Cecil B. Moore Library
2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121-2927
(Cecil B. Moore & 23rd Street)
215-685-2766
Open today until 5:00 p.m.
| Sunday, 6/17 | Closed |
| Monday, 6/18 |
Closed |
| Tuesday, 6/19 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 6/20 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 6/21 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 6/22 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 6/23 | Closed |
- * Monday had 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 | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Wed., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Thu., Jul. 5 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Aug. 2 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Sep. 3 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 6 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
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
Game Day
Fri, Jun 22, 2:00 P.M.
Board games, puzzles, & individual or group reading time. Options available for ages 3 and up. Groups are welcome, but must call ahead to be…
Story Time & Play Date
Fri, Jun 22, 3:30 P.M.
Children ages 1-6 and their families are invited to join us for story time, followed by playtime with a rotating selection of wooden blocks,…
Building Challenges
Tue, Jun 26, 2:00 P.M.
Put your skills to the test with different building materials and challenges each week. How tall can you build a tower? How many blocks can you…
Community Storytime
Wed, Jun 27, 11:00 A.M.
Join us for our family & community story time! Children ages 0-5, their siblings, and their caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and…
Reading and Crafting
Wed, Jun 27, 2:00 P.M.
Inspired by our favorite books and popular Maker projects, participants will learn new skills and flex their creativity using a variety of…
Movie Matinee
Thu, Jun 28, 2:00 P.M.
Join us for a family-friendly film shown each week. Snacks provided for participants when available. Groups are welcome, but must call ahead to be…
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.