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., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence Day
- Thu., Aug. 1 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Sep. 2 : Closed Labor Day
- Thu., Sep. 5 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Oct. 14 : Closed Columbus 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
Nearby Libraries
Support Cecil B. Moore Library
Donate NowUpcoming Events
Builders Club
Tue, Jun 18, 2:00 P.M.
What can you build with Legos, Magnatiles, Tegu blocks, cups, and more? Join us for different challenges each week and test your skills.…
Youth Chess Club
Tue, Jun 18, 4:00 P.M.
Learn to play or improve your game! Chess Club meets Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in the children's section. No experience necessary, all materials…
Open Climb
Wed, Jun 19, 10:30 A.M.
Climb and play in the library! Our climbing wall and assortment of toys encourages imaginative play and boosts children’s learning and…
Chapter Book Read-Aloud
Wed, Jun 19, 2:00 P.M.
Join Ms. Kayla weekly as we read and talk about a great summer read!
Crafternoon
Wed, Jun 19, 3:30 P.M.
Join our LEAP Maker Mentor, Nina, for weekly arts and crafts projects. Learn new skills and get creative!
Podcasting Workshop
Thu, Jun 20, 1:30 P.M.
Interested in learning what it takes to create a podcast? In this workshop our LEAP Maker Mentor, Mr. Bey, will help teens learn each step to…
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.