Magic the Gathering at the Library

Magic: The Gathering comes to the Fishtown Community Library on Saturday, October 24, from 2 PM to 3:30 PM. It's a competitive head-to-head fantasy card game where you summon creatures and cast spells in an epic magical duel. The session is aimed at ages 12 to 18, and players of all skill levels are welcome, so you can jump in even if you've never played before.

If you've already got a deck, bring it along. If not, cards and equipment can be provided, which makes it easy to show up and start playing without spending a dime first. There's also a limited supply of free cards and raffles for MTG merchandise on offer, so you might walk away with a few new additions to your collection. The session is part of the Free Library of Philadelphia's programming for young adults and teens, and some of these sessions are open to adults too.

If you can't make the Saturday afternoon slot, there's another session on Monday, November 2, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. That one runs a bit longer and is later in the day, which might work better if you're coming straight from school. Both are free, and both are open to all skill levels, so you've got two chances to get a game in.

For the October 24 date, head to the third floor of the Fishtown Community Library at 1217 East Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125. The library serves Fishtown, East Kensington, and Olde Richmond with free programming for all ages as part of LEAP. The neighborhood got its name from a fish sold at the open-air farmer's market on Girard Avenue, which legend says Charles Dickens once spotted. The session runs from 2 PM to 3:30 PM.