Before & After Photos Available for Download
PHILADELPHIA – Today, Rebuild, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), the Capital Program Office, the William Penn Foundation, the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP), former Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, and community members gathered to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Kingsessing Library. The historic site, located in Southwest Philadelphia, received an $8 million transformation through the City’s Rebuild program, a historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia.
“Today, we celebrated an $8 million transformation that brings this historic space into the 21st century,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “It’s the third library reopening through Rebuild this April—part of the program’s ongoing, citywide investment in revitalizing the libraries, rec centers, and parks our communities rely on. Together, these three April reopenings represent more than $21 million invested in renewing essential community spaces in Kingsessing, Cobbs Creek, and Lawncrest.”
This Free Library branch has been a cherished resource for Southwest Philadelphia residents since 1919. The building is one of 30 Philadelphia libraries built with funding from Andrew Carnegie, earning a spot on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 2009 for its early 20th-century architectural significance.
“Kingsessing Library has always been the heart of this community,” said Jamie Gauthier, City Councilmember (3rd District). “This renovation honors that legacy while creating a dynamic, accessible space where today’s families can gather, learn, and build the strong community bonds that define Southwest Philadelphia.”
The comprehensive $8 million renovation includes:
- New roof, windows, and doors
- Masonry restoration
- New plumbing, electric, mechanical, security, and fire alarm systems
- New lighting, interior finishes, and furniture
- A new staff break room and kitchen
- A new community classroom
- ADA improvements including upgraded restrooms and new elevator
- Outdoor enhancements including a new fenced ADA accessible story circle, a community garden area, and new trash/recycling receptacles and benches
- Indego bike station located on the library’s front plaza
“This renovation shows us what is possible when we combine historic preservation with forward-thinking design,” said Aparna Palantino, Director, Capital Program Office. “By carefully balancing Kingsessing Library’s architectural heritage with modern accessibility features and technology, we’ve created a space that honors the past while serving the evolving needs of Southwest Philadelphia residents.”
The project received additional support from a $60,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Keystone Communities Program (KCP) that was secured by the Free Library of Philadelphia, with support from State Rep. Rick Krajewski (188th District) and State Senator Anthony H. Williams (8th District).
“The revitalization of Kingsessing Library, with its century of service, represents everything I love about public libraries: their ability to evolve while preserving history, to welcome everyone regardless of background, and to transform lives through access to knowledge,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director, the Free Library of Philadelphia. “Seeing the joy on community members’ faces as they rediscover this beautiful space reminds us why libraries remain essential civic institutions in the digital age.”
The project also received support through the William Penn Foundation’s historic $100 million gift to the Rebuild program – one of the largest private gifts to public space in the country.
“Community libraries like Kingsessing are true ‘Palaces of the People,’” said Shawn McCaney, Executive Director, the William Penn Foundation. “Where all are welcome, where community is sustained, and where new generations of young people become lifelong readers and lifelong learners,”
This renovation also showcases the impact of Rebuild’s workforce development training program, a 6-week paid trade union training program including exposure to the construction industry, professional development workshops, construction job site visits, and hands-on restoration, as, Terrence Finley, one of Rebuild’s 154 trade academy alumni worked as an apprentice Carpenter for the general contractor, Smith Construction.
This renovation also showcases the impact of Rebuild’s skilled trade academies—4-6 week paid training programs that provide exposure to the construction industry, professional development workshops, construction job site visits, and hands-on experience in the trades. Terrence Finley, a 2024 graduate of the Carpentry Academy, worked as an apprentice Carpenter for the renovation project’s general contractor, Smith Construction.
Kingsessing Library is the third Rebuild-renovated library opening in April. The Blanche A. Nixon Library, an $8.5 million project, located in Cobbs Creek, opened on April 3, 2025 and Lawncrest Library, a $4.5 million renovation, opened on April 10, 2025.
Rebuild is the City’s historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. Rebuild promises to acknowledge history, engage the community, and invest intentionally to uplift pivotal community spaces, empower neighborhoods, and promote economic opportunity through diversity and inclusion.
The Free Library of Philadelphia system, with 54 locations and The Rosenbach, advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 31,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi, and rich special collections, including those at the Parkway Central Library and at The Rosenbach. With more than 5 million in-person visits and 5 million more online annually, the Free Library and The Rosenbach are among the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia and boast a worldwide impact.
Carpentry and Masonry Academy Rebuild Philadelphia, Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical College, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1 PA/DE, PA CareerLink®, PowerCorpsPHL, Shoemaker Construction Co., and Joseph Dugan, Inc. partnered to run the 2024 Masonry and Carpentry Workforce Development Programs at Eastern State Penitentiary – a 6-week paid training program including exposure to the construction industry, professional development workshops, construction job site visits, and hands-on restoration work at Eastern State Penitentiary.