Children's Department

1901 Vine Street, Ground Floor - Room 22
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Open today until 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2/16 Closed
Monday, 2/17 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Closed *
Tuesday, 2/18 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 2/19 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, 2/20 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 2/21 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 2/22 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Monday had hour changes – Presidents' Day
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
View all holiday closings

Services

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, February 21, 2025 10:30 A.M.

Join Scout in the Auditorium for stories, songs, and rhymes, and stay for playtime afterwards! Intended for our friends ages 6 and under and their caregivers. ASL interpreted.

Read Baby Read: Baby & Toddler Storytime!

Mon, February 24, 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…

Chess Club for Kids!

Mon, February 24, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Join us each Monday from 3:30-4:30pm 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;…

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow Author Visit

Tue, February 25, 2025 10:30 A.M.
Cost: FREE

Join us for a pre-Ramadan visit with Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow.  Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is a Philadelphia-based author of popular educator-recommended children’s books. She is a…

 

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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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!