New Hours for Researching at the Library Company

The Library Company of Philadelphia is making some exciting changes to better support researchers starting Monday, September 14, 2026.

Most importantly, our hours are expanding! We will be open to researchers Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, with no scheduled closure for lunch. Our exhibition spaces will be open to the public from 9 am to 4:30 pm, also with no scheduled closure for lunch.

In addition, all researchers will soon be working and able to request collection items from one consolidated reading room on our first floor. Appointments are required, but we look forward to providing access to all of our treasured collection materials – including books, newspapers, pamphlets, broadsides, archival materials, AND graphic arts collections – in the Scheide Reading Room. We hope these upcoming changes will provide a more integrated experience, allowing researchers to work uninterrupted throughout the day with consistent access to staff and collections for the duration of their visit.

The Library Company of Philadelphia is open free of charge to anyone who can benefit from the use of our collections. Appointments are required. Reserve your seat here!