McPherson Square Library

601 East Indiana Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134-3042
Indiana Ave. & "F" St.
Closed Today
Sunday, 1/19 Closed
Monday, 1/20 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closed *
Tuesday, 1/21 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 1/22 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 1/23 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 1/24 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 1/25 Closed
  • * Monday has hour changes – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Sunday Closed
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., Feb. 17 : Closed Presidents' Day
  • Thu., Mar. 6 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
  • Fri., Apr. 18 : Closed Good Friday
  • Sun., Apr. 20 : Closed Easter
View all holiday closings

Services By Appointment

Services

Facilities

  • Computers for public use
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Street parking
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

PA CareerLinkĀ® Job Search Assistance

Wed, January 22, 2025 11:00 A.M.

Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling,…

Art with Zerbe

Wed, January 22, 2025 3:30 P.M.

Join us and learn some art skills from Mural Artist – John Zerbe    

Video Game Fridays

Fri, January 24, 2025 3:00 P.M.

Join the LEAP’s Mr. Austin and play some video games afterschool 

Crocheting

Mon, January 27, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Learn how to crochet with local artist Katie Brown. We have all supplies, just bring yourself.

About

Set in a small neighborhood park, McPherson Square serves the neighborhoods of Kensington, McPherson Square, and K & A. It is located near the Allegheny El station.

History

McPherson Square Branch now resides in a domed, classically designed Carnegie building centered a small neighborhood park known as McPherson Square. Over a century ago, however, the library first opened on July 5, 1898 in an old house known as the Webster Mansion. The mansion had been the home of three generations of the prominent Webster family from 1805 until 1891, when the home and grounds were sold to the City of Philadelphia for recreational purposes. The mansion was torn down in 1915 and the current library building opened on May 25, 1917.

McPherson Square Park is named for General William MacPherson, who was the original owner of Webster Manson. General McPherson— - the son of Captain John MacPherson, a famous Scottish sea captain - —joined the patriot forces in 1776. George Washington, a close friend, was often entertained in the mansion.

In the park is a statue of Charles Allen Smith, the second American killed at Vera Cruz in 1914. Smith lived at 2168 Sergeant Street, and the statue was paid for by a collection from neighbors.

Inside the library, look for sculptured reading tables with attached seating. Woodcarver Stewart Paul was commissioned to make the tables in 1972.