- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Free Library of Philadelphia Central Library
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thu-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
22 reviews for Free Library of Philadelphia Central Library
The biggest and the best!
And now, the only one keeping their regular hours, and open everyday.
What more to add that hasn't been written before? Ummm... very impressed with the Inter-Library Loan Department, the H.O.M.E. Page Cafe there, the amazing author events there that sometimes fill the hall and beautiful spacious grand interior hall floor with locals (real community feeling), and the great staff. I'm not much in a mood ever to chit-chat or smile, but they all do with me, and the security guards are even super-nice and sweet.
No complaints here! Take a visit!
Back in my freshman year at Temple, my first partner for a group project was newly moved to the area from Bulgaria. She barely spoke English, but she taught me everything I need to know about getting people to help me. She was the most fearless, badass, hardworking partner I could have asked for.
We went to the Philadelphia Free Library on a Saturday, and she marched right up to the reference librarian with a paper detailing our research topic and said, "We need information on THIS!" And a spectacular thing happened, by Philadelphia standards.
Someone helped us. The reference librarian helped us find all the information they had on what was a really obscure topic. The reading rooms are all super comfortable, and the building itself is gorgeous.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I am simply in a state of shock. Shock comes none to easily for me. I am shocked. They are closing the entire Philadelphia public library system. I mean, are you kidding? And people haven't organized to stop them. And who are they, anyway? Where will children go to learn to read before they enter Kindergarten? Where will we all explore our love of reading? Where will those of us refusing the Netflix route get our free movie loans? Where will jobless folks go to apply for jobs on the internet for free? Whose steps will Rocky run up when he trains??
Get organized.
People thought this was:
- Cool (2)
The Free Library is an amazing resource for the people of Philadelphia. The main building is beautiful and retains some of its former grandeur even though sadly the funding situation has made it a little worn in places. Over the past year or so the catalogue has been updated and is now much much better at helping me find what I'm looking for. Searching from home and being able to reserve, renew, and check out books is easier than ever. Staff is almost always friendly and helpful. Some of the speakers who come in are amazing, and frequently tickets are free.
Points taken off because there is no after hours drop off and hours are somewhat limited. I understand that this is probably a budget situation, but closing at 5 and no hours on Sunday is not so cool.
It's a great library. Don't tell them, I may have overdue fees going. Regardless, I like this library.
For one, I love the idea of a 'free' library. I've been to 'public' libraries, in the past, but I find there is something comforting about the idea of a 'free' library.
Which brings me to my second point. It's a Saturday afternoon. What is better than knowing you can go somewhere for hours, summer or winter, and look at books or movies or maps, and stay cool or warm (respectively) and not be expected to pay? You tell me. Otherwise, meet me in the popular library without your favorite disc of the first season of Saturday Night Live.
Need I say more?
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Love. Love. LOVE going here. Loooovvvveee.
The library I grew up with consisted of three tiny rooms on the first floor of an old house. The first time I walked into the Central Library I just about died with delight. Judging from photos taken when the library was first built the interior has degraded remarkably. But, hey, who's complaining? Besides me. Anyway.
I generally inhabit the BSI room for hours reading the journals, but stray into the SSH and Literature sections from time to time. As everyone has mentioned, the librarians are always helpful and patient... especially that one guy in the Map Collection department who straightened me out about the Appalachian Trail.
Edward -- I'm not sure what happened between you and the security guard, but all the guards I've encountered have been over the top friendly.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
How come this place is so poorly planned? The building is pretty cool. The people who work here are fine, except for one security guard by the exit who is by far the laziest, most ignorant fool I've ever met. But, really, why is it so difficult to find something you want in this place?
And why are the children sent to the basement where crazy homeless people bathe and do god-knows-what right across the hall?
I don't know. For being the first in fee libraries, Philly has dropped the ball and it's slowly rolling away from them.
