Title
Recognizing and honoring the staff of McPherson Square Library for their heroic efforts in building and maintaining safe spaces within one of the most vulnerable, but resilient, communities in the City of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, Our Kensington Heroes from the McPherson Square Library, through their powerful and inspiring dedication to the community of the 7th Councilmanic District, displayed tenacity and grace in the face of a national public health crisis by creating a safe space for children to develop their hearts and minds; and
WHEREAS, McPherson Square serves the neighborhoods of Kensington, McPherson Square, and Kensington and Allegheny Avenues; and
WHEREAS, The McPherson Square Library now resides in a domed, classically designed Carnegie building centered in 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; and
WHEREAS, McPherson Square Park is named for General William MacPherson, who was the original owner of Webster Mansion. 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; and
WHEREAS, Despite difficult circumstances, residents, children and teens from the community gather at the library after school to receive help with homework and participate in after-school programming led by staff members. For parents, the library is a bastion of safety and serenity, where they eagerly send out their children, in the firm belief they'll be safe behind its' walls. The staff at McPherson Square Library are de...
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