Philadelphia public libraries will hold an array of special events throughout February in honor of Black History Month. This Saturday, Feb. 2., Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library (52nd and Sansom), in collaboration with the African American Museum, is hosting a Cultural Institution Resource and Information Fair.

The public is invited to learn more about local African-American historical and cultural institutions and get informed about their programs, activities and volunteer opportunities. Representatives from the following organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions:  Continue Reading

After being closed for about 18 months for maintenance and renovations, the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library is set to reopen this weekend. The grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and will include a block party featuring fun learning activities, balloon art, face painting, giveaways, library card sign-ups, food, and more.

One of the area’s largest libraries, which serves the communities of Cobbs Creek, Cedar Park, Walnut Hill, Mill Creek, Dunlap, and West Park, the Blackwell library has been closed since the beginning of 2016, and its patrons were redirected to other neighborhood branches. The maintenance work at the library, which first opened in 1976 and was the second regional library in the city, included a complete replacement of the building’s heating and air-conditioning system and installation of new ceilings and a new electrical system.  Continue Reading

The Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, which serves the communities of Cedar Park, Walnut Hill, West Market, Mill Creek, Dunlap, and West Park, is set to close for maintenance at the end of the day on Thursday, Dec. 31, according to a recent announcement. The maintenance work, which may take many months to complete, will include a complete replacement of the building’s heating and air-conditioning system. Also, new ceilings and a new electrical system will be installed. Check the Blackwell Library’s Facebook page for updates.

The West Philadelphia Regional Library opened in 1976 and was the second regional library in the city, providing West Philadelphia with a larger collection of books, magazines and newspapers than neighborhood branches. Designed by architect William Mann, the library was built on the site of the Rivoli Theatre.

West Philadelphia neighborhood library branches include:

Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek, 59th and Baltimore
Charles L. Durham, 34th and Haverford
Haverford, 56th and Haverford
Kingsessing, 51st and Kingsessing
Walnut Street West, 40th and Walnut

If your child is entering Philadelphia School District Kindergarten this fall and needs some extra help getting ready for the first day of school, here’s a program that can help. Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library (52nd & Sansom) is hosting Ready, Set, Kindergarten, an interactive program for parents and children, tomorrow, June 26, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Families will play educational games and will learn about important skills for Kindergarten. Families will also leave with fun, educational giveaways.

Ready, Set, Kindergarten is a new initiative started in partnership with The School District of Philadelphia, LEARN, The Free Library of Philadelphia and Please Touch Museum.

To register, please contact: Betsy Vassallo, 267-350-2863, learn@ccisnephila.com. See the flyer for more information.

In honor of the birthday of Paul Robeson, an acclaimed actor, concert singer, lawyer, athlete and social activist, The Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library presents two programs in collaboration with the Friends of the Blackwell Library and the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.

On Saturday, April 7, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. two biographical films will be shown: “Speak of me as I Am” and “Paul Robeson, Tribute to an Artist.” Refreshments will be served.

On Tuesday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. there will be a lecture by Frances Aulston, Founder & CEO of the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance-Paul Robeson House. A reception will follow.

A series of panels depicting various stages of Paul Robeson’s life will be on display for both programs.

The Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library is located at 125 South 52nd Street (corner of 52nd and Sansom). For more information call 215-685-7433.

If you’re looking for something to do with your little ones tomorrow, stop by the Lucien E. Blackwell Library (52nd & Sansom) for the “Little Dog Lost” storytime with local author and illustrator Monica Carnesi. The event will begin at 2 p.m. at the Children’s Department.

Little Dog Lost is a picture book about the true story of Baltic, a dog who was lost on an ice floe in the Baltic Sea. As a special treat, Dandie and Gus, the library’s very own Certified Therapy Dogs (who are local West Philly residents), will be attending this storytime. Dandie & Gus visit the library once a month, and this month Gus (pictured) is also celebrating his birthday!

Books will be available for purchase and signing. For more information about the author and “Little Dog Lost,” go here.