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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.
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, the free Historic Building Tour covers the library’s architecture and history.
Author readings and lectures, special exhibits and more keep Philadelphians celebrating Ben Franklin’s idea of free public literature all year long.
It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!
Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.
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