Cecil B. Moore Library
2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121-2927
(Cecil B. Moore & 23rd Street)
215-685-2766
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
| 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
- Thu., Oct. 5 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Oct. 9 : Closed Columbus Day
- Thu., Nov. 2 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Sat., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 23 : Closed Thanksgiving 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
Friday Builders
Fri, Sep 22, 3:30 P.M.
Come build with us! We’ll use a rotating mix of Legos, Magnatiles, wooden blocks, cups, and more. Primarily intended for children ages 6-12…
Social Justice Read Aloud
Tue, Sep 26, 4:00 P.M.
Practice your reading skills and explore the library’s books with Miss Kayla. We will feature books and stories that showcase and reflect…
Community Storytimes
Wed, Sep 27, 10:30 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…
Community Storytimes
Wed, Oct 4, 10:30 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…
Back to School Ice Cream Social
Wed, Oct 4, 3:30 P.M.
Join the Friends of the Cecil B Moore Library for a back to school oce cream social. Your library card is your ticket to participate, so be sure…
Building Bridges with Books Family Night!
Thu, Oct 5, 4:00 P.M.
Families of K-3rd grade students from General George Meade Elementary and Robert Morris Elementary are invited to join us at Cecil B. Moore…
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.