Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
About the Parkway Central Library
Parkway Central Library, located at 1901 Vine Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a historic institution designed by prominent African American architect Julian Abele. Since opening its doors on June 2, 1927, it has served as a cultural and educational hub on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. With over 1 million visitors each year, the library offers public events, special collections, and expert guidance from librarians and curators. Join us for stories, songs, and playtime with Ms. Scout, or attend a sold-out event with award-winning journalist Tracey Matisak in conversation with Stacey Abrams. Download a brochure for a self-guided tour, or watch a video tour through Parkway Central on our blog. Visit us and experience the rich history and knowledge within our walls.
Photos of Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
Opening hours of Parkway Central Library
Monday:
09:00 - 20:00
Tuesday:
09:00 - 20:00
Wednesday:
09:00 - 20:00
Thursday:
09:00 - 20:00
Friday:
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday:
09:00 - 17:00
Sunday:
Day off
Reviews of Parkway Central Library
"Touring the Parkway Central Library was one of the highlights of a recent trip to Philadelphia! We visited the library on October 31st expecting it to be a quick visit, and ended up leaving after almost two hours of exploring the entire building, thanks to our wonderful tour guide, Alexis. The staff in every department we visited was friendly and eager to tell us information about their specific roles and departments. Alexis was incredibly knowledgeable on the history of the library, answered all of our questions, and punctuated certain points of the tour with archival photographs of the library over the years, which was a lovely touch. The gentleman at the front desk (whose name we can’t remember, but was wearing a knight costume for Halloween!) was a pleasure to speak with as well. I highly recommend visiting this location and taking a guided tour if/when offered, but even without a tour guide, a fun few hours can be spent exploring all that the Parkway Central Library has to offer."
"It's a vast library with numerous rooms and an extensive collection of books. There's a security check at the entrance."
"As a tourist exploring the wonderful city, I had the pleasure of visiting Parkway Central Library, and it turned out to be a delightful experience overall. The library is a gem, and the exhibition on the last floor, "Mapping Imagination: The Art of World-Building," was an absolute treat for any creative mind. The exhibition showcased a fascinating collection of world-building art that captivated my imagination. From intricate fantasy maps to mind-bending sci-fi landscapes, the curation was exceptional and allowed me to delve into the minds of brilliant artists. It's truly a must-see for anyone who loves to immerse themselves in the wonders of creativity and imagination. Parkway Central Library offers a plethora of services and activities, making it an invaluable resource for both locals and tourists alike. The diverse range of offerings, from literature to technology, truly reflects the library's commitment to enriching the community and encouraging knowledge exploration. However, there were a couple of unfortunate incidents that marred my otherwise positive experience. One such instance was with a security personnel who was stationed within the library. When I approached him with a question, his behavior was shockingly rude and unprofessional. It made me feel unwelcome and uncomfortable, which was disappointing given the library's overall reputation for being a welcoming place. Furthermore, at the library's entrance, I encountered a lady who made fun of my accent. While I understand that not everyone may be accustomed to interacting with people from different places, it was disheartening to face such mockery. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness, regardless of where they come from. Despite these unfortunate encounters with the security and the lady at the entrance, I want to emphasize that Parkway Central Library itself is a fantastic institution. The exhibition, the vast array of services, and the welcoming atmosphere are testaments to the city's good fortune in having such a valuable resource. I hope that these incidents are addressed and that the library continues to be a place where everyone feels genuinely welcome. Let's strive for an environment that embraces diversity and fosters positive interactions. Overall, I would still recommend visiting Parkway Central Library and exploring its treasures, just be mindful of potential encounters with unkind individuals."
"Beautiful architecture that inspires a relaxing day of reading and scholarly pursuit. However, not the most modern furniture and not the most comfortable if you plan to spend hours. Definitely a place to see at least once. You won’t find another public library like this."
"The best library I’ve ever been to, not to mention the most beautiful one. Live in Philly? Then this is the location worth renting from. Visiting Philly? Then it’s worth a trip. It’s an enormous library with 3 levels. Lots and lots of books. This is why they offer tours. Your average library can fit into one of this library’s Halls or Departments! You’re allowed to rent a total of 50 items- 40 books and 10 DVDs, or just 50 books. Plenty of street parking out front and around the building."
-
Family Dollar
370 W Columbus Ave, Corry, PA 16407, United States
-
Family Dollar
40b S Water Ave, Sharon, PA 16146, United States
-
Walmart Supercenter
1275 N Hermitage Rd, Hermitage, PA 16148, United States
-
Leaps & Bounds Gymnastics Company
2650 Ellwood Rd Suite 114, New Castle, PA 16101, United States
-
Shenango Community Park
238 Kittery Ridge Dr, New Castle, PA 16101, United States
-
Edwards Restaurant
909 Wilmington Ave, New Castle, PA 16101, United States
-
Family Dollar
4573 US-422, New Bedford, PA 16143, United States
-
Neighborhood North - Museum of Play
716 14th St, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, United States
-
Irvine Park
Beaver, PA 15009, United States
-
Bouquet Park
5th St, Beaver, PA 15009, United States
List of businesses, places and services in Pennsylvania
⭐ business help 🔍 services ☎ phones 🕒 opening times ✍️reviews 🌍 addresses, locations 📷 photos