Parkway Central Library
| Sunday, 6/15 | Closed |
| Monday, 6/16 | 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 6/17 | 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 6/18 | 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 6/19 |
Closed * |
| Friday, 6/20 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 6/21 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Thursday has hour changes – Juneteenth
| 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
- Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
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
Performance & Parade with Philly Goat Project!
Mon, June 16, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Please join us and our friends from Philly Goat Project on Monday, June 16th for a live, interactive performance - starring goats! - outside in Shakespeare Park at 10:30am, followed by a goat parade and storywalk! Participants will also have an opportunity to meet the goats and…
English Conversation Group - Intermediate+
Mon, June 16, 2025
11:00 A.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 Nancy. The group will meet in BRIC 60 on the ground floor. …
*FULL* Computer Skills for Beginners
Mon, June 16, 2025
11:00 A.M.
** Class is full and not accepting new students. Please call the number below to be placed on the waitlist or find an alternate class location. ** Need computer help? Take a free digital skills workshop at the Library! Learn how to use a computer, get online, and more. Training provided by…
Medicare Mondays 2025
Mon, June 16, 2025
11:00 A.M.
Questions about Medicare? Unsure about your benefits? Turning 65 soon? Medicare Benefits Advisor Courtney Bell will help you find the plan that is best for you. Courtney Bell is a Medicare benefits advisor. She will be on-hand Mondays from 11:00-1:00 p.m. t o answer your questions about Medicare…
Parkway Central Library Tours
- Monday and Tuesday 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday and Thursday 2:00 p.m.
Departments
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Art Department
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Business Resource and Innovation Center
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Children's Department
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Children's Literature Research Collection
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Culinary Literacy Center
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Drinker Collection
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Education Philosophy and Religion Department
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Field Teen Center
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First Floor Gallery East
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First Floor Gallery West
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Fleisher Collection
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General Information Department
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Government Publications Department
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Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement
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Interlibrary Loan
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Literature Department
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Map Collection
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Music Department
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Newspapers and Microfilm Center
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Patent and Trademark Resource Center
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Philbrick Hall
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Print and Picture Collection
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Rare Book Department
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Regional Foundation Center
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Science and Wellness
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Second Floor Gallery West
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Senior Services
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Social Science and History Department
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Theatre Collection
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.