Cecil B. Moore Library
2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121-2927
(Cecil B. Moore & 23rd Street)
215-685-2766
Open today until 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 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Apr. 4 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Fri., Apr. 19 : Closed Good Friday
- Sun., Apr. 21 : Closed Easter
- Thu., May. 2 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., May. 27 : Closed Memorial 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
Crafternoon
Tue, Mar 19, 4:00 P.M.
Join is for a short story and craft activity suitable for all skill levels. Ages 7 and up. Programs subject to change. Daycare groups and schools…
Open Climb
Wed, Mar 20, 10:30 A.M.
Come take advantage of our new play space, featuring a climbing wall! Our redesign and educational toys encourage imaginative play that…
Mindful Breathing Workshop
Wed, Mar 20, 4:00 P.M.
This three-part workshop will help older kids and teens learn skills and exercises to manage the wide range of emotions we experience throughout…
Friday Games and Puzzles
Fri, Mar 22, 3:30 P.M.
Enjoy a selection of games, puzzles, and Wii games after school every Friday. Ages 7 and up. Programs subject to change. Day care groups and…
Open Climb
Mon, Mar 25, 10:30 A.M.
Come take advantage of our new play space, featuring a climbing wall! Our redesign and educational toys encourage imaginative play that…
Open Climb
Wed, Mar 27, 10:30 A.M.
Come take advantage of our new play space, featuring a climbing wall! Our redesign and educational toys encourage imaginative play that…
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.