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
- 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
CANCELLED * Preschool Storytime * DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGE
Fri, September 19, 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…
Read Baby Read: Baby & Toddler Storytime!
Mon, September 22, 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, September 22, 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…
Fall Family Storytime at Sister Cities Park!
Tue, September 23, 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…
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!