Major League Baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies are backing a major overhaul of Tree House Books in North Philadelphia, a project that will double the children’s library, add a teen center and expand one-on-one tutoring. Construction is already underway, and neighborhood kids recently got a sneak peek at the design as the city gears up to host All‑Star Week next Tuesday.
All‑Star Legacy Pumps In More Than $5 Million
According to a press release on MLB.com, Major League Baseball and Phillies Charities are investing more than $5.5 million across six legacy projects in Philadelphia. The announcement says the funding will cover field upgrades, public art and nonprofit capital projects, and specifically calls for a capital expansion at Tree House Books that will include a refreshed facade and interior build‑out.
What Is Planned At Tree House
As reported by CBS Philadelphia, the Tree House redesign will more than double the size of the children’s library, create a teen center designed to serve more than 50 teens, and add a dedicated tutoring room that will allow the organization to roughly double its one-on-one support. Michael Brix, the nonprofit’s executive director, told CBS that "This transformation is going to mean the world to Tree House Books," while Phillies director Scott Palmer described the work as "about creating opportunities through literacy, imagination and learning." CBS also reported that former Phillies slugger Ryan Howard and his wife Krystle attended an unveiling of the renderings and that the children's library will bear their names.
Tree House’s Reach Across North Philly
Tree House Books operates as a by‑donation giving library and runs after‑school and summer literacy programs. The Temple News reports that the nonprofit distributes more than 100,000 books a year and works directly with schools and families to boost reading skills. The organization lists its headquarters at 1430 W Susquehanna Ave and has launched a "Read, Dream, Achieve" capital campaign to support a multi‑floor transformation and expand year‑round programming, according to Tree House Books.
Some Coaches Say Fields Need More Help
Not everyone is thrilled with how the All‑Star dollars are being handed out. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that several North Philly coaches blasted the legacy plan as a "slap in the face" because many neighborhood fields were left off the renovation list. At the same time, Phillies and league officials told the Inquirer that upgrades such as the Ashburn Field turf replacement will benefit hundreds of youth teams and are expected to be showcased during All‑Star Week.
What Comes Next
All‑Star Week runs next week and culminates in the Midsummer Classic next Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park, according to the Phillies' All‑Star page. Tree House Books says its site remains an active construction zone, and CBS Philadelphia reports that a grand opening is expected next spring, with the nonprofit continuing to operate a nearby giving library while the build moves ahead.
