Stack Applauds 'Historic' Designation of Homesburg Library

PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 26, 2009 — State Sen. Mike Stack today applauded the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s recent decision to register the Holmesburg branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia as a historic site.

“Holmesburg library has a long and rich tradition in Northeast Philadelphia, and thisdesignation recognizes how special and how important this place is to the Holmesburg community,” Stack said. “I’m proud of the Friends of the Holmesburg Library and the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia for all their hard work in helping the commission realize the importance of this truly historic site.”

The commission approved listing Holmesburg, Haddington, Logan and Kingsessing libraries as registered historical sites, which means they are protected and cannot be altered or demolished without the historical commission’s approval.

The Holmesburg library was established in 1867, and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated funds for the current building, which opened in 1907. Today, the library serves 40,000 families each year and provides 100,000 items, including books, DVDs, computer access and more.

“On any given day, the library is filled with enthusiastic children with stories under their arms, adults perusing the shelves and Internet users,” Stack said. “It’s such a welcoming and popular library that the community utilizes a great deal.”

Last year, the City of Philadelphia tried to close Holmesburg — and 10 other library branches — due to its mounting deficit. However, after citywide protests that included Stack and Holmesburg residents, a court ruling blocked the libraries’ closure.

“Holmesburg library deserves the recognition as both a quality community resource and a historic landmark,” Stack said. “I’m so grateful to the citizens who stood up for our beloved library and who will now enjoy it as an important piece of Philadelphia history.”

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