Children's Department
| Sunday, 8/24 | Closed |
| Monday, 8/25 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 8/26 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 8/27 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 8/28 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 8/29 |
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Saturday, 8/30 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Friday has hour changes – preparation for the Labor Day holiday
| 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
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving 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
Preschool Storytime
Fri, August 29, 2025
10:30 A.M.
This event has already happened.
Join Scout for stories, songs, and rhymes, and stay for playtime afterwards! Intended for our friends ages 6 and under and their caregivers. This program has ASL interpretation. In good weather, this program will be held outdoors in Shakespeare Park, directly across the street…
Fall Family Storytime at Sister Cities Park!
Tue, September 2, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Join Miss Mary for Fall Family Storytime! 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 (check our social media for updates…
Fall Family Storytime at Sister Cities Park!
Tue, September 9, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Join Miss Mary for Fall Family Storytime! 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 (check our social media for updates…
Understanding Deaf Culture: Bridging Communities
Sat, September 13, 2025
2:00 P.M.
This engaging and educational program will explore the richness of Deaf culture, focusing on the diversity within the community including Black Deaf identity and Black American Sign Language (BASL). Participants will learn about the history of Deaf culture, the impact of systemic barriers, and…
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.
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Do you want to support our programs and services? Make a donation to the Children's Department!