Philadelphia Library Hours 2025 - Complete Guide
Quick Facts
- 10,000+ libraries in our database across 50+ countries
- Updated monthly with verified opening hours
- 98% accuracy rate based on user feedback
📍 Philadelphia's Library Scene: Home to the Free Library of Philadelphia (54 branches), Temple University's award-winning Charles Library, and UPenn's prestigious library system. Whether you're a student, researcher, or resident, Philly offers FREE library access with some of the nation's best collections.
🎯 Quick Navigation
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
📚 Parkway Central Library (Main Branch)
🏛️ The Free Library of Philadelphia - Main Branch
📍 Address: 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
📞 Phone: (215) 686-5322
🚇 SEPTA:
- Broad Street Line: Race-Vine Station (2 blocks east)
- Market-Frankford Line: 19th Street Station (4 blocks)
- Buses: 2, 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48 (all within 2 blocks)
🅿️ Parking: Logan Square Garage (20th & Cherry) - $15/day
Regular Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
✨ What Makes Parkway Central Special:
- Rare Book Department: Shakespeare folios, medieval manuscripts, illuminated books
- Culinary Literacy Center: Teaching kitchen with cooking classes
- Business Resource Center: Free business research & entrepreneur support
- Rosenbach Exhibits: Rotating exhibitions from the Rosenbach Museum
- Skyline Views: 3rd floor reading rooms overlook Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Free WiFi & 200+ Computers: No time limits
🏘️ Popular Neighborhood Library Branches
💡 Branch Hours Vary: Most branches open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm with 2-3 evenings until 8pm. Call ahead or check FreLibrary.org/locations for specific hours.
📍 Northwest Philadelphia - Chestnut Hill Branch
Address: 8711 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Phone: (215) 685-2762
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
📍 South Philadelphia - Passyunk Branch
Address: 1934 S 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 685-1755
SEPTA: Broad Street Line to Ellsworth-Federal (3 blocks)
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
📍 Fishtown - McPherson Square Branch
Address: 601 E Indiana Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 685-2799
SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line to Girard (5 blocks)
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
📍 University City - Lucien E. Blackwell Branch
Address: 125 S 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: (215) 685-7671
SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line to 52nd Street (1 block)
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
🔍 Find Your Nearest Branch:
The Free Library has 54 locations across Philadelphia. Use the branch locator to find hours for your neighborhood library.
Most Common Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm with 2-3 evenings until 8pm
🦉 Temple University Libraries
🏛️ Charles Library (Main Campus)
📍 Address: 1900 N 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
📞 Phone: (215) 204-8212
🚇 SEPTA: Broad Street Line to Cecil B. Moore (2 blocks east)
🅿️ Parking: Liacouras Garage (1700 N Broad) - $12/day visitor rate
Regular Semester Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 7:30 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
📅 Extended Finals Hours:
Fall/Spring Finals: Library extends to 24 hours (Sunday 10am - Friday 10pm continuous)
Check Current Hours: library.temple.edu/hours
✨ Award-Winning Modern Design:
- State-of-the-Art: Opened 2019, $200M architectural landmark
- Study Floors 1-4: 1,500 seats including quiet zones, group rooms, tech commons
- The Slide: Iconic 4-story spiral slide connecting floors
- Scholars Studio: Makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, VR
- 24-Hour Study Lounge: Ground floor accessible even when main library closes
- Café: Saxbys Coffee (Mon-Fri 7:30am-7pm)
🎓 Community Access Policy:
- Walk-in Study: FREE for anyone (bring valid photo ID)
- WiFi: Free guest network available
- Community Borrower Card: $100/year for checkout privileges
- Who Can Apply: Anyone 18+ with valid ID and proof of address
- Apply: Access Services desk on Ground Floor
🎓 University of Pennsylvania Libraries
📚 Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center (Main)
📍 Address: 3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
📞 Phone: (215) 898-7555
🚇 SEPTA:
- Market-Frankford Line: 34th Street Station (3 blocks)
- Trolleys: 11, 13, 34, 36 to 34th & Walnut
- University City Shuttle: FREE from 30th Street Station
Regular Semester Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
📅 Finals & Break Hours:
Reading Days & Finals: Extended to 24 hours
Summer/Winter Break: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekends closed
Check Current Hours: library.upenn.edu/hours
📖 Ivy League Research Collections:
- Main Stacks: 4 million volumes on 7 floors
- Rosengarten Reserve: Course materials, 2-hour checkout
- Kislak Center: Rare books, special collections (appointment only)
- Weigle Information Commons: 100+ computers, group study rooms
- 24-Hour Study Space: Basement level (semester only)
🎓 Community Access Policy:
- Walk-in Access: Anyone 18+ with valid photo ID can study
- Community Borrower Card: $100/year
- Who Qualifies: Adults 18+ with government-issued ID
- Apply: Circulation Desk, 1st Floor Van Pelt
- Rare Books Access: Free by appointment (no card needed for reading room)
🏛️ Other UPenn Libraries (Student/Community Card Holders):
- Biomedical Library: 3620 Hamilton Walk (Med students + community cards)
- Engineering Library: 220 S 33rd Street (same access)
- Fine Arts Library: Meyerson Hall (same access)
💳 How to Get a Philadelphia Library Card
Free Library of Philadelphia Cards
| Residency | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| PA Residents | FREE | Photo ID + proof of PA address (utility bill, lease, mail) |
| Non-PA Residents | $50/year | Photo ID from any state |
| Children (under 18) | FREE | Parent/guardian with ID + child's name/DOB proof |
✅ Where to Apply:
- Any Free Library branch during open hours
- Instant approval - card issued same day
- Valid at all 54 locations
- Includes access to Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy
University Library Community Cards
| Library | Annual Fee | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Temple University | $100/year | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
| University of Pennsylvania | $100/year | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
| Drexel University | $75/year | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
💡 Pro Tip - Best Value:
For Philadelphia residents: Get the FREE Free Library card first. It covers 95% of needs.
