Cecil B. Moore Library

2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121-2927
(Cecil B. Moore & 23rd Street)
215-685-2766

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Open today until 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, 10/13 Closed
Monday, 10/14 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closed
Tuesday, 10/15 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 10/16 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, 10/17 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, 10/18 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.*
Saturday, 10/19 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Monday had hour changes – Columbus Day
  • * Friday 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 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Closures

  • Thu., Nov. 7 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
  • Mon., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
  • Thu., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
  • Thu., Dec. 5 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
  • Wed., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
View all holiday closings

Photo of Cecil B. Moore Library

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

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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.