Henry J. Cadbury Library

The Experience

Inside the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends is the Henry J. Cadbury Library, which is devoted to Quaker theology, history and peace studies. The Henry J. Cadbury Library’s resources for children and adults focus on a contemporary collection of 23,000 books, periodicals and other materials, as well as a collection of Quaker testimonies, demonstrations of personal work and ongoing commitment. Members of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, which holds meetings in the same complex, are regular visitors to the library.

History

Persecution led members of the Society of Friends to settle in the Delaware Valley more than 325 years ago. Today, this community numbers approximately 12,000. Its ongoing activities are supported by a small handful of libraries including the Henry J. Cadbury Library, which was founded in 1960. This contemporary collection of Quaker materials is designed to “nurture the spiritual life” of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and “to lend materials on Quakerism and its faith and practice to all interested people.”

Other Information

Open Tues – Fri and Sun

Insider Tip

The library maintains resources and guidance for those who teach First Day School, Quaker “Sunday School” for children.

Kids’ Stuff

The Frances Ferris Collection offers school-age children and their parents a wide collection of books on family problems, sibling rivalry, peer pressure, peace and war.