Children's Department
| Sunday, 11/9 | Closed |
| Monday, 11/10 |
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Tuesday, 11/11 |
Closed * |
| Wednesday, 11/12 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 11/13 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday, 11/14 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 11/15 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Monday had hour changes – in observance of Veterans Day
- * Tuesday has hour changes – Veterans Day
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Friday
- Thu., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Books in braille
- Children's only restroom
- Electrical outlets available
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Street parking
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Languages of Philadelphia: Arabic | قصة عربية ثنائية اللغة
Wed, November 12, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Bilingual Arabic Family Storytime Have you ever wanted to learn another language? Join us at Parkway Central Library in the Children's Department for a special Arabic storytime! Part of our Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under…
Crochet Club
Thu, November 13, 2025
3:30 P.M.
Are you interested in crochet? Learn how to crochet or practice your skills with Mady and other children and teens. All supplies will be provided. This event will take place in the public area of The Central Children's Departmen
Board Game Club!
Thu, November 13, 2025
3:30 P.M.
Join us for the first meeting of Board Game Club, a collaboration between the Field Teen Center and the Central Children's Department! We have a variety of board games from classics like Settlers of Catan to recent hits like Everdell . Come and play your favorite board…
Build Club
Thu, November 13, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Join us for Build Club! Explore different types of toddler-friendly construction toys including MagnaTiles, Duplos, Blocks, and more. Open to children 12 and under. *Possible cancelation if the Children's Department Costume Parade is rained out on 10/29.
Welcome, friends!
The Central Library Children's Department provides library service to children ages 0-12, families, and educators in the city of Philadelphia and surrounding region. It represents the largest collection of children's books and materials in the Delaware Valley. Special collections and services include children's books in over 50 languages and the Preschool Center featuring furniture specially designed for toddlers.
Children's Department staff provide regular storytimes, free-play programs, afterschool activities and homework help as part of LEAP, and so much more! In the warmer months many programs are held outdoors in favorable weather.
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Do you want to support our programs and services? Make a donation to the Children's Department!