civus
BillENACTED

Bill 250832

Formally renaming the Wynnefield Branch Library, located at 5325 Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, as the “Reverend Louise Williams Bishop Library” to honor the dedication and service of former Pennsylvania State Representative Louise Williams Bishop.

Introduced Oct 9, 2025Committee on Public Property and Public WorksOfficial record: City of Philadelphia via Legistar

Introduced by

Councilmember JonesCouncil President JohnsonCouncilmember PhillipsCouncilmember Gilmore RichardsonCouncilmember GauthierCouncilmember ThomasCouncilmember YoungCouncilmember BrooksCouncilmember HarrityCouncilmember O'RourkeCouncilmember DriscollCouncilmember O'NeillCouncilmember Bass

Properties named in this bill

Addresses the bill text names, each matched to one Philadelphia parcel. Naming a property is not a claim that the bill is about it.

5325 OVERBROOK AVE

How members voted

  1. Vote on Dec 11, 2025 · CITY COUNCIL

    Aye (17)

    Councilmember BassCouncilmember BrooksCouncilmember DriscollCouncilmember GauthierCouncilmember Gilmore RichardsonCouncilmember HarrityCouncilmember JonesCouncilmember LozadaCouncilmember O'NeillCouncilmember PhillipsCouncilmember SquillaCouncilmember ThomasCouncilmember AhmadCouncilmember LandauCouncilmember O'RourkeCouncilmember YoungCouncil President Johnson

From the floor

Passages in the official transcripts that cite this file number. Every quote links to its exact place in the record.

  1. “Yes, sir. The Committee on Public Property and Public works to which we're referred the following bills: Bill Number 250573, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an amendment to a lease agreement with 2401 Walnut LP for use by the city of all or a portion of the premises located at 2401 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain…”

    Chief Clerk · Stated Meeting, December 4, 2025 · Dec 4, 2025 · official transcript, this passage

Status timeline

  1. Oct 9, 2025Introduced and Referred · CITY COUNCIL
  2. Dec 1, 2025HEARING NOTICES SENT · Committee on Public Property and Public Works
  3. Dec 1, 2025HEARING HELD · Committee on Public Property and Public Works
  4. Dec 1, 2025REPORTED FAVORABLY, RULE SUSPENSION REQUESTED · Committee on Public Property and Public Works
  5. Dec 4, 2025SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL · CITY COUNCIL
  6. Dec 4, 2025ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR · CITY COUNCIL
  7. Dec 4, 2025READ AND ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING CALENDAR · CITY COUNCIL
  8. Dec 11, 2025READ AND PASSED · CITY COUNCIL
  9. Jan 7, 2026SIGNED · MAYOR

Official documents

Documents open on the City of Philadelphia’s legislative site.

Full text

Read the full text as published

..Title Formally renaming the Wynnefield Branch Library, located at 5325 Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, as the "Reverend Louise Williams Bishop Library" to honor the dedication and service of former Pennsylvania State Representative Louise Williams Bishop. ..Body WHEREAS, At 92 years of age, Rev. Louise Williams Bishop has had a storied career in radio broadcasting, officially retiring in 2023 after nearly 70 years in Philadelphia, the nation's fourth-largest media market. Revered as the "Queen of the Airwaves" and later the "Gospel Queen of Radio," she was among the first Black females to host a radio program in the city; and WHEREAS, Louise's loyal audiences followed her through various stations, beginning with WHAT 1340 AM, then WDAS 1480 AM and WDAS 105.3 FM, and concluding with WURD 900 AM/96.1 FM. She is celebrated for hosting the longest-running Gospel music radio program in Philadelphia history, captivating families with her melodic voice on Sunday mornings. Ordained as a Baptist minister in 1978, she inspired listeners with a blend of soulful music, powerful prayers, and community affairs; and WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career, Louise interviewed renowned Gospel and secular artists, and influential leaders. She produced free Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebrations for about 25 years, showcasing local talent and honoring the civil rights legend. Louise co-wrote songs, including "You and Me" on The O'Jays' "Family Reunion" LP and narrated songs on various albums; and WHEREAS, In addition to her broadcasting achievements, Louise was elected as the first Black woman to represent the 192nd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 1989. She served over 25 years, advocating for vital public policies and holding key leadership roles. Her work empowered communities and addressed significant issues such as education reform and the rights of vulnerable populations; and WHEREAS, Louise graduated from West Philadelphia High School and earned a degree from the American Foundation of Dramatic Arts. She has received numerous awards, including an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Monrovia College and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Eastern University; and WHEREAS, As the eldest of twelve children born during the Great Depression in Cairo, Georgia, Louise embodies the values of faith and hard work. Her legacy as a broadcaster, community leader, and advocate will continue to inspire generations; and WHEREAS, Representative Bishop's dedication and service to the citizens of Philadelphia should be honored and commemorated, and her work shall be forever memorialized in the Wynnefield Neighborhood where Reverend Bishop lived for many years; now, therefore, be it THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1: The Wynnefield Branch Library is hereby renamed and dedicated as the "Reverend Louise Williams Bishop Library of Wynnefield" SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately ..End