5 Stunning Philadelphia Libraries You Can Use as a Free, Comfortable Office for Research, Creative Work, Zoom Calls, and More
Fisher Fine Arts Library

A dramatic Victorian Gothic masterpiece with Frank Furness’s iconic red interior — it feels like working inside a 19th-century novel. Inspiring and atmospheric, especially for creative professionals.


Address: 220 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA


Opened: 1891

Architect: Frank Furness. Style: Victorian Gothic / Venetian Gothic


Notable Collections: Architecture, design, fine arts, humanities



Wi-Fi: Yes

Admission: Some access restrictions; reading areas often open

Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center

Penn’s main library offers spacious reading rooms and a distinct Ivy League intellectual energy. Bright and structured, the space naturally encourages long, concentrated work sessions.


Address: 3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA


Year Founded: 1962

Architect: Harbeson, Hough, Livingston & Larson. Style: Mid-century academic modernism

Notable Collections: Multidisciplinary academic research collections, digital archives

Best For: Long focused work sessions, academic research, remote professionals needing structure and quiet concentration



Wi-Fi: Yes

Admission: Free; some areas limited to Penn affiliates

Charles Library

A contemporary architectural statement with a light-filled atrium and sweeping wooden ceiling. Airy and dynamic, it’s ideal for digital work, collaborative sessions, and Zoom calls.


Address: 1900 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA


Opened: 2019

Architects: Snøhetta + Stantec. Style: Contemporary sustainable architecture

Notable Features: Dramatic curved wooden roof, large atrium, green roof systems


Wi-Fi: Yes

Admission: Public access; some areas for Temple affiliates

Free Library of Philadelphia - Parkway Central Library

A monumental Beaux-Arts landmark on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with marble staircases and soaring reading rooms. Best for deep concentration, writing, structured workdays, long research sessions.


Address: 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA

Opened: 1927. Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts civic landmark

Notable Collections: Literature, art & culture collections; children & teen divisions; citywide research hub


Wi-Fi: Yes

Admission: Free



Historical Society of Pennsylvania

A classic research library with high ceilings and extensive archives. You can truly feel the weight of history here.


Address: 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA

Founded: 1824 (current building early 20th century)

Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts research institution

Notable Collections: American historical manuscripts; genealogy records; maps; early American documents and archives

Wi-Fi: Yes

Admission: Public research access available; day passes and membership options offered

Athenaeum of Philadelphia
A historic 19th-century library-club with elegant shelves and refined stillness. Its intellectual salon atmosphere makes it especially appealing to architects, historians, and deep thinkers.