Children's Department
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Books in braille
- Children's only restroom
- Electrical outlets available
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Street parking
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Read Baby Read: Baby & Toddler Storytime!
Mon, June 9, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Join Miss Mary for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces! Stay for playtime immediately following storytime! Intended for our friends ages 2 and under and their caregivers. Cooler weather? We'll have storytime in the auditorium on the ground floor! Warmer weather? We'll be…
Chess Club for Kids!
Mon, June 9, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Join us each Monday from 4:00-4:45pm for Chess Club! Kids 12 and under are welcome to play and learn with support from a skilled chess player. All supplies provided. No experience is necessary; all skill levels welcome! This event will be held in the Story Hour Room, within the Central…
Family Storytime at Parkway Pals!
Tue, June 10, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Join Miss Mary for a Family Storytime and to-go craft, while supplies last! This in-person, outdoor storytime will take place at Sister Cities Park and is in collaboration with Center City District. In the case of unfavorable weather, the program will be cancelled with no make up date…
Baby and Toddler Playtime!
Tue, June 10, 2025
12:00 P.M.
Play, talk, sing and explore books and toys while listening to music and gaining social, emotional, fine and gross motor skills. This program is intended for babies and toddlers along with parents, grandparents or caregivers. We will be meeting in the Storyhour Room.
Welcome, friends!
The Central Library Children's Department provides library service to children ages 0-12, families, and educators in the city of Philadelphia and surrounding region. It represents the largest collection of children's books and materials in the Delaware Valley. Special collections and services include children's books in over 50 languages and the Preschool Center featuring furniture specially designed for toddlers.
Children's Department staff provide regular storytimes, free-play programs, afterschool activities and homework help as part of LEAP, and so much more! In the warmer months many programs are held outdoors in favorable weather.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what we're up to!
Prefer an email newsletter? Sign up for our Children's Corner monthly update!
Do you want to support our programs and services? Make a donation to the Children's Department!