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 Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department provides print and electronic information concerning education, philosophy, ethics, religion, mythology, the occult, psychology, self-help, and librarianship. We have an extensive archive of local pamphlets covering events put on by religious groups, schools, and libraries. Our Moses Marx Collection contains over 3,000 items of Judaica and Hebraica covering printing from the 16th century forward. The circulating collection covers the history and theology of the world’s religions, theoretical and popular psychology, international philosophies, and educational theory and practice. Patrons can access the latest and greatest of these topics through our new books and journals. 
 
We host a variety of programs featuring speakers and films. Some of our recent program topics have included:

• The culture wars in public education 
• A celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of writer James Baldwin
• A film series on the lives and passions of nuns
• Documentaries about scholars of color who had a significant impact on philosophy, psychology, and religion
• A profile of a psychoanalyst who developed a new theory on mental illness