Fury Over Future of North Philly's Beloved Cecil B. Moore Library Reaches Boiling Point
The debate over the future of the Cecil B. Moore Library in North Philadelphia continues to simmer, with community members and Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. locked in a bitter dispute over the institution's fate.
For many residents, the library is an integral part of the community, a cherished hub for social activity and learning that deserves repair and maintenance rather than replacement. "The library is a well-loved institution," said Sydney Polinchock, a lead at the Sunrise Movement advocacy organization. "It deserves to be maintained in its current location as a staple on Ridge Avenue."
In contrast, Young has repeatedly pushed for a new building with modern amenities, arguing that the existing facility is inadequate and will leave future generations without access to technology upgrades. However, this stance has been met with resistance from community members who are determined to preserve the library's history and social importance.
The conflict dates back over a year, with Young proposing a new mixed-use development that included affordable housing, but which was ultimately rejected by constituents. Renovation plans have been completed, but the coalition needs Young to sign off on the project before work can begin.
As the standoff continues, fears are growing that the library's condition will worsen and it may be forced to close entirely. "Our fear is that if we keep pushing off the renovations, it'll get to a point where it has to close completely," said Polinchock. "Our fear really is that the community will be left with nowhere to go because this unwillingness to give in to the community's desires is making it so the situation is getting more dire."
The debate also highlights deeper concerns about gentrification and development in the neighborhood, which Paul Brown, a high school psychologist and member of the Brewerytown/Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition, says is part of a larger fight. "A library may seem like a small thing, but it's mighty, and it has a history and it's just socially important for people to have access to," he said.
As 2026 begins, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with Young's office promising continued community engagement and the coalition planning further town halls and canvassing efforts. For Polinchock, this means persistence and determination: "We're just continuing to spread the word and show up and kind of be annoying until our council member gets the job done," she said.
The debate over the future of the Cecil B. Moore Library in North Philadelphia continues to simmer, with community members and Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. locked in a bitter dispute over the institution's fate.
For many residents, the library is an integral part of the community, a cherished hub for social activity and learning that deserves repair and maintenance rather than replacement. "The library is a well-loved institution," said Sydney Polinchock, a lead at the Sunrise Movement advocacy organization. "It deserves to be maintained in its current location as a staple on Ridge Avenue."
In contrast, Young has repeatedly pushed for a new building with modern amenities, arguing that the existing facility is inadequate and will leave future generations without access to technology upgrades. However, this stance has been met with resistance from community members who are determined to preserve the library's history and social importance.
The conflict dates back over a year, with Young proposing a new mixed-use development that included affordable housing, but which was ultimately rejected by constituents. Renovation plans have been completed, but the coalition needs Young to sign off on the project before work can begin.
As the standoff continues, fears are growing that the library's condition will worsen and it may be forced to close entirely. "Our fear is that if we keep pushing off the renovations, it'll get to a point where it has to close completely," said Polinchock. "Our fear really is that the community will be left with nowhere to go because this unwillingness to give in to the community's desires is making it so the situation is getting more dire."
The debate also highlights deeper concerns about gentrification and development in the neighborhood, which Paul Brown, a high school psychologist and member of the Brewerytown/Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition, says is part of a larger fight. "A library may seem like a small thing, but it's mighty, and it has a history and it's just socially important for people to have access to," he said.
As 2026 begins, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with Young's office promising continued community engagement and the coalition planning further town halls and canvassing efforts. For Polinchock, this means persistence and determination: "We're just continuing to spread the word and show up and kind of be annoying until our council member gets the job done," she said.
I'm low-key freaking out about the Cecil B Moore Library situation... 
90% of ppl in North Philly say don't touch it, but Councilmember Young keeps pushing for a new build 
. Did you know that the library is like a hub for social activity? 
It hosts over 200 community events every year and has a 500% increase in library usage since 2019! 
. Both sides need to come together and find a compromise that works for everyone 
I'm still trying to understand why Councilmember Young is so bent on tearing down a beloved library that's already been there for decades. Can we get some actual stats on how "inadequate" the current building is? Like, what's wrong with it and how much would this new building cost? 
It's like they're trying to erase a piece of history! The community is so passionate about keeping it in its current location, and I totally get why - it's not just a building, it's a hub for people. I mean, who needs fancy modern amenities when you have a place where people can come together? It's like they're trying to push out the old to make way for the new... and what about all the memories that are being made there?! 
. As a parent, I know how important it is for kids (and let's be real, adults too!) to have access to quality educational resources and community spaces. The thought of that library closing its doors because of this petty politics is just heartbreaking 
.
. And what about all the after-school programs, book clubs, and community events that rely on that library being open and accessible? It's not just about providing books and computers (although those things are important too), it's about creating a safe space for people to come together and learn.
. Can't we focus on finding solutions that benefit everyone, rather than fighting over petty differences? This library is more than just a building – it's a hub of community life, and we need to protect it 
.
Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. thinks he's a library architect 
and aren't impressed by Young's plans for a new building 
[GIF: a person with a "LOL" emoticon]
It's like, what if we could take some of those renovation plans and actually implement them instead of completely tearing down what's already there? 
. I'm all about that balance, fam! 
. As a community asset, it's essential that we find a solution that balances progress with preservation of its history and social significance. The library has been a hub for activity and learning for so long, and it's heartbreaking to think that its closure could leave a void in the neighborhood 
. We need to find ways to upgrade the library without sacrificing its soul or pushing out long-time residents 
. The community's resistance is justified, and I'm rooting for Polinchock and the coalition to keep fighting for what they believe in 
.
. The Cecil B Moore Library has been a part of their lives for so long, it's like losing a family member 
. I think Councilmember Young should listen to what the community wants instead of pushing for a new building 
. It's not just about the books and tech, it's about the people who use it as a space to connect and learn