Visited for the first time today, and WOW! it's huge! I didn't get so much time to explore but the staff here were so kind and helpful. Really professional. The books they have in reference and archives are so extensive and numerous, it may actually be easier doing research here than on the internet, shockingly enough.
The interior is clean, quite, and well-kept and there are just so many books so well organized that I might actually go back to visit, without having a research project to help my boyfriend on.
The only thing that miffed me was that we had to visit twice before we actually got into the library. The first time we forgot it was a federal holiday (veteran's day) and the second time, we went at 5:30pm and it was closed. The engraved sign outside said the hours were until 6pm.. we stood outside the iron gates scratching our heads until my boyfriend peered inside and saw the scrolling light display that said open till 5pm.
Please change the outside sign! It's really misleading! Other than that, a true gem in the city. Not five stars yet, but may well be in the future when I can revisit..
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (3)
Love this library! Everything you could possibly need, you can find here. Need a beach read? Check. Want to check out a classic? Check. DVDs? Check. CDs? Check. Noted authors speaking? Check.
Did I mention it's free?! Because if you play your cards right (read: turn things back in on time), this wonderful piece of the city will never cost you a penny.
I frequent my local branch (Frankford), but if I had my way, I'd only go to Central. It's gorgeous and wonderful and I always get the help I need.
I could spend hours here, perusing the stacks!
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (4)
This is my love letter to the public library.
+ I read a lot of fiction & memoirs: if it's on one of my book blogs (stop laughing), it's usually in their catalogue pretty soon. If it's not on the shelves, it's easy as pie to reserve it -- you get an email when it comes in to your branch. They remind you when your stuff is about to be due, too! Their automated system is a lifesaver.
+ They've won my heart with the excellent collection of graphic novels they're cultivating. Stuff like Persopolis, Rabbi's Cat, American Splendor, Monsoir Lambert. I've been impressed at their efforts to keep up with the ones getting media attention right now, too (Blue Pills was in Liz Spikol's column in the PW, and I checked it out a couple weeks later).
+ Their internet reserve system is incredibly easy to use. You type in your library card number & they tell you what computer are available, when & for how long. You can choose between the next available or a later one, available for a longer duration. When you make your reservation, you are given a password. So when your computer is available, only you can use it & when your time is up, you are automatically kicked off. No waiting in lines, bickering with other patrons about when their turn is over or who gets to use the computer next. You can leave the library & run errands, sit by the fountain, etc until it's time for your reservation. I cannot get over how well this system works. (I've never tried to print anything, but I think it requires quarters.)
+ I feel shamed every time I checkout movies instead of books, but I still do it, a lot. Their isn't really rhyme or reason to their collection, which means it's not all highbrow, like I'd expect from a library. Their TV-on-DVD collection is amazing - they've got totally hip American stuff (Flight of the Conchords), glorious British trash (Footballers' Wives!), and your reliable PBS staples (Foyle's War!).
+ Their website's excellent. Their blog has enjoyable mini-interviews with authors & occasional primo lit gossip (like when a recent book's cover used a stock photo that Daniel Handler sold to Getty before he made it big with Lemony Snickett). They've got a brilliant summer reading rewards program FOR ADULTS -- for all of us that never grew out of the desire to get a gold star for every book read (well, a raffle for a Starbucks gift card).
+ I appreciate the efforts the library takes to stay relevant & get people to interact. The Book Festival had all these independent publishers & totally excellent musicians (Helio Sequence!). Dave Eggers' What is the What is a very cool accessible-but-important choice for One Book, One Philadelphia.
- They lose a star because the hours at the Central Branch suck. Closing at 5 is ridiculous, any day of the week. My hometown library in Chapel Hill, North Carolina was open later.
- Are my library fines tax deductible?
People thought this was:
- Useful (8)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (5)
I live around the corner from this gem, and I have to say that this library is really an amazing space. Granted, the lighting is very poor inside and it's a hot spot for the homeless and mentally impaired. I say that in this instance, creepiness is directly proportional to character. I don't mind how dark it is because that's how it's always been. Sure, there are hundreds of thousands of books, newsreels, photographs, videos, and so on. There better be; this is the main branch.
