Children's Department
| 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. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Fri., Nov. 29 : Closed Thanksgiving Friday
- Wed., 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
Build Club
Join us for Build Club! Explore different types of toddler-friendly construction toys including MagnaTiles, Duplos, Blocks, and more. Open to all ages.
Preschool Storytime
Join Scout in the Auditorium for stories, songs, and rhymes, and stay for playtime afterwards! Intended for our friends ages 6 and under and their caregivers. ASL interpreted.
Read Baby Read: Baby & Toddler Storytime!
Join Miss Mary for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces! Stay for playtime immediately following storytime! Intended for our friends ages 2 and under and their caregivers. Nice weather? We'll…
Chess Club for Kids!
Join us each Monday from 3:30-4:30pm for Chess Club! Kids 12 and under are welcome to play and learn with support from a skilled chess player. All supplies provided. No experience is necessary;…
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.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what we're up to!
Prefer an email newsletter? Sign up for our Children's Corner monthly update!
Do you want to support our programs and services? Make a donation to the Children's Department!