Sensory Saturdays

Amina Malik leads a Sensory Saturdays session at the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library on Saturday, October 24, at 10:30 AM. It's a sensory movement and play session, and the room is set up specifically for it: the lights are dimmed and there are special toys and supplies on hand. It's aimed at children, families, and anyone with an interest in autism, so it's a good spot if you're looking for a low-stimulation environment where kids can move and play without the usual sensory overload of a bright, noisy public space.

Knowing the venue helps put the morning in context. The Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library opened on October 21, 1976, as the city's second regional library, designed by architect William Mann on the site of the Rivoli Theatre. It was renamed in 2004 after Lucien Blackwell, a former congressman, city council member, state legislator, and local activist who died in 2003. The library serves the West Philadelphia communities of Cedar Park, Walnut Hill, West Market, Mill Creek, Dunlap, and West Park. The building was renovated in 1998 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, and its adult room houses three large murals: "Knowledge" by George Beach, "Paul Robeson and the 21st Lady of Liberty" by Marta Sanchez, and "Adventures in Reading" by Walter Edmonds. The neighborhood was once home to Paul Robeson, the world-renowned African American singer and actor, who spent his retirement years on Walnut Street.

So, if you're in West Philly and looking for a Saturday morning that's a bit quieter and more intentional than the usual weekend rush, this is one to keep on your radar. Amina Malik runs the session at the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, 125 South 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139, on Saturday, October 24, starting at 10:30 AM.