McPherson Square Library
601 East Indiana Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134-3042
(Indiana Ave. & "F" St.)
215-685-9995
Open today 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
| 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 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Oct. 3 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Oct. 14 : Closed Columbus Day
- Thu., Nov. 7 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Mon., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 28 : 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
Parenting Classes
Tue, Sep 17, 10:00 A.M.
Calling all parents – McPherson will be hosting a 12 week free parenting program again this Fall. Participants can earn a certificate…
Teen Wellness: Boundaries
Thu, Sep 19, 3:30 P.M.
Join staff from Esperanza Health to discuss setting and practicing emotional and physical boundaries with friends, family and in dating.
Parenting Classes
Tue, Sep 24, 10:00 A.M.
Calling all parents – McPherson will be hosting a 12 week free parenting program again this Fall. Participants can earn a certificate…
El Barrio es Nuestro (the Neighborhood is Ours) Monthly Community Meeting
Tue, Sep 24, 5:30 P.M.
Join us for our monthly El Barrio es Nuestro (the Neighborhood is Ours) community meeting. We’re hoping that you’ll be able to join us…
Naloxone Giveaway Day
Wed, Sep 25, 11:00 A.M.
Visit between 11am-5pm to receive a FREE naloxone (Narcan) kit. Health Department staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions, give…
Voter Registration Event
Fri, Sep 27, 12:00 P.M.
Your vote counts! Are you registered to vote? If not, stop by the library to register. Volunteers from the League of Women Voters will…
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.