Children's Department

1901 Vine Street, Ground Floor - Room 22
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Closed Today
Sunday, 12/22 Closed
Monday, 12/23 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 12/24 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. *
Wednesday, 12/25 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Closed *
Thursday, 12/26 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 12/27 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 12/28 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • * Tuesday has hour changes – in preparation for the Christmas holiday
  • * Wednesday has hour changes – Christmas 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

  • Tue., Dec. 24 : Closing at 1:00 PM in preparation for the Christmas holiday
  • Wed., Dec. 25 : Closed Christmas Day
  • Tue., Dec. 31 : Closing at 1:00 PM in preparation for the New Year holiday
  • Wed., Jan. 1 : Closed New Year's Day
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

Countdown to Noon!

Tue, December 31, 2024 11:00 A.M.

Wear your sparkles to join us for our Countdown to Noon!  There will be bubbles and we will be making party hats, drinking bubbly apple juice, having a dance party and making a wish tree…

Read Baby Read: Baby & Toddler Storytime!

Mon, January 6, 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…

Chess Club for Kids!

Mon, January 6, 2025 4:00 P.M.

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;…

Baby and Toddler Playtime!

Tue, January 7, 2025 12:00 P.M.

Play, talk, sing and explore books and toys while listening to music and gaining social, emotional, fine and gross motor skills. This program is intended for babies and toddlers along with…

 

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!