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
- Fri., Apr. 18 : Closed Good Friday
- Sun., Apr. 20 : Closed Easter
- Mon., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
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, April 4, 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. In good weather, this program will be held outdoors in Shakespeare Park, directly across the street from the library's main entrance. In…
Crochet Club
Fri, April 4, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Are you interested in crochet? Learn how to crochet or practice your skills with Mady and other children and teens. All supplies will be provided. This event will take place in the public area of The Central Children's Departmen
Chess Club for Kids!
Mon, April 7, 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…
Languages of Philadelphia: German / Zweisprachige Deutsche Familien-Vorlesestunde
Tue, April 8, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Bilingual German Family Storytime Would you like to hear stories told in another language? Join us at Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special German storytime! Part of our Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under…
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!