Best Libraries in Philadelphia, PA
Looking for libraries in Philadelphia? Below you'll find 10 local options with their address, phone number, website and opening hours, plus practical advice on choosing the right one.
What they do: Public libraries with books, free Wi-Fi, computers, children's programs and community events. A library card is free for local residents.
This guide lists 10 libraries in and around Philadelphia, spread across 7 ZIP codes. 7 have a phone number you can call directly from this page, 9 link to their own website, 8 are open on weekends. Listings are organized so you can compare them at a glance and contact them directly.
Top 10 Libraries in Philadelphia
Listings are shown in no paid order: no business can pay to appear or to rank higher on this page.
1 Van Pelt Library
- Address 3420 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone (215) 898-7555
- Website library.upenn.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 8:30 AM-12 AM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:30 AM-12 AM |
| Wed | 8:30 AM-12 AM |
| Thu | 8:30 AM-12 AM |
| Fri | 8:30 AM-9 PM |
| Sat | 10 AM-6 PM |
| Sun | 10 AM-12 AM |
2 Charles Library
- Address 1900 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
- Phone (215) 204-8212
- Website library.temple.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 8 AM-2 AM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8 AM-2 AM |
| Wed | 8 AM-2 AM |
| Thu | 8 AM-2 AM |
| Fri | 8 AM-8 PM |
| Sat | 9 AM-5 PM |
| Sun | 12 PM-2 AM |
3 Van Pelt Library
- Address 3420 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone (215) 898-7555
- Website library.upenn.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 8:30 AM-12 AM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:30 AM-12 AM |
| Wed | 8:30 AM-12 AM |
| Thu | 8:30 AM-12 AM |
| Fri | 8:30 AM-9 PM |
| Sat | 10 AM-6 PM |
| Sun | 10 AM-12 AM |
4 Little Free Library - Gold Star Park
- Address 613 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Website littlefreelibrary.org
Opening hours
| Mon | Open 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | Open 24 hours |
| Wed | Open 24 hours |
| Thu | Open 24 hours |
| Fri | Open 24 hours |
| Sat | Open 24 hours |
| Sun | Open 24 hours |
5 Drexel University Hahnemann Library
- Address Hahnemann Hospital, New College Building, 15th &, Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
- Phone (215) 895-6164
- Website library.drexel.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | Open 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | Open 24 hours |
| Wed | Open 24 hours |
| Thu | Open 24 hours |
| Fri | Open 24 hours |
| Sat | Open 24 hours |
| Sun | Open 24 hours |
6 Little Free Library - In Memory of Milton McGriff
- Address WRP9+92X, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Website littlefreelibrary.org
7 Parkway Central Library
- Address 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Phone (833) 825-5357
- Website libwww.freelibrary.org
Opening hours
| Mon | Open 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | Open 24 hours |
| Wed | Open 24 hours |
| Thu | Open 24 hours |
| Fri | Open 24 hours |
| Sat | Open 24 hours |
| Sun | Open 24 hours |
8 Little Free Library - Playarts
- Address 1241 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
- Website app.littlefreelibrary.org
Opening hours
| Mon | 9 AM-8 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9 AM-8 PM |
| Wed | 9 AM-8 PM |
| Thu | 9 AM-8 PM |
| Fri | 9 AM-5 PM |
| Sat | 9 AM-5 PM |
| Sun | Closed |
9 Charles Kelman Library
- Address 840 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Phone (215) 928-3288
Opening hours
| Mon | Open 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | Open 24 hours |
| Wed | Open 24 hours |
| Thu | Open 24 hours |
| Fri | Open 24 hours |
| Sat | Open 24 hours |
| Sun | Open 24 hours |
10 Drexel University Hahnemann Library
- Address Hahnemann Hospital, New College Building, 15th &, Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
- Phone (215) 895-6164
- Website library.drexel.edu
How to choose libraries in Philadelphia
- Call ahead to confirm hours and services, since they can change with funding and the season.
- Ask what documents you may need to bring.
- Dial 211 anywhere in Pennsylvania to get connected to local help for housing, food and utilities.
- Check the organization's website or social media for events and volunteer opportunities.
- Many organizations in Philadelphia offer services in more than one language. Ask if you need help in Spanish or another language.
Local tips for Philadelphia
Philadelphia has its own licensing rules that go beyond state law: the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L+I) issues contractor licenses, permits and trade licenses, so plumbers, electricians and contractors working in the city need an L+I license on top of any state registration.
SEPTA's subway, trolley and bus network covers most of the city, so check whether a business is near a Market-Frankford or Broad Street Line station if you don't drive. Street parking in Center City is limited and enforced by the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Philadelphia is in Philadelphia County, and local phone numbers use the 215, 267 and 445 area codes. Popular areas include Center City, Old City, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, South Philly, University City, Manayunk, Chestnut Hill.
Frequently asked questions
Which libraries in Philadelphia are open on weekends?
According to their listed hours, these are open on Saturday or Sunday: Van Pelt Library, Charles Library, Van Pelt Library, Little Free Library - Gold Star Park, Drexel University Hahnemann Library, Parkway Central Library. Hours can change on holidays, so call before you go.
Which areas of Philadelphia do these libraries cover?
The libraries on this list are located in ZIP codes 19102, 19103, 19104, 19107, 19122, 19146, 19147. Many businesses also serve nearby neighborhoods and suburbs, so ask when you call.
What is PA 211?
PA 211 is a free, confidential helpline that connects Pennsylvania residents with local resources for housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
How can I volunteer in Philadelphia?
Contact organizations directly, or check local volunteer centers and the United Way chapter that serves Philadelphia.
Are these services free?
Many community services are free or low-cost. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and what to bring.
Libraries in other Pennsylvania cities
More community guides in Philadelphia
Information is collected from public sources and may change. Please confirm hours, prices and availability directly with each business. Business owner? Ask us to update your listing.