Parkway Central Library

Services and hours are subject to change — please call in advance.

1-833-TALK FLP (825-5357) Call our helpline or Contact Us.
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway
Open today 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 6/26 Closed
Monday, 6/27 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 6/28 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 6/29 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 6/30 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 7/1 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *
Saturday, 7/2 Closed
  • * Friday had hour changes – preparation for the Independence Day holiday
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

  • Fri., Jul. 1 : Closing at 1:00 PM preparation for the Independence Day holiday
  • Mon., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
  • Mon., Sep. 5 : Closed Labor Day
  • Mon., Oct. 10 : Closed Indigenous People Day
View all holiday closings
Parkway Central Library
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Services By Appointment

Services

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

Outdoor Music and Movement!
Wed, June 29, 2022 10:30 A.M.

Join Ms Naomi Wednesdays at 10:30 am at Shakespeare Park (across the street from the library on Vine St) for Music and Movement! Enjoy songs, dance, and fun explorations of rhythm and movement!…

Virtual Digital Resources to Help Your Business
Wed, June 29, 2022 10:30 A.M.

If you’re currently thinking about entrepreneurship for the first time or you’re an established business owner, the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) has resources to…

Who Was Marlon Brando?
Wed, June 29, 2022 11:00 A.M.

On Wednesday, June 29th at 11:00 A.M., Central Senior Services presents a free Zoom lecture entitled "Who Was Marlon Brando?" Our guest speaker is the distinguished Hollywood…

Teen Anime Club
Wed, June 29, 2022 3:00 P.M.

Teens interested in watching anime are invited to join the us at the Field Teen Center on Wednesdays starting at 3:00 p.m. Field Teen Center programs are for teens ages 12-18 only. Contact…

View all Parkway Central Library events

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.