Cecil B. Moore Library
Are you an adult who loves to read and wants to talk about some great books with fellow book lovers? We have some good news for you! Several North Philly librarians from the Free Library of Philadelphia are now inviting their adult patrons around the city to join our VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB! Sign up now and receive your free grab bag with the selected book of the month and other goodies delivered right to your front door.
Are you a teen who loves to read and wants to talk about some great books with fellow book lovers? We have some good news for you! Several North Philly librarians from the Free Library of Philadelphia are now inviting their teen patrons around the city to join our VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB! Sign up now and receive your free grab bag with the selected book of the month and other goodies delivered right to your front door.
Upcoming Closures
- Wed., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 26 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
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
Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog
Join us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 3:00-4:00 p.m. to read to a therapy animal friend from PAWS for people on a live video conference. Reading to a dog helps children develop…
Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog
Join us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 3:00-4:00 p.m. to read to a therapy animal friend from PAWS for people on a live video conference. Reading to a dog helps children develop…
Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog
Join us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 3:00-4:00 p.m. to read to a therapy animal friend from PAWS for people on a live video conference. Reading to a dog helps children develop…
Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog
Join us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 3:00-4:00 p.m. to read to a therapy animal friend from PAWS for people on a live video conference. Reading to a dog helps children develop…
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.