Children's Department
| Sunday, 4/13 | Closed |
| Monday, 4/14 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 4/15 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 4/16 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, 4/17 |
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * |
| Friday, 4/18 |
Closed * |
| Saturday, 4/19 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
- * Thursday had hour changes – preparation for the Good Friday holiday
- * Friday has hour changes – Good Friday
| 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
- Sun., Apr. 20 : Closed Easter
- Mon., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Fri., Jul. 4 : Closed Independence 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
Girl Scouts Story Time
Sat, April 19, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Join us for a fun and interactive Girl Scouts Story Time event! Whether your child is a current Scout or simply loves stories, this is a great opportunity to make new friends, spark creativity, and celebrate the joy of reading. This event will be held in The Central Children's Department…
Read Baby Read: Baby & Toddler Storytime!
Mon, April 21, 2025
10:30 A.M.
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. Cooler weather? We'll have storytime in the auditorium on the ground floor! Warmer weather? We'll be…
Chess Club for Kids!
Mon, April 21, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Join us each Monday from 4:00-4:45pm 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; all skill levels welcome! This event will be held in the Story Hour Room, within the Central…
Languages of Philadelphia: German / Zweisprachige Deutsche Familien-Vorlesestunde
Tue, April 22, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Bilingual German Family Storytime Would you like to hear stories told in another language? Join us at Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special German storytime! Part of our Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under…
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!