Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
| 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 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Closures
- Thu., Jul. 24 : Opening at 1:00 PM due to staff development
- Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
- Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans 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
- Meeting space (reservation required)
- 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
Movie Mondays
Mon, July 14, 2025
1:00 P.M.
This event has already happened.
Join us every Monday for a family-friendly movie matinee! Each week we will be showing a different movie, popping popcorn, and enjoying our air-conditioned meeting room. Please note, there will be no movie on 6/30.
Twilight Tales Family Story Time
Mon, July 14, 2025
5:00 P.M.
This event has already happened.
Join us every Monday at the library for an interactive storytime that includes favorite read-aloud books, songs, and craft that's fun for the whole family! Program is intended for children aged 2 to 5 years old and their families!
Science in the Summer: Be a Health Scientist
Tue, July 15, 2025
1:00 P.M.
Be a Health Scientist this summer! Science in the Summer, in collaboration with The Franklin Institute, is a fun free STEM program for youth entering grades 2 – 6 that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers! Learn all about finding ways to keep…
Teen Lounge Tuesdays
Tue, July 15, 2025
3:00 P.M.
Join Blackwell Regional Library for the all-new Teen Tuesdays, now transformed into a Teen Lounge. Teens can drop in for video games, board games, monthly crafts, and more every Tuesday. It’s your space—come make it yours!
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 three large, colorful murals: Knowledge by George Beach; Paul Robeson and the 21st Lady of Liberty by Marta Sanchez; and Adventures in Reading by Walter Edmonds.