Cecil B. Moore Library
| Sunday, 6/4 | Closed |
| Monday, 6/5 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 6/6 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 6/7 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 6/8 |
Closed * |
| Friday, 6/9 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 6/10 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Thursday has hour changes – Due to staff shortage.
| 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. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Tue., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Thu., Jul. 6 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
- Thu., Aug. 3 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
Services By Appointment
Services
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Wi-Fi
- Book Drop
- Reference Services
- Printing Services
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Book drop box
- Computers for public use
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
- Children's only restroom
- Electrical outlets available
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Scanner
- Street parking (free)
- Water fountain
Upcoming Events
Summer of Wonder Kick-off
Celebrate the start of our summer program with hours of fun! Join us for activities and sign-up for summer reading, from 11:00-2:00. Face painting, balloon animals, & airbrush tattoo from…
Storytime
Bring your children for a program of stories, songs, and activities. The program is designed for children 7 and under and their caregivers and siblings. Please reach out to Ms. Kate at…
Get in the Ring: Meditation & Flow State
Practice mindfulness, focus, and meditation through boxing techniques. The practice is guided by master boxing teacher Elohim Lee Smith. Free Library of Pride event, LGBTQ event
Pride Month Craft Club: Power & Protest Collage
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, make cool queer crafts, meet friends, and just BE YOU every Tuesday in June at 4pm! For teens, their caregivers, and siblings.
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.