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

Closed Today

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

Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day

View all holiday closings

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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

Read Baby Read: Baby & Toddler Storytime!

Mon, June 9, 2025 10:30 A.M.

Join Miss Mary for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces! Stay for playtime immediately following storytime! Intended for our friends ages 2 and under and their caregivers. Cooler weather? We'll have storytime in the auditorium on the ground floor! Warmer weather? We'll be…

English Conversation Group - Intermediate+

Mon, June 9, 2025 11:00 A.M.

Build your confidence in speaking English while meeting other adults in a casual learning environment. No registration is required. This group is for intermediate/advanced English speakers and is led by Free Library volunteer Nancy. The group will meet in BRIC 60 on the ground floor. …

FULL Computer Skills for Beginners

Mon, June 9, 2025 11:00 A.M.

** Class is full and not accepting new students. Please call the number below to be placed on the waitlist or find an alternate class location. ** Need computer help? Take a free digital skills workshop at the Library! Learn how to use a computer, get online, and more. Training provided by…

Teen Summer of Wonder Kickoff Party

Mon, June 9, 2025 3:30 P.M.

Join Field Teen Center to start your summer the right way: with snacks and free stuff! Teens who sign up for Summer of Wonder will get a tote bag to decorate plus your choice of two books to keep. Programs at the Field Teen Center are open to individuals ages 12 to…

View all Parkway Central Library events

Free Tours

Parkway Central Library Tours

One Hour Tour All Ages Welcome

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

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.