Cecil B. Moore Library
2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121-2927
(Cecil B. Moore & 23rd Street)
215-685-2766
The Free Library's Summer Hours begin this week. We are now open Monday through Friday
Closed Today
| 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
- 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.
- Mon., Sep. 4 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 7 : 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
Zoo on Wheels: Habitats Around the World
Mon, Jun 26, 2:45 P.M.
Travel around the world, learning about diverse habitats, how wildlife thrive there, and how our choices impact animals around the world. Discover…
Zoo on Wheels: Habitats Around the World
Mon, Jun 26, 3:45 P.M.
Travel around the world, learning about diverse habitats, how wildlife thrive there, and how our choices impact animals around the world. Discover…
Building Challenge
Tue, Jun 27, 2:00 P.M.
Put your skills to the test with different building materials each week-blocks, LEGO, and more. For children ages 7 and up and their families;…
Music & Movement Play
Wed, Jun 28, 10:15 A.M.
Dance, drum, sing, and move with Miss Julie from Rhythm Babies. This 45-minute music class is open to children ages 3-5 and their families. Day…
Story Building
Wed, Jun 28, 2:00 P.M.
On alternating weeks, view family-friendly films and create stories in puppet theater. Enjoy pop-up presentations and storytelling from members of…
Crafty Storytime
Thu, Jun 29, 2:00 P.M.
"Travel" the world each week with interactive stories, music, and brain breaks, followed by a related art project. For children ages 6 and up and…
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.