Parkway Central Library

Services and hours are subject to change — please call in advance. Before you visit, please review our new COVID-19 guidelines.

Wednesday, February 3 – Message from Staff

Reference service is now available 12-4 pm Monday through Friday at the Parkway Central Library.  Drop in service is in the lobby, and the subject departments will schedule appointments for individual research. Look for the appointment link in each department page.

Tuesday, February 2 – Message from Staff

Children's librarians will be available 2-4 pm Monday through Friday in the lobby at the Parkway Central Library! 

There is a browsing collection selected by the children's librarians available for self checkout borrowing in the lobby in front of the Chidlren's service desk.

While the department is closed, you may return Children's materials to the drop box on Wood Street or in the lobby.

Tuesday, February 2 – Message from Staff

Welcome to Parkway Central Library! To help limit the impact and spread of COVID-19, the Parkway Central Library is offering limited services 12-4 pm Monday through Friday.

GOOD NEWS! Parkway Central is offering self service holds pickup and checkout.  Assistance is available if needed. 

If you need contactless pickup between 10am-12 noon call us at 215-686-5320 to set up your appointment to pick up DVDs, music CDs, hardback and paperback books, audiobook CDs, Large Print titles, and more for Children, Teens, Adults, and Seniors. Place your reserves online or by phone. 

For general questions, please call our Free Library Call Center at 1-833-TALKFLP.

Be well and thank you for your support,

Parkway Central Staff

Tuesday, February 2 – Message from Staff

Please return all items to the Wood Street bookdrop box, as we are practicing safety measures due to COVID-19. The dropbox is open 24/7. The library is open for self service holds pick up, selected browsing shelves for children and teens, reference service and half hour computer reservations 12-4pm Monday through Friday..

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 until 4:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., May. 31 : Closed Memorial Day
  • Sat., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
  • Sun., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
  • Mon., Jul. 5 : Closed Independence Day (Observed)
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

The Art Librarian is IN
Thu, April 22, 2021 10:00 A.M.

Stop by for a 30-45 minute video chat with a librarian from the Art Department to virtually browse a library shelf one book at a time, see what new circulating books and magazines have…

Virtual Ask the Banker
Thu, April 22, 2021 10:30 A.M.

Don’t miss your chance to ask the banker! Get your important business questions answered directly from the source. This session will cover types of commercial banks and loans, what you need…

Making Her Mark: Philadelphia Women Fight for the Vote: Self-Guided Tour
Now through Thu, April 22, 2021 1:00 P.M.

The Making Her Mark exhibition, open by appointment weekday afternoons in the West Gallery of the Parkway Central Library, offers a look at the stories of Philadelphia women who built and…

Making Her Mark: Philadelphia Women Fight for the Vote: Self-Guided Tour
Now through Thu, April 22, 2021 2:00 P.M.

The Making Her Mark exhibition, open by appointment weekday afternoons in the West Gallery of the Parkway Central Library, offers a look at the stories of Philadelphia women who built and…

View all Parkway Central Library events

Departments

About

Parkway Central Library Welcomes You [A downloadable self-guided tour]

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.