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LAPL Blog

John Tommasino, Cybernaut, Van Nuys Branch Library

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Philip Jose Farmer and 4 of his books

Remembering Philip Jose Farmer, a Science Fiction Pioneer

January 27, 2024

Imagine a world where diverse fictional characters such as Tarzan, Sherlock Holmes, and James Bond were all interrelated. That’s how Philip Jose Farmer and his Wold Newton Universe imagined things.

Science Fiction, Authors
Photo of author Philip K Dick against a surreal background

Reading the Works of Philip K. Dick

December 15, 2023

Existential struggles with technology, authoritarian governments, and paranoia; these are just a few of the themes readers will encounter when reading the works of Philip K. Dick.

Philip K. Dick, Science Fiction, Author
Colorized photo of Albert Camus and his novel, The Stranger

Understanding Albert Camus; Novelist, Playwright and Philosopher

November 06, 2023

November 7, 1913, is the birthdate of Albert Camus, one of the most important writers and philosophers of the 20th century.

Albert Camus, LAPL Reads
Collage of some Star Trek books and movies

Beam up to Action and Adventure: The Library Salutes Star Trek Day

September 08, 2023

"Space. The Final Frontier. These are the Voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its Five Year Mission: To Explore Strange New Worlds, To Seek Out New Life and New Civilizations, To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before."

Star Trek, Television Shows
Science Fiction writer, Robert A. Heinlein against a collage of his books

Remembering Robert A. Heinlein, the Dean of Science Fiction

July 07, 2023

Alien invaders, genetically engineered humans with extended lifespans, and a Messiah from Mars, these a just a few of the characters readers will encounter when exploring the worlds of Robert A. Heinlein.

Robert A. Heinlein, Science Fiction
Edgar Rice Burroughs Incorporated logo celebrating 100 years. Author Edgar Rice Burroughs reading his book Tarzan and The Lion Man

Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. Celebrates a Century in Publishing

April 24, 2023

From the deepest jungles of Africa to the lost cities of Mars, from the Earth’s Core to the farthest stars in outer space, author Edgar Rice Burroughs weaved fantastic tales of heroism and adventure.

Tarzana, Authors
Collage of adapted films from books by Frank Herbert

Remembering Frank Herbert, the Dreamer of Dune

October 07, 2022

A barren, desert planet inhabited by hostile tribes, a ruthless galactic emperor, and a young man whose training in the mystic arts will unfold his special destiny.

Dune, LAPL Reads
Monica Zepeda and her debut novel, Boys of the Beast

L.A. Libros Fest: Interview With Monica Zepeda

September 19, 2022

Monica Zepeda is a third-generation Mexican American from Southern California who lives by the beach with her husband and their unbelievably cute cats. She earned an MFA in playwriting before working in the entertainment industry.

Los Angeles Libros Festival, Interview, Authors, Latinx Heritage Month
The Robert E. Howard Museum in Cross Plains, Texas

Exploring the Worlds of Robert E. Howard: Father of the Sword and Sorcery Genre

May 27, 2022

From a small town in West Central Texas came the stuff of legends—kings, warriors, evil sorcery, and monsters. Robert E. Howard (1906-1936) wrote hundreds of short stories published in the pulp magazines of his era, although he is best known for the sword and sorcery character Conan the Barbarian.

Authors, Robert E. Howard

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