Editing McPherson Square

{{Infobox Park
| name = McPherson Square
| image =
| image_caption = McPherson Square in Kensington
| type = Neighborhood square
| location = Kensington
| coordinates = 40.0110,-75.1320
| area = 3 acres
| established = 1849
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| features = Library, recreation center, playground, community space
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| transit = SEPTA bus routes; near McPherson Square Library
| website = https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder
}}

'''McPherson Square''' is a 3-acre neighborhood square in [[Kensington]], anchoring the community around the historic '''McPherson Square Library''' branch. Named for General James McPherson, a Civil War hero, the square has served as a community gathering space since 1849 and remains an important neighborhood resource despite the challenges facing Kensington.<ref name="mcpherson">{{cite web |url=https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder/#/locationDetails/2998 |title=McPherson Square |publisher=Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The square and library together form the civic heart of Kensington.

== History ==

=== Founding ===

McPherson Square established '''1849''':
* Part of Kensington grid development
* Industrial neighborhood center
* Named for Major General James B. McPherson
* Civil War Union general killed in 1864

=== Industrial Era ===

The square served:
* Factory workers' green space
* Community gathering point
* Site of neighborhood events
* Library added in 1906

=== McPherson Square Library (1906) ===

'''Carnegie Library branch:'''
* Designed by Whitfield & King
* Classical Revival architecture
* Gift of Andrew Carnegie
* Continuous library service since opening

=== Modern Challenges ===

The area has faced:
* Industrial decline
* Economic challenges
* Opioid crisis impact
* Community resilience efforts

== Features ==

=== McPherson Square Library ===

'''Free Library of Philadelphia branch:'''
* Carnegie-era building (1906)
* Historic architecture
* Community programs
* Children's services
* Computer access
* One of Philadelphia's most active branches

=== Recreation Facilities ===

* Playground
* Basketball courts
* Open lawn
* Seating areas

=== Community Space ===

* Neighborhood gatherings
* Events and programs
* Community organizing center
* Historic gathering point

== Using the Square ==

=== Library Services ===

McPherson Square Library offers:
* Books and media lending
* Children's programming
* Teen programs
* Adult education
* Computer access
* Community space

=== Recreation ===

* Playground for children
* Basketball
* Open play
* Passive recreation

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Park: Dawn to dusk
* Library: Check Free Library of Philadelphia for hours

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' E Street and Indiana Avenue, Kensington

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Bus 3, 39, 60
* Walk from Allegheny or Huntingdon stations

'''By Car:'''
* Street parking
* In Kensington neighborhood

=== Tips ===

* The library is excellent and worth visiting
* The neighborhood faces challenges—be aware of surroundings
* Community events and outreach programs are active
* Support local businesses

== Community Context ==

=== Kensington ===

McPherson Square sits in historic Kensington:
* Former industrial powerhouse
* Working-class heritage
* Strong community identity
* Facing economic and social challenges
* Active community organizations

=== Resilience ===

Community efforts include:
* Library programming
* Neighborhood cleanup initiatives
* Youth programs
* Recovery services
* Community organizing

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Kensington]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood
* '''[[Norris Square]]''' — Nearby park
* '''[[Fairhill Square]]''' — Nearby park
* '''[[North Philadelphia]]''' — Area

== See Also ==

* [[Kensington]]
* [[Free Library of Philadelphia]]
* [[Philadelphia Squares]]
* [[Norris Square]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Finder]
* [https://www.freelibrary.org/locations/mcpherson-square-library McPherson Square Library]

{{#seo:
|title=McPherson Square Philadelphia - Kensington Park & Carnegie Library
|description=Guide to McPherson Square in Kensington. Historic Carnegie library, playground, and neighborhood square since 1849. Community center of Kensington.
|keywords=McPherson Square Philadelphia, Kensington parks, McPherson Square Library, Carnegie libraries Philadelphia, North Philadelphia parks
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Kensington]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Squares]]
[[Category:Libraries]]