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
- Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Friday
- Thu., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas 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
Music and Movement
Thu, October 30, 2025
10:30 A.M.
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.…
Build Club
Thu, October 30, 2025
4:00 P.M.
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. *Possible cancelation if the Children's Department Costume Parade is rained out on 10/29.
Preschool Storytime
Fri, October 31, 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, November 3, 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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Do you want to support our programs and services? Make a donation to the Children's Department!