Cecil B. Moore Library
| Sunday, 6/29 | Closed |
| Monday, 6/30 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 7/1 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 7/2 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 7/3 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 7/4 |
Closed * |
| Saturday, 7/5 | Closed |
- * Friday had hour changes – Independence Day
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 4 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Book drop box
- Children's only restroom
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Scanner
- Street parking (free)
- Street parking
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Kids’ Sensory Playtime
Mon, June 30, 2025
11:00 A.M.
Sensory play encourages children to explore and discover new sensations, materials, and experiences, fostering curiosity and learning. Activities will include using kinetic sand, clay, DIY fidget spinners, and sensory bins.
Preschool Storytime and Open Play
Tue, July 1, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Join Ms. Kate for books, songs, and dancing on Tuesdays at 10:30-11:30am ! Then stick around for free play with toys! For ages 5 and under and their caregivers. (Please call ahead to arrange a pre-school or day care visit).
Kids can Cook with Ms. Kate
Tue, July 1, 2025
4:00 P.M.
"Kids Can Cook Ms.Kate" and learn about cooking and baking techniques with your children's librarian, Ms. Kate. "Kids can Cook with Ms. Kate" happens on the 1st and 3rd of the month at 4-5:30 pm . Participants will work in teams and then eat the…
Teen+ Summer Crafts!
Wed, July 2, 2025
1:00 P.M.
Children of all ages, their caregivers, and teens are invited for a weekly make-and-take craft. Activities will include jewelry-making, DIY fancy pens, clay, print-making, and paper crafts.
About
Located near the intersection of 23rd Street and Ridge Avenue, this branch serves North Central Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion, Brewerytown, Sharswood, and the Johnson Homes. Formerly the Columbia Avenue Branch, the avenue and the library were renamed in 1987.
History
Originally named the Columbia Avenue Branch, the library opened for business on April 10, 1962. This branch succeeded the Wagner Institute Branch, located at 17th and Montgomery. Wagner Institute Branch was the first extension, or branch, of the Free Library, opening on October 18, 1892. It still exists at 17th and Montgomery as a science and natural history museum.
Cecil Bassett Moore was a lawyer, civil rights activist who led the fight to integrate Girard College, president of the local NAACP, and member of Philadelphia's City Council. With the help of high school students gathering signatures for a petition, the names of the street and branch were changed in 1987 to honor Moore.
While visiting the library, you might notice the mural in the children's room, "Let Beauty Fill Their Eyes." It was painted by David Lawrence and portrait artist Rhasaan Fort in 2000. The mosaic in the vestibule, "Integration of Science and Art," was completed in 1963 by Edna Andrade. The library was renovated in 1996 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Web access to every library.