As 2025 comes to a close, the debate over the future of the Cecil B. Moore Library stands more or less exactly where it did when the year began: with community members calling for fixing up the existing North Philly structure and Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. pushing for a new building.

"The library is a well-loved institution and it deserves to be maintained in its current location as a staple on Ridge Avenue in the community," said Sydney Polinchock, a lead at the Sunrise Movement advocacy organization who was one of many people who spoke during a Dec. 4 public comment session. MORE: More sidewalk cafes could pop up next year after City Council cuts red tape in approval process

Young replied in his speech that day: "My position has been clear and remains clear, I think o

See Full Page