For researchers/students: Add a Temple or UPenn community card ($100/year) for access to academic databases, extended hours, and study spaces during finals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of the Free Library of Philadelphia?
The Parkway Central Library (main branch) is open Monday-Wednesday 9am-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Neighborhood branches vary, typically Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm with some evening hours until 8pm.
Can non-students use Temple University library?
Yes! Temple's Charles Library welcomes community visitors for walk-in study during public hours. Just bring a valid photo ID. Community borrower cards cost $100/year for checkout privileges and database access.
Are Philadelphia public libraries free?
Yes, completely FREE for Pennsylvania residents with proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government mail). Non-PA residents can get library cards for $50/year. Walk-in access and WiFi are free for everyone.
Which Philadelphia library is open latest?
Parkway Central Library stays open until 9pm Monday-Wednesday. During fall and spring semesters, Temple's Charles Library is open until 2am Sunday-Thursday. During finals, Temple extends to 24 hours continuously.
How do I get to the main library by SEPTA?
Take the Broad Street Line to Race-Vine station (2 blocks east to the library) or the Market-Frankford Line to 19th Street (4 blocks). Buses 2, 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, and 48 all stop within 2 blocks of Parkway Central Library.
Does University of Pennsylvania library allow public access?
Yes. Van Pelt Library allows walk-in access for anyone 18+ with valid photo ID. You can study and use WiFi for free. Community borrower cards are available for $100/year to check out books and access research databases.
What's the best library for studying in Philadelphia?
For modern amenities and late hours: Temple's Charles Library (until 2am, ultramodern with café). For quiet research: UPenn's Van Pelt (Ivy League collections). For free access: Parkway Central (9pm closing, beautiful historic building).
Are there 24-hour libraries in Philadelphia?
Temple's Charles Library offers 24-hour access during finals weeks (typically 2 weeks in December and May). The ground floor 24-hour study lounge is open to students year-round. No public libraries in Philadelphia are open 24 hours.
🔔 Philly Library Insider Tips
🎢 The Famous Library Slide
Temple's Charles Library has a 4-story spiral slide - yes, really! It's technically for "quick egress" but students use it to de-stress. Take the elevator up, slide down. Best study break in Philadelphia.
🍳 Learn to Cook at the Library
Parkway Central has a Culinary Literacy Center - a professional kitchen where they offer FREE cooking classes. Learn to make cheesesteaks the authentic way while checking out books. Only in Philly!
🏃 Rocky Connection
Parkway Central is on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway - the same street as the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Do your Rocky run in the morning, study all day, earn that exhausted feeling.
📖 Shakespeare Spotting
Parkway Central's Rare Book Department has a First Folio of Shakespeare. Walk-in viewing is FREE. Imagine: you're looking at the same pages someone read 400 years ago. Goosebumps guaranteed.
🎓 24/7 Finals Strategy
Temple's 24-hour study lounge on the ground floor stays open even when the main library closes. During non-finals weeks, it's your secret late-night spot. Plus the Saxbys coffee is better than UPenn's.
🚇 SEPTA Timing Hack
Race-Vine station to Parkway Central is a 2-minute walk - faster than waiting for the next train. If you're coming from Temple (Cecil B. Moore), the Broad Street Line runs express during rush hour. Time it right and library-to-library takes 12 minutes.
🔗 More Library Resources
⚠️ Hours may change for holidays, semester breaks, or special events. Always call ahead or check library websites before visiting:
- Free Library: FreeLibrary.org
- Temple: library.temple.edu/hours
- UPenn: library.upenn.edu/hours
📖 Helpful Resources
🗺️ Explore Nearby
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Philadelphia Libraries
What time do libraries open in Philadelphia?
Most public libraries in Philadelphia open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Philadelphia libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Philadelphia public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Philadelphia libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.