The State Library of Pennsylvania has a collection of books, documents, manuscripts and copies covering administration, economics, statistics, public service, political science and more. The library was a joint effort of Benjamin Franklin and the Pennsylvania General Assembly with its earliest collection starting in 1745. However, it was William Henry Egle who took efforts to really diversify the collection in the 1880’s to incorporate and focus on the history of the state.

The place collects and preserves everything that defined Pennsylvania and if you are a history buff, you can come here to pour over a few books that explain the stories of the state, its growth and its evolution to the current times. The library also arranges tours of the building for visitors.

The Library Reading Rooms are open:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
• The 2nd Saturday of each month: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Calling Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Hours for the State Library’s offices:

• Closed on state holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and every four years on the Inauguration Day of the Pennsylvania Governor).

• By Bus: Amtrak
• By Train: Harrisburg Transportation Center
• By Taxi
• By renting a bicycle/ car.
• On foot

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