Children's Department
| Sunday, 10/5 | Closed |
| Monday, 10/6 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 10/7 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 10/8 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 10/9 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 10/10 |
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Saturday, 10/11 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Friday has hour changes – preparation for the Indigenous Peoples' 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
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Friday
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
Music and Movement
Thu, October 9, 2025
10:30 A.M.
This event has already happened.
Join Ms Naomi for singing and dancing in this movement-oriented storytime followed by playtime! This program is designed for children ages 6 and under, along with their caretakers. If you require ASL interpretation, please contact us in advance and we would be happy to accomodate you.…
Lego Club
Thu, October 9, 2025
4:00 P.M.
This event has already happened.
Join us for fun with LEGOs! Explore your creativity with free builds, Lego challenges, and games! For school-age children.
Preschool Storytime
Fri, October 10, 2025
10:30 A.M.
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…
Baby and Toddler Playtime!
Tue, October 14, 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.
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Do you want to support our programs and services? Make a donation to the Children's Department!