Parkway Central Library

Parkway Central Library is a public library on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia spread across multiple floors. It contains departments for art, literature, music, and specialized research collections.

The building was designed by architect Julian Abele in the Beaux-Arts style and opened in 1927 for Philadelphia residents. It marked a major turning point for public access to knowledge in the city.

The Children's Department holds books in more than 50 languages, serving readers from Philadelphia's diverse immigrant communities. This multilingual collection shows how the library responds to the city's changing population.

The building has multiple entrances and different departments are located on various floors, so getting a map when you arrive is helpful. Many areas are open to visitors, and computer stations and printing services are available.

A dedicated Culinary Literacy Center offers hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education in a fully equipped kitchen. This combination of learning and practical cooking makes the library an unusual place for knowledge sharing.

Inception: June 2, 1927

Part of: Free Library of Philadelphia

Address: 1901 Vine StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19103

Website: https://libwww.freelibrary.org/locations/parkway-central-library

GPS coordinates: 39.95950,-75.17100

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02