Parkway Central Library

1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway
Closed Today
Sunday Closed
Monday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., Oct. 9 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Sat., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
  • Thu., Nov. 23 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
  • Mon., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • Street parking
  • Baby changing station
  • Computers for public use
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Scanner
  • Self-service checkout
  • Street parking
  • Public restrooms

Upcoming Events

Gadget Help?

Mon, September 25, 2023 10:15 A.M.

Need one on one help with your gadgets? Our Digital Resource Specialist are here to help. Bring your computer, tablet, smart phone and other electronic devices for troubleshooting. Service…

Read Baby Read: Baby & Toddler Storytime!

Mon, September 25, 2023 10:30 A.M.

Join Miss Mary for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces! Stay for playtime immediately following storytime! Intended for our friends ages 2 and under and their caregivers. Nice weather? We'll…

Computer Skills for Beginners (Intermediate Level)

Mon, September 25, 2023 11:00 A.M.

Need computer help? Take a free digital skills workshop at the Library! Learn how to use a computer, get online, and more. Space limited. Classes will take place in the Technology Training Lab,…

Chess Club for Kids!

Mon, September 25, 2023 3:30 P.M.

Join us each Monday from 3:30-4:30pm for Chess Club! Kids 12 and under are welcome to play and learn with support from a skilled chess player. All supplies provided. No experience is necessary;…

Departments

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.