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 until 5:00 p.m.

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., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
Fri., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Friday

View all holiday closings

Donate to Parkway Central Library

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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

CANCELLED * Preschool Storytime * DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGE

Fri, September 19, 2025 10:30 A.M.

Join Scout for stories, songs, and rhymes, and stay for playtime afterwards! Intended for our friends ages 6 and under and their caregivers. This program has ASL interpretation. In good weather, this program will be held outdoors in Shakespeare Park, directly across the street…

English Conversation Group - Intermediate+

Fri, September 19, 2025 12:00 P.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 Philip. The group will meet in BRIC 60 on the ground floor. …

Teen Video Games

Fri, September 19, 2025 3:00 P.M.

Join us for video games at the Field Teen Center every Tuesday and Friday! We play a variety of games. New players and experienced pros welcome. Programs at the Field Teen Center are open to individuals ages 12 to 18. Organized groups (including camp groups and school…

Community Art Workshop with Monument Lab Resident Nazeer Sabree

Fri, September 19, 2025 3:00 P.M.

Join Monument Lab Artist in Residence Nazeer Sabree in collaboration with Free Library Exhibitions for a weekend of free drop-in art-making activities for all ages in the main lobby of Parkway Central Library. Sabree invites participants to explore materials and techniques connected to his…

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.