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., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor 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
Build Club
Thu, April 24, 2025
4:00 P.M.
This event has already happened.
Join us for Build Club! Explore different types of toddler-friendly construction toys including MagnaTiles, Duplos, Blocks, and more. Open to children 12 and under.
Preschool Storytime
Fri, April 25, 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. 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 25, 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
Read Baby Read: Baby & Toddler Storytime!
Mon, April 28, 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…
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!