Festival Location
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Main Information: 215-686-5322
The Festival Street Fair and Literary Marketplace is held outside, on the streets adjacent to Parkway Central.
Dates & Times
Saturday and Sunday, April 17 & 18, 2010*
11:00 AM-6:00 PM both days
*2010 dates are subject to change
What hours will the departments of Parkway Central be open?
Saturday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM*
Sunday: 11:00 AM-6:00 PM*
*Building hours during the Festival are subject to change.
What does it cost?
Festival events, exhibits, and programs are free and open to the public. Books and other merchandise may be purchased from Festival exhibitors and vendors.
How do I get there?
Click here for detailed directions, both driving and public transportation.
Where should I park?
There are parking lots located at 18th & Vine and 17th & Vine (within 2-3 blocks of the Parkway Central Library). See the Site Map for details. There is also limited, street parking nearby.
Will there be changes to Public Transit schedules and routes?
Some public transit schedules and routes will be changed during the Festival. For up-to-date changes in schedules and route maps, visit www.septa.org.
How do I buy books for a particular author event?
Books for Festival events are sold at locations adjacent to Festival venues. Please ask a volunteer to direct you. Most authors will sign copies of their book for approximately 30 minutes following their presentation. A portion of proceeds from books sold on-site by Joseph Fox Book Shop and Children's Book World supports the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. Thank you!
Can I make a reservation for a must-see event?
No. Seating at Festival events is on a first come, first seated basis.
What about standing room?
There are limits on the number of people allowed in the various festival venues. Standing room is reserved for key Festival staff members and members of the media. All public attendees must be seated.
How early should I arrive to see an event?
Seating begins approximately 15 minutes prior to event start times.
Please note: Events run (almost) continuously in all Festival venues. It is a good idea to arrive early to your must-see events. You might even catch another great reading or performance! Please be courteous to visitors attending events earlier events: turn off cell phones and limit conversations in waiting areas.
Where are the public restrooms?
Public restrooms are located on the ground floor of the Parkway Central Library. Children’s restrooms (for children 12 and under) are located near the Central Children's Department. There are also public restrooms (port-a-potties) located outside. See the Festival Map for locations.
Will there be food available on-site?
There will be food vendors at different locations throughout the Street Fair. See the Festival Map for specific locations. Food options include kid-friendly fare and vegetarian options.
I am a self-published author. How can I be a part of the Festival?
On-stage author and performer appearances at the Free Library Festival are by invitation only. Due to the high volume of inquiries about on-stage appearances, we are unable to respond to every inquiry. Self-published authors are encouraged to join the festival as an Author Exhibitor. See Exhibitor Information page for details.
I represent an author, band, or other performer. How can I submit a proposal for a program, reading, or performance?
On-stage author and performer appearances at the Free Library Festival are by invitation only. Due to the high volume of inquiries about on-stage appearances, we are unable to respond to every inquiry.
How can I get involved? Volunteer!
Question not answered above? Contact Us
