Parkway Central Library
We're OPEN to the public Monday through Friday from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19, public services are limited to: 30-minute computers, restrooms, holds pick-up, reference services, children's book corner, and social workers.
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. Daily materials pick-up program (curbside) continues to operate by appointment only. Call 215-686-5320 to make an appointment.
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Oct. 12 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Wed., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 26 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Handicapped accessible
- Street parking
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Screen magnify tools
- Screen-reading software (JAWS)
- Self-service checkout
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Some Things Last a Long Time: A Medieval Life Virtual Program
This virtual gallery talk focuses on the companion exhibition to Medieval Life: European Manuscripts in Philadelphia Collections . While medieval European manuscripts are just one kind of object,…
FULL Headshots at the BRIC!
All time slots are full. Headshots will be offered again on Thursday, October 15. Get a FREE headshot photo taken at the Business Resource and Innovation Center! Headshots are a unique…
Virtual Thursday Crafternoons!
Ready to get crafty? Miss Mary will post a video every Thursday at 4:00 p.m. on our social media pages for Thursday Crafternoons! She'll share a story and then talk about a…
Virtual Teen Program | Jewelry Making
Join us live as we create wearable art. We’ll be exploring various techniques in jewelry making. From wire wrapping to beading and chain mail! We’ll offer tips and advice for…
Departments
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Art Department
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Automobile Reference Collection
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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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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 Civic and Cultural Engagement
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Homebound Services
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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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Teen Center
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Theatre Collection
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Workplace
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.