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Free Library of Philadelphia
Incredible collection of rare books, special collections and media...
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Location & Contact:
- 1901 Vine Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
- (215) 686-5322
- Visit Website
The gorgeous Beaux-Arts building along the culture-heavy Benjamin Franklin Parkway serves as the heart of the Free Library of Philadelphia system, which includes more than 50 branches around the city.
In addition to typical library activities — checking out and returning books — visitors to the Parkway Central Library can explore a massive collection that boasts some notable and rare works, such as collections of Edgar Allan Poe, Beatrix Potter and medieval manuscripts.
The Map Collection opens up a world of more than 130,000 current and historical maps.
Also, the library’s Music Department contains one of the largest music and dance materials in the country, featuring more than 100,000 volumes.
Don’t Miss
The Free Library of Philadelphia boast more than 100,000 books and manuscripts in its Rare Book Department.
Free, daily tours lead visitors to the Rare Book Department to view materials such as a printed copy of the first edition of Tamerlane , one of the first poems published by Edgar Allan Poe.
Additionally, a 10 a.m. tour covers the library’s architecture and history.
Events & More
Author readings and lectures, special exhibits and more keep Philadelphians celebrating Ben Franklin’s idea of free public literature all year long.
- Museums & Attractions
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway / Logan Square
- Center City
- Philadelphia Neighborhoods
- Arts & Galleries
- Free Things to Do
The Perfect Hotel Package for an Easy Philly Escape
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
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Free, daily tours lead visitors to the Rare Book Department to view materials such as a printed copy of the first edition of Tamerlane, one of the first poems published by Edgar Allan Poe. Additionally, a 10 a.m. tour covers the library’s architecture and history.
Explore the grand Beaux-Arts building of Parkway Central Library, an important part of Philadelphia's past and present that opened in 1927 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The specialized tour showcases unique architecture and history, while covering the many collections and services that make the Free Library such a valuable and critical ...
Philadelphia, PA 19120-4439. 215-685-9158. Services and Facilities ›. Currently Closed. The Free Library of Philadelphia welcomes 6 million visitors to our 54 neighborhood libraries and the Rosenbach each year.
Your library card connects you to the latest e-books, audiobooks, streaming media, news outlets, and online learning sites—for free! Virtual Programming, like online storytimes and Author Events , are also now streaming on a variety of platforms.
The guided tour provides a hands-on introduction to some of the rare books and artifacts in our collection. Tour highlights include ancient cuneiform tablets, Grip (Charles Dickens' taxidermied raven), and the historic Elkins Library.
Top Philadelphia Libraries: See reviews and photos of Libraries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Tripadvisor.