Cecil B. Moore Library
| Sunday, 11/9 | Closed |
| Monday, 11/10 |
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Tuesday, 11/11 |
Closed * |
| Wednesday, 11/12 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 11/13 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 11/14 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 11/15 |
11:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. * |
- * Monday had hour changes – in observance of Veterans Day
- * Tuesday had hour changes – Veterans Day
- * Saturday has hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick service offered today from 10am-11:15am.
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Friday
- Thu., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Book drop box
- Children's only restroom
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Scanner
- Street parking (free)
- Street parking
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Kids’ Bird Bonanza! with Audubon Mid-Atlantic
Mon, November 17, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Join the Audubon Mid-Atlantic from the Discovery Center at the Cecil B. Moore Library for hand-on activities to learn about bird artifacts, bird adaptations, migration, watersheds and pollution, seeds and seed dispersal, garden work, and bird walks
Mr. Bey’s Builders Club
Mon, November 17, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Want to build something amazing? Want to learn how to create with cardboard? Come learn with LEAP how to build a house with running water and lights using cardboard? Come find out on Thursdays at 3:30 pm! This program is geared towards school aged children and teens!
Community Storytime Adventures
Tue, November 18, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Come dance, wiggle, read aloud, and have tons for fun! for kids under 7 and their caregivers. Call/e-mail Ms. Kate at 215-685-2766 or GoodmanK@freelibrary.org to register larger groups or request visits at your center.
Kids Can Bake!
Tue, November 18, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Kids and caregivers of all ages are invited to join us as we make and taste cookies, brownies, holiday treats, and healthy veggie dishes!
About
Located near the intersection of 23rd Street and Ridge Avenue, this branch serves North Central Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion, Brewerytown, Sharswood, and the Johnson Homes. Formerly the Columbia Avenue Branch, the avenue and the library were renamed in 1987.
History
Originally named the Columbia Avenue Branch, the library opened for business on April 10, 1962. This branch succeeded the Wagner Institute Branch, located at 17th and Montgomery. Wagner Institute Branch was the first extension, or branch, of the Free Library, opening on October 18, 1892. It still exists at 17th and Montgomery as a science and natural history museum.
Cecil Bassett Moore was a lawyer, civil rights activist who led the fight to integrate Girard College, president of the local NAACP, and member of Philadelphia's City Council. With the help of high school students gathering signatures for a petition, the names of the street and branch were changed in 1987 to honor Moore.
While visiting the library, you might notice the mural in the children's room, "Let Beauty Fill Their Eyes." It was painted by David Lawrence and portrait artist Rhasaan Fort in 2000. The mosaic in the vestibule, "Integration of Science and Art," was completed in 1963 by Edna Andrade. The library was renovated in 1996 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Web access to every library.