McPherson Square Library
| 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 | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., May. 30 : Closed Memorial Day
- Thu., Jun. 2 : Opening at 2:00 PM due to staff development
- Sun., Jun. 19 : Closed Juneteenth
- Mon., Jun. 20 : Closed Juneteenth (Observed)
Services By Appointment
Services
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Browse Shelves
- Reference Services
- Computer Use
- Printing Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Computers for public use
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Street parking
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
Upcoming Events
Tea with Tuesday: Virtual Adult Book Club
This month book is The storyteller : tales of life and music by Dave Grohl. Our discussion is a virtual meeting via zoom. Email chalmerst@freelibrary for the link
No More Boring Dates! Discover the Versatility of Cooking with Dates.
Whether you are going on a date, or a eating the fruit, dates brings people together. In Islam, the date is sacred. It is mentioned in the Quran more than any other fruit-bearing plant. Muslims…
In Your Neighborhood- Resource tabling With JFCS
Come by to the playground area between 12-2pm and shop for free clothing, shoes and accessories for yourself and your family members.. You can also receive free healthy food items. Social worker…
Bucket Drumming with Julius
Julius Rivera will provide high quality programming for children and families in the Kensington community. Bucket Drumming with Julius is an outdoor event in the playground, will move…
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.