North Philadelphians call on Jeffery Young to expedite renovations for Cecil B. Moore Library.
On the final day of the Philadelphia City Council session before its summer recess, community members from North Philadelphia voiced their frustrations regarding the prolonged neglect of the Cecil B. Moore Library. On Thursday, members of the Save the Cecil B. Moore Library Coalition gathered outside City Hall to urge Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. to expedite the necessary renovations and secure funding for the library, which is part of the Free Library of Philadelphia system.
Originally slated to begin construction last fall through the city’s Rebuild initiative, the library’s renovation efforts have been stalled by Young’s decision to explore alternative projects. Instead of moving forward with upgrades to the library, which recent studies estimate would cost around .3 million, Young proposed a new hybrid development integrating affordable housing alongside a new library. This plan, however, has faced considerable opposition from the local community. Protesters were clear in their demands, chanting for the immediate release of funds for the library renovation.
The library has been plagued by significant infrastructural issues, including an aging HVAC system that dates back to 1962. Over the past week alone, the branch has had to close twice due to excessive heat, further highlighting its urgent need for modernization. Coalition leaders, such as Jordan Holbert, stressed that the complications at the Cecil B. Moore Library are not isolated incidents, reflecting broader systemic underfunding and postponed repairs that have plagued the city’s public libraries for decades.
Despite approved designs aimed at substantial renovations, including new plumbing, enhanced ADA accessibility, and exterior enhancements, plans remain in limbo. This situation has drawn significant criticism towards Young, who, after assuming the seat vacated by former Council President Darrell L. Clarke, secured an additional million earmarked for the library project in the city’s upcoming 2025 capital budget. The total estimated cost of the proposed housing-library development is projected at million, but Young has yet to secure additional necessary funding.
Community activists have expressed confusion and frustration over Young’s plans, especially in light of overwhelming public support for immediate library renovations. Coalition members have reported a lack of responsiveness from Young’s office regarding their requests for project updates and communication channels. This culminated in a contentious town hall meeting where Young’s housing proposal was met with vocal opposition from hundreds of constituents.
As the summer progresses, the Cecil B. Moore Library stands as a stark example of the challenges facing not only individual facilities but the overarching infrastructure of public resources designed to serve Philadelphia’s residents. With many other library branches across the city facing similar challenges—seven were reportedly closed on the day of the protests due to HVAC-related issues—the urgency for actionable solutions is clearer than ever. The community’s resolve underscores a critical call for investment in public amenities essential for education and community engagement.
The Save the Cecil B. Moore Library Coalition remains committed to advocating for the renovation of this vital community resource, demanding answers and action from local leadership to ensure that the library can effectively serve its neighborhood for years to come. Media News Source.
