Parkway Central Library
| 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
Services By Appointment
Services
- Book Drop
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Computer Use
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Browse Shelves
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?
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!
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)
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!
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
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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.