Twilight Tales Family Story Time

Twilight Tales Family Story Time is back at the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library on Monday, November 23, at 5 PM. It's part of a regular series held every Monday at the library, so if this date doesn't work, there's always next week.

The session is built for families with kids aged 2 to 5. It's an interactive hour that mixes read-aloud books, songs, and a craft, so the little ones get to listen, sing along, and make something with their hands rather than just sitting still. It's the kind of thing that works best when you're there with them, reading and crafting together.

If you've never been to this branch, it's worth a look. The Lucien E. Blackwell opened in 1976 as the city's second regional library, designed by architect William Mann on the site of the old 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 claim to fame, too: the world-renowned African American singer and actor Paul Robeson spent his retirement years on Walnut Street near 50th Street, just a few blocks from the library.

Inside the adult room, you'll find 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. It's a good spot to hang out even when there isn't a specific event on the calendar. The storytime itself is at 125 South 52nd Street (West Phila. Regional, 52nd & Sansom Sts.), Philadelphia, PA 19139-3408, starting at 5 PM.