State Library of Pennsylvania | Harrisburg

State Library of Pennsylvania

The State Library of Pennsylvania, located at 607 South Drive in Harrisburg’s Capitol Complex, is the Commonwealth’s principal research and preservation library. Established in 1745, it is one of the oldest state libraries in the United States and serves legislators, government agencies, scholars, and the general public.

Mission and Scope

The library’s mission is to collect, preserve, and make accessible materials that document Pennsylvania’s history, culture, and government. It also supports state government with research services and provides leadership and resources to libraries across the Commonwealth.

Collections

Historical and Government Documents
Extensive holdings of Pennsylvania legislative journals, session laws, agency reports, and archival documents dating back to colonial times.

Genealogy and Local History
City directories, county histories, family genealogies, church records, newspapers, and microfilm collections invaluable to researchers tracing Pennsylvania ancestry.

Rare Books and Manuscripts
Early Pennsylvania imprints, maps, and unique manuscripts, including papers of prominent Pennsylvanians, preserved under controlled conditions.

Digital Resources
Digitized newspapers, government publications, and specialized databases accessible on-site and, for many resources, remotely to registered users.

Services and Facilities

Research Assistance
Professional librarians provide reference and research support, legislative histories, and document delivery for state agencies and the public.

Public Reading Rooms
Quiet study areas with print collections, microfilm readers, public computers, and Wi-Fi.

Exhibits and Programs
Rotating displays highlight items from the rare collections, while workshops and lectures cover genealogy, Pennsylvania history, and information literacy.

Interlibrary Loan and Statewide Support
Coordinates resource sharing among Pennsylvania libraries and manages statewide programs such as POWER Library and the Pennsylvania Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.

Building and Renovations

Housed in the Forum Building—an Art Deco structure completed in 1931—the library features a grand rotunda, murals depicting Pennsylvania history, and reading rooms with period architectural details. A multi-year renovation project launched in 2023 is modernizing climate control, accessibility, and digital infrastructure while restoring historic interiors. During renovations, core services continue in temporary spaces within the Forum and through expanded online access.

Access Information

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM; closed on state holidays.

Admission: Free; photo ID required for entry into the Capitol Complex.

Parking: Metered street parking and nearby garages; public transit via Capital Area Transit bus routes.

Library Cards: Available to all Pennsylvania residents on presentation of proof of address.

Summary

The State Library of Pennsylvania is a cornerstone institution preserving the Commonwealth’s documentary heritage and supporting informed governance and scholarship. Its vast collections, expert services, and ongoing modernization ensure that Pennsylvanians—today and in the future—have access to the knowledge and records that define the state’s past and guide its progress.