LAPL Blog
summer
It's hot! It's boiling! It's sweltering! What do you expect for the Dog Days of Summer? Now I want a Dodger dog and some air-conditioning! But I also want to know where the term Dog Days of Summer comes from, so on I go down that research rabbit hole. And what I found is a scorcher. Read on!
Summer is here! Summer Reading is here!
Independence Day aka the Fourth of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen (American) colonies were no longer subject to Great Britain's rule, but were united, free, and independent states.
![An oversized hot dog fills the bun which is topped with mustard, ketchup and onions, [1999]. Gary Leonard Collection An oversized hot dog fills the bun which is topped with mustard, ketchup and onions.](https://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/blog_latest_list_120x90/public/blogs/2025-08/hot-dog-header.jpg?itok=BG9Cxu79)

![Fireworks at Los Angeles City Hall, [2002]. Gary Leonard Photo Collection fireworks at Los Angeles City Hall](https://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/blog_latest_list_120x90/public/blogs/2019-06/4thheader4.jpg?itok=SFwmyoeX)