Children's Department
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Oct. 9 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Sat., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 23 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Mon., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
Services By Appointment
Services
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Reference Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Baby changing station
- Books in braille
- Children's only restroom
- Electrical outlets available
- Street parking
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
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;…
Parkway Pals: Fall Family Storytime!
Fall Family Storytime will be taking place at Sister Cities Park, in conjunction with Center City District, on Tuesdays from September 5th-October 10th! Join Miss Mary at 10:30 am for…
Play Palooza!
Come have fun with us, and explore new play-based activities each week! Join us on Tuesdays in the Story Hour Room!
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!