Since Parkway Central Library opened in 1927, patrons have had free and open access to its rich and unique collections, expanding services, and professionally trained and welcoming staff. The robust programs and collections available are impressive, but some patrons may not be familiar with all of them. To promote these resources, we've asked library staff to highlight their subject departments and the patron resources they offer to help shed light on all the benefits of becoming a patron of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

The Music Department at Parkway Central Library is the premier space for Philly's musicians, music students, dancers, and music listeners.

The Music Department's vinyl listening station

Did you know that the Music Department (Room 126) was originally Parkway Central’s Reference Room? When the Free Library of Philadelphia opened its doors in 1929, the Music Department was on the Second Floor where the Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department is now located. At that time, the Music Department’s claim to fame was soundproof practice rooms for pianos! Also, the Edwin A. Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music, the Drinker Collection of Choral Music, the Chamber Music Collection, and the Sheet Music Collection (once listed as the fourth largest collection of sheet music in the country during the 1980s) was incorporated into the Music Department, which was the site of the largest music-copying project during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration in the United States. Today the Music Department is where people study, play music, listen to vinyl, and come together in our many events and programs.

Today, the Music Department is home to books on music and dance, periodicals, music scores, the Chamber Music Collection, CDs, vinyl, and the Musical Instrument Collection (the MIC).

The Music Department's vinyl record card catalog and Chamber Music Collection

We also offer a collection of music databases — patrons can stream music on Alexander Street, or learn how to play a musical instrument through LinkedIn Learning. Do you have an instrument that you no longer play? The MIC thrives with patron donations of string and small percussion instruments! If an instrument isn’t a good fit for us in the Department, we also serve as a Musicopia donation spot — any brass or woodwinds will go to a good home!

The Music Department from behind the reference desk and the growing collection of K-Pop materials

The Music Department is more than our collections. Keep an eye out for our participatory programs, from drum circles and dance lessons to open mic nights and ukulele circles! Or stop by at any time to listen to our vinyl in-house (or bring your own)! Practice your piano skills on our department keyboards, or try your hand at playing the theremin.

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