (I didn't venture in). In addition, there is no WiFi connectivity, so you may want to bring something to keep you occupied. Pro tip- headphones alone likely won't drown out the noises made by crying children! Observations: you'll notice from my photo that there are 20+ windows built to serve customers, yet during my two hours here, I only saw 2-3 windows in operation on a consistent basis. It's disappointing that our system isn't able to serve more people and in a faster manner, but I am grateful for the folks who do work here and try their best to serve with a smile on their faces. One of the more frustrating parts of the visit is that you will not get an accurate estimate for your wait time. There is no real-time update mechanism, and the sole TV is just displaying the same facts that they display online. Speaking of online- I did try and get my replacement card online before I came to the office in person. As you may have guessed, the online system has some serious issues, but that's a whole separate review for another time. FYI- it takes 5-7 business days later to get your replacement card.

Really great outdoor space. I was here during the afternoon around 1pm. The weather was perfect and…read morethey have swing seats which was nice touch. They have ones that you can actually stretch out and ones that you can just sit. There is shaded and non shaded seating areas if you're looking to be in the sun or just avoid it. Also I noticed there were power outlets as well.

OUTDOORS, scattered seating / ledges of different types. Surprising events (free!) in summertime…read more Wide range of vendors, PLUS right inside the classic Reading or Pennsylvania Railroad station are big chain food PRI fers like Au Bon Pain or Jimmy John's.

I had the privilege to take a really cool screenprinting workshop here and cannot wait to return!…read moreStaff are super nice, fun, and helpful when I had tons of questions. So lucky to have this resource in Philly and encourage everyone to stop by just to see it!

I love WPTL! They always have the exact tool I'm looking for.. along with an attendant to offer…read moreguidance because I usually need assistance. They offer a sliding scale yearly membership starting at $20. There are no additional costs except for late fees. Tools can be kept for one week and must be renewed in person.

Cute library with several different spaces. I enjoyed the civic center and relaxed there for an…read morehour just reading.

Y'all, this place has Charles Dickens' actual writing desk…read more We entered this beautiful building, mouths agape in wonder. One of the security guards told us to head straight up to the 3rd floor -- he compared it to a small museum full of rare things. Intrigued, we took his advice. So glad we did! We happened upon the free guided tour of the Rare Book Department, and spent the next hour happily being shown treasures such as books with special bindings, books with gold leaf, the taxidermied raven named Grip which inspired Edgar Allan Poe's famous work, and yes, Charles Dickens' desk, complete with his scratched-on initials. Later, we came across a giant shoe in one of the reading rooms. This place is fantastically magical. Love the Free Library of Philadelphia.