A friend of mine who works there told me that once someone lived on the 4th floor as a hideaway for a couple days before being discovered. The library's bathrooms have long functioned as bathing facilities for folks who might not have anywhere else to go. Supposedly there are attendants now since a poor little girl was attacked at the Independence Branch, but you definitely still want to keep your wits about you in the basement lavatories.
Most of the librarians are charmingly librarianish. When I visit, I can usually spot at least two individuals who have been working here as long as I can remember. The folks who work the circulation desks in the Popular section, however, need to enroll in How to Be a Nice, Normal Human Being 101. And then 201 after that.
Excellent physical features: the dinosaur prints leading to the children's section. The view on the 4th floor. The little insets next to the first flight of steps--these slanted surfaces have served my classmates well as slides during field trips, although I can't condone slamming one's feet into the wall at the bottom like we did... and totally f*cked up that one piece of wall on the left. That wasn't cool.
Technological updates: no more paper cards in the back of books for loan :( Now they scan barcodes and give you a neat paper receipt, which you will inevitably lose within 24 hours of getting home. That's ok because you can access your library account ONLINE. Snazzy. They have also computerized the system for signing up for computer time. You get 60 minutes and after that, compy kicks you off. This saves the librarians from dealing with unstable individuals who in the past have not been pleased about having to get off compy, BUT it also means that you can only use compy for one 60 minute period per day. That kind of stinks, but you may be able to get more time if no one else has signed up for a time slot.
Newest development: free wireless. Head to the social sci/edu/business sections on floor 2 for strongest signal.
All in all, come visit! Where else can you read/surf the 'net/touch things all day without having to buy something or do some work?
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I love how big and grand this place is. It is hard to find stuff but the staff is always so helpful. I was able to sign up for a library card super quickly. To be honest though, I've not taken a book out since then. oops. Still love this place
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (4)
I can't give the Free Library all 5 stars because the building is SOOO outmoded. I know Philadelphians feel guilty about having torn down or neglected so much of their history (e.g. Ben Franklin's house, the house where Washington's slaves lived, those beautiful old mansions in Fairmount park, etc.) but come on folks, Philly needs a new and improved library. I'll admit the nostalgia is great, but so much space is wasted here, and the ADA compliance officers must just look the other way....
Edit: I just added the last star because THEY ARE EXPANDING THE LIBRARY!!! Groundbreaking to happen in 2008...The picture I saw of the proposed building looks beautiful. Nice job, Philadelphia! (and I don't say that often, if ever, unless sarcastically)
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (3)
Somehow this is the biggest most complete public library I've ever been too and I can still find things. Its great. There are people who will gladly point you in the right direction in all sections. They have free Internet, a lil cafe, movies, music, a great historical collection, and more, more, more. Check it out. You may like it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (4)
Support your local library! They offer amazing free programs in addition to books, music, movies, and more!
The music selection at this library is impressive. I enjoy looking at the exhibits, too.
Update: after visiting other libraries, I was reminded at how sad this main library can be. It obviously needs the planned renovations. Had to take off a star because of the way some holdings are 'stored' (meaning, leaned up against a wall or shoved atop a cabinet). To be fair, I will make a donation to support the renovation so rare and valuable items can be handled with more care, and the librarians won't have to work in makeshift conditions.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I feel like such a hater doing this, but I cannot give the Free Library of Philadelphia 5 stars (I'd like to give it 3...but hey - a library is a library & that's a great thing, I don't think any really deserve 3 stars). Also keep in mind, this is from a recreational reading point-of-view, I've never had to use the library for research or, well...anything outside of my own "killin' some time" needs.
