Center City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Free Library of Philadelphia
Parkway Museums District
Since 1891, the goal of the Free Library has been to provide "free books for all." Its founders sought to create a lasting community resource: a nexus of knowledge, ideas and artistic expression. Since the Central Library opened in 1927, it has been a center of learning and culture: a place to read, meet and exchange ideas.
Today it stands at the heart of a network of more than 50 branch libraries. The special collections include rare books, music, theater, maps and automobiles. IT still offers "free books for all," as well as free internet access, media resources, workshops and lectures.
[Captions:]
Stone carvers from the John Donnelly Company complete the Central Library's Corinthian capitals, around 1924-1925.
The East Special Reading Room, now the Business, Science and Industry Department, as seen circa 1927.
A young boy browses in the Children's Room.
Erected by Fairmount Park Conservancy; Center City District, Philadelphia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
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Location. 39° 57.523′ N, 75° 10.279′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Center City. Marker is at the intersection of Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Logan Circle, on the right when traveling west on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philadelphia PA 19103, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shakespeare Memorial (a few steps from this marker); 1914-1918 Tribute Trees (within shouting distance of this marker); All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors (within shouting distance of this marker); Logan Square (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors (within shouting distance of this marker); Parkway Museums District (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Library (within shouting distance of this marker); A Grand Cultural Boulevard (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 19, 2022
2. The Free Library of Philadelphia Marker
The library can be seen in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 26, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
