Parkway Central Library
| 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
- Mon., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
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
Meet the artists behind the Staff Art Exhibit
Thu, May 15, 2025
12:00 P.M.
Artists from the Free Library Staff Art Exhibit will be available to talk about their work from 12 pm to 2 pm in the Art Department. Artwork by Free Library of Philadelphia staff will be on display in the Art Department hallway gallery and vertical displays from April 29th…
Headshots at the BRIC!
Thu, May 15, 2025
1:00 P.M.
Get a FREE headshot photo taken at the Business Resource and Innovation Center! Headshots are a unique service for entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, job seekers, and more. Use your photo to enhance your professional portfolio and make your LinkedIn profile stand out among the…
MBAT Open Office Hours
Thu, May 15, 2025
2:00 P.M.
The City of Philadelphia's Mayor's Business Action Team (MBAT) is here to answer your business questions! MBAT is the one-stop shop for Philadelphia business owners and entrepreneurs. We're partnering up to host office hours with Business Services Managers. They are the…
Changing Careers & Transferable Skills: Virtual Full Circle Career Workshop
Thu, May 15, 2025
2:00 P.M.
Virtual
Create a path for successful career change. Learn how to navigate your career transition, and understand what transferable skills are any why they are valuable in a career change. Discover the difference between hard and soft skills. To join, please register here . Zoom meeting information will…
Parkway Central Library Tours
- Monday and Tuesday 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday and Thursday 2:00 p.m.
Departments
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Art Department
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Business Resource and Innovation Center
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Children's Department
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Children's Literature Research Collection
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Culinary Literacy Center
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Drinker Collection
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Education Philosophy and Religion Department
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Field Teen Center
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First Floor Gallery East
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First Floor Gallery West
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Fleisher Collection
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General Information Department
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Government Publications Department
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Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement
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Interlibrary Loan
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Literature Department
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Map Collection
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Music Department
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Newspapers and Microfilm Center
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Patent and Trademark Resource Center
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Philbrick Hall
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Print and Picture Collection
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Rare Book Department
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Regional Foundation Center
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Science and Wellness
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Second Floor Gallery West
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Senior Services
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Social Science and History Department
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Theatre Collection
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.