So far every branch library I have visited in the PHL metro area has disappointed me. So I guess it should come as little surprise that I wasn't blown away by the main location either. I can't help but compare it to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (& it's branches) as that was my haunt for the vast majority of my life. I can not remember an occasion there where I could not get what I wanted...at worst it would be checked out. But - in a nutshell - whatever book I wanted was basically readily available to me. Here in PHL, about 49 times out of 50 (at best) if there is a specific book I want to read, I have to have it ordered in from another library which leaves me waiting for weeks sometimes, for a book that will take me like two days to read. Its aggravating! And its not like my taste in books is that obscure or that I'm looking for the newest releases, it really isn't at all. Honestly since I've starting using the (branches of) the Library of PHL a few years ago & now going to the main location over the past year, it has only been on the very rarest of occasions that a fiction book I am looking for is there ready for me to check out.
Here's a current complaint - there's a specific far-from-obscure book I want to read, so I looked it up on the online library catalogue. Needless to say its not in any of the downtown locations. Of ALLLLL the branches there are only 2 copies. One is checked out. One is available. I place a hold, assuming it will send me the available copy. NO! It won't let me choose the available copy! I can only choose the checked-out copy!! WTH!?!!
Really. Frustrating.
I am very very much looking forward to the expansion & renovation to begin in 2008. I honestly don't see it helping with my personal complaints, but its always nice to see more being done with any library.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (3)
Man, what can you say, The Free Library of Philadelphia is awesome! Much cooler than any Steven Starr restaurant around. The menu is huge, and ranges from classics like Bacon, but also has things a little more Wilde. The prices are great, and they even have take out. A great stop next time your brain's hungry.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (4)
For the life of me I really can't think of my favorite thing about this library. It saved me on countless occasions when my nearby apartment was seriously lacking the Internet. I was able to take out a good beginners Spanish tape for over a month, and it's the only library I can think of that let me take out Murderball and episodes of Pee Wee's Playhouse! And it's a huge cavernous old building that is perfect for walking around and learning in.
There is also very good reason that they throw the word FREE into it's name. not only can you get books,movies, comics, and then some for free, but You can also meet interesting people. One of my favorite times ever here was getting to see Irvine Welsh (The Author of Trainspotting) read from his new book and meet with people afterward. But the Library isn't just about meeting cool Authors (although you can't go wrong with the likes of Welsh and Amy Sedaris!). they have music showcases, job fairs, plays, chances to meet with Mayoral candidates, and then some. and it's usually all for FREE.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (3)
There is no way for a nerd as big as me to give a library a bad review. Not that I'm that good at returning the books I borrow (they will probably have me arrested when I walk in the door with the books on electricity that I borrowed for a term paper last semester). But I love the fact that there are people out there who still make an effort to get Americans to read books. Given, this has become a place for those without internet connections to check their Myspace accounts, but still, there are lots of things with pages that have writing on them between covers. They also have a lot of DVDs, which helped me survived when I was in an accident and had no cable.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
I've been coming here at least once a month ever since I was in 4th grade and I still haven't seen all there is to see here. I used to love the little dinosaur footprints that you followed to the Children's section. Now I'm more prone to be in the Popular section of the library. Occasionally, you would find me up on the 2nd floor in the Literature section for my school projects. But there is still so much to see, the music section, the science, etc etc. I loved the marble floors and stairs. Also the librarians are amazing. I would only need to tell them the title of the book I'm looking for, and they can not only tell me the location of the book, but also the author and the genre. The building its self is already breath-taking, but when you see how much books there is in the ENTIRE library, you would definitely be speechless.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
i am in love with this library. they have such a large selection of reading material, i also love how they have some antiquities including many by edgar allan poe(his raven) and the like, i like the old and elegant design of the building as well. this is a great place to wander about on a rainy day.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
i hear this place has an amazing selection of books. the dvd section - the one immediately to the right as you walk in - has a lot of really old classic movies. i also hear that their librarians are amazingly knowledgable. but i mean this is all hearsay.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
