McPherson Square Library
601 East Indiana Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134-3042
(Indiana Ave. & "F" St.)
215-685-9995
Closed Today
| 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. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Oct. 4 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Oct. 8 : Closed Columbus Day
- Thu., Nov. 1 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Sun., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 22 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
Facilities
- Computers for public use
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Street parking
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Nearby Libraries
Support McPherson Square Library
Donate NowUpcoming Events
High School Choice Program
Tue, Oct 16, 4:00 P.M.
Parents, need help with choosing a high school for your child? McPherson Square Library would like to help. Come and hear about the…
Choosing a High School
Tue, Oct 16, 4:00 P.M.
Parents, need help with choosing a high school for your child? McPherson Square Library would like to help. Come and hear about the…
PDPH Overdose Awareness & Reversal Training
Fri, Oct 19, 2:00 P.M.
With Philadelphia, and the nation, in the grips of an opioid overdose crisis, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is now offering FREE…
PDPH Overdose Awareness & Reversal Training
Fri, Nov 16, 2:00 P.M.
With Philadelphia, and the nation, in the grips of an opioid overdose crisis, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is now offering FREE…
PDPH Overdose Awareness & Reversal Training
Fri, Dec 21, 2:00 P.M.
With Philadelphia, and the nation, in the grips of an opioid overdose crisis, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is now offering FREE…
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.