Teen Lounge Tuesdays

Teen Lounge Tuesdays are happening every Tuesday at the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, with the next session on October 20. It's a reimagined version of the library's old 'Teen Tuesdays' program, now turned into a teen-run space where young people bring their own games and activities. On any given Tuesday, you'll find video games, board games, and monthly crafts.

If you're new to the branch, the library is at 125 South 52nd Street, at 52nd and Sansom. It 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 for Lucien Blackwell, a former congressman, city council member, state legislator, and local activist who died in 2003. The neighborhood has its own bit of history, too: the world-renowned African American singer and actor Paul Robeson spent his retirement years nearby on Walnut Street.

Inside the adult room, there are 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. If you're heading in for the lounge, you'll pass them on your way. The Teen Lounge runs every Tuesday at 4 PM, with sessions listed for October 20, October 27, and December 22.