Rare Book Department

215-686-5416 Call our helpline or Contact Us.
1901 Vine Street, Third Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Closed Today
Sunday, 6/29 Closed
Monday, 6/30 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 7/1 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 7/2 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 7/3 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 7/4 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed *
Saturday, 7/5 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Friday had hour changes – Independence Day
Sunday Closed
Monday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 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
Rare Book Department
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Services

Upcoming Events

First Wednesdays with the Rare Book Department

First Wednesdays with the Rare Book Department

Wed, July 2, 2025 5:00 P.M.

Join the Rare Book Department for extended evening hours on the first Wednesday of every month. The Department will be open until 7 p.m. and staff will be offering tours, pop-up programs, and sneak-peaks. Can’t make it? Don’t forget about our free daily tours at 11 a.m.,…

First Wednesdays with the Rare Book Department

First Wednesdays with the Rare Book Department

Wed, August 6, 2025 5:00 P.M.

Join the Rare Book Department for extended evening hours on the first Wednesday of every month. The Department will be open until 7 p.m. and staff will be offering tours, pop-up programs, and sneak-peaks. Can’t make it? Don’t forget about our free daily tours at 11 a.m.,…

First Wednesdays with the Rare Book Department

First Wednesdays with the Rare Book Department

Wed, September 3, 2025 5:00 P.M.

Join the Rare Book Department for extended evening hours on the first Wednesday of every month. The Department will be open until 7 p.m. and staff will be offering tours, pop-up programs, and sneak-peaks. Can’t make it? Don’t forget about our free daily tours at 11 a.m.,…

First Wednesdays with the Rare Book Department

First Wednesdays with the Rare Book Department

Wed, October 1, 2025 5:00 P.M.

Join the Rare Book Department for extended evening hours on the first Wednesday of every month. The Department will be open until 7 p.m. and staff will be offering tours, pop-up programs, and sneak-peaks. Can’t make it? Don’t forget about our free daily tours at 11 a.m.,…

View all Rare Book Department events

After a 7 month closure for HVAC repairs, the Rare Book Department is excited to welcome you back to the Third Floor of Parkway Central starting June 16!

We have great new displays on view in our galleries, and the 11 a.m. Daily Tour is back in full swing.

Stop by and see us, or meet us on social media @freelibraryrarebooks to see what we're up to!