Children's Department

1901 Vine Street, Ground Floor - Room 22
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Open today until 7:00 p.m.
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

  • Fri., Apr. 18 : Closed Good Friday
  • Sun., Apr. 20 : Closed Easter
  • Mon., May. 26 : Closed Memorial Day
  • Thu., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
View all holiday closings

Services

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

Read to a Therapy Dog!

Wed, March 26, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Independent readers and children who are learning to read are invited to practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from Comfort Caring Canines. Yes, you can pet them, too! Dogs…

Kay Healy Author Visit

Thu, March 27, 2025 12:30 P.M.
Cost: FREE

Join us to welcome author Kay Healy as she discusses her new graphic novel, Casey's Cases: The Mysterious New Girl. This event will take place in the Montgomery Auditorium.

Build Club

Thu, March 27, 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 all ages.

Preschool Storytime

Fri, March 28, 2025 10:30 A.M.

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.

 

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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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!