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PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker joined City officials and community members gathered to recognize the Mayor’s 1000 day in office and break ground on a major renovation of McPherson Square Library and Park. The $21.7 million Rebuild project will fully renovate the library and surrounding park, creating a modern, safe and accessible community space for Kensington residents.

“The people of Kensington have faced enormous challenges for far too long, and they deserve sustained investment in their neighborhood,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We have made important progress on public safety, quality of life and connecting residents to care, but we know there is much more work ahead. On my 1,000th day as Mayor, I’m proud to stand with this community as we take another step forward with a $21.7 million investment in a safe, modern and accessible library, park, and playground.”

The renovation of McPherson Square Library and Park is being delivered in two phases. A smaller first phase, completed in 2025, addressed critical building needs, including roof and ceiling restoration. Today’s groundbreaking marks the start of the larger second phase, which will fully renovate the historic library and deliver major improvements to the surrounding park and playground.

Phase 1 – Completed in 2025: 

  • Library roof replacement
  • Restoration of the original copper dome
  • Ceiling restoration
  • New skylight
  • Stormwater improvements

Phase 2 – $21.7 Million Library and Park Renovation: 

  • Full gut renovation of the historic Carnegie Library
  • Full restoration of the building exterior facade
  • New HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire alarm, and security systems
  • ADA accessibility upgrades, including an entry ramp and elevator
  • New windows
  • New furniture and finishes throughout
  • New layouts for both floors, including a children’s lunchroom and teen room
  • New front and back entrance patios
  • New playground featuring a shade structure and seating
  • New paths throughout the park, including seating and signage
  • New exterior lighting and security camera system
  • New relocated and fenced parking lot
  • New landscaping, plantings, and care for existing trees

The project represents a significant investment in both the historic library and the surrounding public spaces. The improvements are designed to preserve the character of the Carnegie library while creating a modern and accessible community hub that will better serve the Kensington neighborhood.

“Meet me at the library, please. The symbolism of this Rebuild project at McPherson Square is enormous. It’s another way we’re showing the neighborhood that we never gave up on them, and want the best for everyone in this community,” said Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District). “For many families, McPherson Square is part of everyday life, even after years in which the park faced serious public-safety and quality-of-life challenges. This renovation will give our community a safer, more welcoming space – and give our young people better places to learn, play, and grow.”

With this renovation, McPherson Library is on track to receive a LEED Gold Certification, one of the highest tiers in one of the world’s most widely recognized building rating systems. The designation recognizes achievements in energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable design.

“McPherson Square Library is nationally known for its above-and-beyond community service,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director, Free Library of Philadelphia. “It’s heartening to see the building restored and rejuvenated to serve Philadelphians for generations.”

“McPherson Square has always been more than a library and a park; It’s the heart of this neighborhood,” said Aparna Palantino, Director, Capital Program Office. “Residents told us what they needed, from quiet reading spaces to safer play areas, and this renovation will reflect that vision. We’re proud to invest in a space that will serve the Kensington community for generations to come.”

The project has received support from a range of public and private funding sources, including:

  • $100,000 Mattleman Foundation grant for the teen library space, with $66,000 provided by the foundation and a $34,000 match from the William Penn Foundation.
  • $980,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding
  • $800,000 through Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account (LSA) funding
  • $1.85 million through two Economic Development Initiative – Community Project Funding grants

The project represents a significant investment in both the historic library and the surrounding public spaces. The improvements are designed to preserve the character of the Carnegie library while creating a modern and accessible community hub that will better serve the Kensington neighborhood.

To ensure the multi-million-dollar library investment remains protected and viable for families, Managing Director Carlton Williams has aligned the newly launched One Philly Kensington Blitz to directly reinforce McPherson Square. Overseen by the Managing Director’s Office, this multi-department operation moves sequentially block-by-block across the corridor to clean, stabilize, and reclaim public spaces. At its core, this joint effort recognizes that historic capital investments must be paired with immediate improvements to street-level conditions, ensuring that every resident living in the surrounding community experiences a safe, clean, and dignified quality of life.

“A beautiful new library must include safe corridors and clean pathways from their homes to the park so our children can walk there without any worries,” said Managing Director Carlton Williams. “Through the Kensington Blitz, we are bringing a dozen City operating departments together—deploying heavy sanitation assets, removing debris, power washing, clearing structural alleyways, and scaling up crisis triage. We are doing everything we can to make the area around McPherson Square and rest of the Kensington area feel warm and welcoming. This library is the heart of Kensington, and we want our neighbors to feel safe, happy, and proud visiting it every single day.”

“Libraries are places where everyone can connect and feel welcome, regardless of age, income or background,” said Senator Tina Tartaglione (2nd District). I’m proud to have helped secure state funding for this project, which will preserve an important piece of our neighborhood’s history while creating a modern, accessible space where children can learn and neighbors can come together. This is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens the fabric of our communities, and I look forward to seeing McPherson continue to serve Kensington for generations to come.”

Sitting at the center of a 6-acre park, the library, built in 1917 as an Andrew Carnegie-funded library, serves as a vital community hub and safe space for local children, teens, and adults.

“McPherson Square should be a place where children can play, families can spend time together, and neighbors can feel safe and welcome,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “This investment will help strengthen the square as a true neighborhood destination, with a new playground, improved paths and landscaping, and new lighting and security cameras designed for families to enjoy every day.”

For more information about the McPherson Square Library and Park renovation, visit the City’s Capital Projects Dashboard. This easy-to-use map-based tool allows residents to search by address and filter by location, Council district, status, and project type.
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The City of Philadelphia’s Capital Program Office (CPO) oversees the engineering, architectural, and project management functions for more than 200 active construction projects across the city. This includes upgrades to parks and recreation centers, libraries, fire and police stations, health centers, and other City-owned facilities. Through cross-departmental coordination and a commitment to continuous improvement, CPO works to improve public facilities to better serve Philadelphia residents.

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 for all.

 

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