Giral celebrates renovation of historic McPherson Library
Rep. Jose Giral September 30, 2026 | 4:27 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 30 – State Rep. Jose Giral this week celebrated the groundbreaking for the sweeping phase II renovation of Kensington’s McPherson Square Library and Park.
The library, built in 1917 as an Andrew Carnegie-funded library, sits at the center of a 6-acre park and has long served as an important community center for Kensington’s residents. But over the years, the property around the park faced public safety and quality-of-life concerns. The improvements planned in the second phase of its renovation will make the park and library property safer, cleaner, and more accessible to children, teens, and families.
“McPherson Library has been a critical community resource and safe space since its founding,” Giral said. “Even when the neighborhood around it faced challenges, the library and its staff remained dedicated to serving Kensington to its fullest capacity. Not only will this renovation maintain the history and character of the building, it will also modernize the library’s services and create community-centered indoor and outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. I’m proud to have helped secure state funding for this project and to play even a small role in preserving such a beloved and important resource.”
The project has received support from a range of public and private funding sources, including:
- $100,000 Mattleman Foundation grant for the teen library space, with $66,000 provided by the foundation and a $34,000 match from the William Penn Foundation.
- $980,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding.
- $800,000 through Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account (LSA) funding .
- $1.85 million through two Economic Development Initiative - Community Project Funding grants.
Phase I of the renovation was completed in 2025. Phase II broke ground on Monday, Sept. 28, as part of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s 1,000 Days in Office celebrations.
Phase II includes:
- Full gut renovation of the historic Carnegie Library.
- Full restoration of the building exterior façade.
- New HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire alarm, and security systems.
- ADA accessibility upgrades, including an entry ramp and elevator.
- New windows.
- New furniture and finishes throughout.
- New layouts for both floors, including a children’s lunchroom and teen room.
- New front and back entrance patios.
- New playground featuring a shade structure and seating.
- New paths throughout the park, including seating and signage.
- New exterior lighting and security camera system.
- New relocated and fenced parking lot.
- New landscaping, plantings, and care for existing trees.
“The people of Kensington deserve access to a library that serves them well and welcomes them, and to know the corridors they walk to get there are safe,” said Giral. “The planned improvements for public safety, security, and sanitation are a welcome addition to the renovation, so that families can learn, gather, and play freely in this updated community space.”