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… continue reading Department Highlights: Social Science and History

By written by Ben R.    August 15, 2024   

• Genealogy
• Parkway Central
• Departments
• History
• History of Philadelphia

Visit one of our libraries to explore our newest database,  Ancestry Library Edition , which provides the most extensive collection of genealogical information currently available… continue reading Ancestry Library Edition

By written by Sharyl O.    April 17, 2023    11

• Genealogy
• History
• Digital Media

NewspaperArchive is an online database of billions (and yes, that’s BILLIONS with a B!) of newspaper articles from Pennsylvania, the U.S. (all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin… continue reading NewspaperArchive Is a Blast From the Past!

By written by Sharyl O.    March 22, 2023    3

• Databases
• Genealogy
• History
• Newspapers

Sanborn fire insurance maps are available once again through ProQuest’s updated and newly-released database, Sanborn Maps 1867-1970 (formerly known as Sanborn Maps Geo Edition 1867-1970).… continue reading New Release of the ProQuest Sanborn Maps Database

By written by Megan M.    January 21, 2021    4

• Databases
• Genealogy
• Maps
• History

Updated Wednesday, September 30, 2020 4:45 p.m. The census deadline, originally slated for September 30 after the federal administration moved to an earlier date, has now been extended to October… continue reading A Census Story

By written by Kalela W.    September 24, 2020    2

• Genealogy
• Community
• Census

In addition to offering patrons ever-growing Digital Collections , dozens of research databases , and a rich variety of genealogic resources , the Free Library and the Special Collections Division… continue reading Finding "Nonno"

By written by Fleisher Collection    June 17, 2020   

• Archives
• Fleisher Collection
• Genealogy
• Special Collections
• Teachers
• History of Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Colored Directory , a handbook of religious, social, political, professional, business activities of the Negroes of Philadelphia, was compiled by R. (Richard) R. (Robert) Wright,… continue reading The Philadelphia Colored Directory of 1910 Recently Scanned and Available for Download in Our Digital Collections

By written by Renee G.    October 6, 2017    5

• Digital Collections
• Genealogy
• African American
• History