Free Library of Philadelphia, Rare Book Department

The Rare Book Department offers free access to exhibitions and public programs with our historically important books, manuscripts, and works of art from 3,000 BCE to today.

Group visits and educational programs are available by prior arrangement and researchers are invited to make an appointment to use collection materials. For our friends on social media, highlights from our collections are regularly posted to our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. You can reach the Rare Book Department at 215-686-5416 or by email at eref AT freelibrary DOT org, or check out some of our most frequently asked questions.