Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
Sunday, 9/22 | Closed |
Monday, 9/23 |
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. * |
Tuesday, 9/24 |
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. * |
Wednesday, 9/25 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Thursday, 9/26 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Friday, 9/27 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Saturday, 9/28 | Closed |
- * Monday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up services offered 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- * Tuesday had hour changes – Due to staff shortage. Materials pick up services offered 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Computer Basics course attendees admitted for program.
Sunday | Closed |
Monday | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Tuesday | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Saturday | Closed |
Upcoming Closures
- Mon., Oct. 14 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Thu., Oct. 24 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
- Thu., Nov. 28 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
Services
- Book Drop
- Browse Shelves
- Computer Use
- Materials / Holds Pick Up
- Printing Services
- Reference Services
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
- Accessible parking
- Baby changing station
- Bicycle rack
- Book drop box
- Change machine
- Children's only restroom
- Computer lab
- Computers for public use
- Electrical outlets available
- Handicapped accessible
- Photocopier (black/white)
- Printing (black/white)
- Public restrooms
- Scanner
- Screen-reading software (JAWS)
- Self-service checkout
- Stella Lighting
- Street parking (free)
- Street parking (metered)
- Street parking
- Water fountain
- Wireless internet access (wi/fi)
- ZoomText Keyboard & Special Key Features
Upcoming Events
Adult Basic Literacy Classes
Do you know an adult who wants to learn to read or write? We are offering FREE basic literacy course for adults to help them improve their basic skills. For more information, call 215-868-8664 or…
Beginner English
September 16, 2024 - December 4, 2024, 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm Learn and practice English for daily life in this course taught by University of Pennsylvania graduate students. Practice listening,…
*Class Full* Computer Skills for Beginners
* Class is full and not accepting new students. Please call the number below to find an alternate class location. * Need computer help? Take a free digital skills workshop at the Library! Learn…
Tabletop Tuesday
Come to the library every Tuesday from 3p.m-5p.m and enjoy board and card games! Staff will select new and classic games each week! Drop-in activities for K-5 students. Tuesdays in October, 10/1,…
About
Located two blocks south of the 52nd Street El station in the heart of West Philadelphia, this regional library was renamed in 2004. The library serves the communities of Cedar Park, Walnut Hill, West Market, Mill Creek, Dunlap, and West Park.
History
In 1677, William Warner purchased land from the local Native Americans and settled in the vicinity of 45th Street and Westminster Streets. He named the area Blockley after his home parish in England. Blockley became one of thirteen original townships in the city.
In 1840, the Borough of West Philadelphia was incorporated and later upgraded to the West Philadelphia District. By 1866, the Chestnut Street Bridge opened and railroad cars drawn by horses brought passengers as far as the corner of 41st and Chestnut Streets. It was not until 1904 that the line was extended to 45th Street and later to 61st Street. By 1904, Chestnut was paved as far as 46th Street, and further on it was a dirt road. Cornfields grew beyond present-day 53rd Street.
After the Market Street Elevated train opened in 1907, West Philadelphia rapidly urbanized and was significantly developed by World War II. Paul Robeson, world-renowned African American singer and actor, lived his retirement years on Walnut Street near 50th Street, a few blocks from the library.
The West Philadelphia Regional Library opened on October 21, 1976 - 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.
The library was renovated in 1998 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service to every library. The building was renamed the Lucien E. Blackwell/West Philadelphia Regional library in 2004 after Lucien Blackwell, a former congressman, city council member, state legislator and local activist who died in 2003.
The library is located on 52nd Street, the major commercial and shopping district of West Philadelphia. When you visit, look in the adult room for the large, colorful mural by George Beach, entitled Knowledge.