Parkway Central Library

1-833-TALK FLP (825-5357) Call our helpline or Contact Us.
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway
Open today 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, 6/15 Closed
Monday, 6/16 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 6/17 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 6/18 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *
Thursday, 6/19 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Closed *
Friday, 6/20 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 6/21 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Wednesday has hour changes – preparation for the Juneteenth holiday
  • * Thursday has hour changes – Juneteenth
Sunday Closed
Monday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Closures

  • Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
  • Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
  • Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
View all holiday closings
Parkway Central Library
Donate to Parkway Central Library

Get Directions | Public Transportation

Services

Facilities

  • Baby changing station
  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • Change machine
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Scanner
  • Screen magnify tools
  • Self-service checkout
  • Street parking (metered)
  • Street parking
  • Study rooms
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

PRIDE Music and Movement

PRIDE Music and Movement

Wed, June 18, 2025 10:30 A.M. This event has already happened.

Join Ms Naomi for singing and dancing in this movement-oriented storytime followed by playtime, and today our sonds and book will be pride themed!  This program is designed for children ages 6 and under, along iwth their caretakers. If you require ASL interpretation, please contact us in…

PENN MED HEART HEALTH SERIES

PENN MED HEART HEALTH SERIES

Wed, June 18, 2025 11:00 A.M. This event has already happened.

You're Invited! Take a Moment for Your Health with Penn Medicine Stop by to get your blood pressure checked, engage in open conversations, and learn about critical health topics from Penn Medicine experts. We're here to listen, talk, and answer your questions — all while helping…

Recapturing Black History: Preserving an Inclusive View of Philadelphia History.

Recapturing Black History: Preserving an Inclusive View of Philadelphia History.

Wed, June 18, 2025 11:00 A.M. This event has already happened.
Virtual

Amy Jane Cohen is an educator, historian, and author dedicated to helping Philadelphians understand and appreciate the evolution of Black history in their hometown. She is the author of "Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape: Deep Routes, Continuing Legacy", published by Temple…

Sew What?! ROOM 108 Sewcial-Needle Crafts

Sew What?! ROOM 108 Sewcial-Needle Crafts

Wed, June 18, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Sew What?! Is a clever and creative get together for crafters who do crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, quilting, felting, and more.  Want to share what you're making with other fabric crafters? Join us to collaborate and learn.  In-person, Wednesdays from 2-4:30 pm in…

View all Parkway Central Library events
Free Tours

Parkway Central Library Tours

One Hour Tour   All Ages Welcome
Exterior of Parkway Central Library
Historic Building Tour
  • Monday and Tuesday 10:00 a.m.
  •  Wednesday and Thursday 2:00 p.m.
Please meet in the main First Floor lobby.
Explore the grand Beaux-Arts building of Parkway Central Library, an important part of Philadelphia's past and present that opened in 1927 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The specialized tour showcases unique architecture and history, while covering the many collections and services that make the Free Library such a valuable and critical resource.
No reservations are required. However groups of 10 or more are encouraged to submit a Group Tour Request.
Group Tour Request

Departments

About

Parkway Central Library Welcomes You [A downloadable brochure for a self-guided tour]

Video Tour through Parkway Central [background blog post with embedded videos]

Designed by Julian Abele, a prominent African American architect from Philadelphia who worked in Horace Trumbauer’s firm, the Parkway Central Library first opened its doors on June 2, 1927. As an anchor cultural and educational institution on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, we welcome over 1 million visitors each year from the city, its countryside, and around the world. Our patrons come to learn from our public events, to consult our special collections, and to tap the expertise of our librarians and curators in each of the subject departments and special collections. On most days, volunteer docents offer architectural walks through the building.