McPherson Square Library
601 East Indiana Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134-3042
(Indiana Ave. & "F" St.)
215-685-9995
Open today until 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., Mar. 5 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Thu., Apr. 2 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
- Fri., Apr. 10 : Closed Good Friday
- Sun., Apr. 12 : Closed Easter
- Thu., May. 7 : Opening at 2:00 PM Due to staff development.
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
From Kensington With Love: Behind the Veil
Now through Wed, Feb 26, 3:30 P.M.
This group exhibition focuses on the voices of Kensington residents from diverse sectors who have shared their stories, experiences, and visions…
Teen Wellness: Post-Secondary Options
Thu, Feb 27, 4:00 P.M.
Teen Wellness Workshops with Samira Ford Coordinator of College Readiness @ OnTrack to Post-Secondary Education Uncommon Individual…
Drama Club with Parks Plays Theater Group
Fri, Feb 28, 3:30 P.M.
Do you enjoy theater? Are you great at drawing and designing clothes? Do you like building things? The purpose of the group is to…
Literacy Lab
Sat, Feb 29, 12:00 P.M.
Literacy Lab is a small group literacy instruction program for students in 1st to 3rd grade who struggle to read on grade level. The…
Literacy Lab
Sat, Feb 29, 2:00 P.M.
Literacy Lab is a small group literacy instruction program for students in 1st to 3rd grade who struggle to read on grade level. The…
Free Library Story Booth Recording Session
Thu, Mar 5, 2:00 P.M.
You have stories to share! Step inside the storybooth for a casual interview, and have your voice recorded to be part of neighborhood libraries…
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.