Community opposes Councilmember Jeffery Young’s plan to relocate Cecil B. Moore library, advocating for its renovation instead.
During a recent meeting focused on the future of the Cecil B. Moore Library in North Philadelphia, Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. proposed a significant shift: the construction of a new library facility. However, this suggestion was met with firm resistance from local residents, who advocated for the preservation and renovation of the existing 64-year-old building.
Attendees, including community leaders such as Cierra Freeman of the Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition, argued that the current library is vital for the community’s accessibility and service. Freeman criticized Young’s proposal, pointing out the lack of detailed plans or documentation to support his idea, and emphasized that the community has not expressed a desire for relocation.
Young’s vision includes a new library to be built less than half a mile from the current location, utilizing a city-owned property on 19th Street. He contended that a new facility would better serve the neighborhood and particularly benefit teenagers. Addressing a crowd of approximately 40 people gathered at the library on Cecil B. Moore Avenue, he described the present building’s outdated systems as contributing to a decline in usability over time.
This encounter marked the second proposal from Young regarding the library in 2023. Earlier in March, he suggested demolishing the existing structure to replace it with a new library that would incorporate affordable housing units above. This idea also faced intense opposition from the community, reflecting ongoing concerns about providing local resources.
The Cecil B. Moore Library is named in honor of the notable civil rights leader, a World War II veteran, lawyer, and politician who played a pivotal role in efforts to desegregate Girard College. Currently, the library is grappling with issues related to aging HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems—challenges that previously forced its closure from January to March 2023 due to heating system failures. Community advocates have called for renovations that would modernize the space with features such as a new teen area, enhanced natural lighting, and improved accessibility facilities.
Under existing city governance practices, councilmembers possess significant control over local initiatives, which may complicate the progression of library renovation efforts. Young has yet to file a necessary “notice to proceed” that would initiate the release of funds for potential renovation plans.
In defending his proposal, Young emphasized the changing needs of today’s youth, advocating for modern amenities such as podcast studios and e-gaming technology to engage younger users. Nonetheless, arguments against relocating the library highlight its critical role in the community, particularly in providing a welcoming space for gatherings and learning in a neighborhood described as lacking sufficient resources.
The impending timeline to release renovation funds is becoming increasingly urgent, as rising costs for materials and labor could limit the scope of potential improvements. Community organizers, concerned about the fate of the library, have even suggested political strategies to hold leadership accountable if progress remains stagnant. The discussions surrounding the Cecil B. Moore Library exemplify broader themes of community engagement, resource allocation, and the evolving needs of urban neighborhoods.
