Cecil B. Moore Library

2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121-2927
Cecil B. Moore & 23rd Street
Closed Today
Sunday, 7/6 Closed
Monday, 7/7 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closed *
Tuesday, 7/8 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closed *
Wednesday, 7/9 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 7/10 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 7/11 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 7/12 Closed
  • * Monday had hour changes – Union work stoppage
  • * Tuesday had hour changes – Union work stoppage
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 Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
  • Thu., Sep. 4 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
View all holiday closings

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’ Sensory Playtime

Mon, July 14, 2025 11:00 A.M.

Sensory play encourages children to explore and discover new sensations, materials, and experiences, fostering curiosity and learning. Activities will include using kinetic sand, clay, DIY fidget spinners, and sensory bins.

Preschool Storytime and Open Play

Tue, July 15, 2025 10:30 A.M.

Join Ms. Kate for books, songs, and dancing on  Tuesdays at 10:30-11:30am  ! Then stick around for free play with toys!  For ages 5 and under and their caregivers. (Please call ahead to arrange a pre-school or day care visit).

City of Philadelphia HR Recruitment Event

Tue, July 15, 2025 2:00 P.M.

Learn about and apply to City jobs with help from Human Resources guides. Open jobs available here: https://www.phila.gov/jobs This program will be offered again on August 19th from 2-4 pm.!

Kids can Cook with Ms. Kate

Tue, July 15, 2025 4:00 P.M.

"Kids Can Cook Ms.Kate" and learn about cooking and baking techniques with your children's librarian, Ms. Kate. "Kids can Cook with Ms. Kate" happens on the 1st and 3rd of the month at 4-5:30 pm . Participants will work in teams and then eat the…

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.