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Author Brad Meltzer and his latest novel, The Viper
Photo of author: Donna Newman
Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, January 22, 2026

Brad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of...

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1918 Poster about influenza

When L.A. Fought the Pandemic and Won

Glen Creason, Librarian III, History & Genealogy Department, Saturday, April 18, 2020

It was a time when Angelenos should have been preparing to head out into the streets waving victory flags and knocking back belts of whiskey before the commencement of the dreaded Volstead act.


1980 Ford Fiesta

Odes to My First Car

Christa Deitrick, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Thursday, April 16, 2020

In celebration of National Poetry Month, we gave Los Angeles Public Library staffers a poetry prompt—Write an Ode to Your First Car—and the response was Fast and Furious!


Film and play adaptations of Shakespeare's favorite works

Read it First: At Home Edition - Shakespeare With Familiar Faces

Elizabeth Graney, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Thursday, April 16, 2020

Ah, April. The month we celebrate Spring, National Poetry Month and the birth (and death) of one Mr. William Shakespeare. Arguably the most famous author of all time, Shakespeare’s works are perennial favorites, having been performed for centuries.


a librarian using a library photo as virtual background

Library Backgrounds for Your Next Zoom Meeting / Tu biblioteca como fondo de Zoom

Madeline Peña, Principal Librarian, Community Engagement and Outreach, Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Are you using Zoom to communicate with colleagues, family, and friends while staying safe at home? Here's a gallery of library photos you can display as virtual backgrounds during your next meeting.


Looking up at the dark, starry night sky with a telescope

Stargazing: Looking Up

Jack Stephens, Librarian, Science, Technology & Patents Department, Monday, April 13, 2020

Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Stephen Hawking


Peter Swanson and his latest book, Eight Perfect Murders

Interview With an Author: Peter Swanson

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Friday, April 10, 2020

Peter Swanson is the author of six novels, including The Kind Worth Killing, winner of the New England Society Book Award, and finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and Her Every F


Book covers

What Novels Were We Reading 100 Years Ago?

Robert Anderson, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Thursday, April 9, 2020

Like the current year, 1920 was an eventful one for the United States. The “Spanish Influenza” epidemic of the previous two years, which we’ve heard a lot about recently, had taken 675,000 American lives, including more than half of the 116,000 who died while serving in World War I.


a man and his giant record collection

You’re the DJ! How to Make and Share Your Own Freegal Playlist

Daniel Tures, Adult Librarian, Edendale Branch Library, Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Way back in the 1980s, for that BFF or pen pal or special someone, you would make mixtapes. The perfect set of songs, lovingly curated to express your eternal friendship, your inspiration, the dark abyss of your misunderstood heart, your super coolness or your tender feelings.


illustration by Basil T. Blackwood shows a seated audience looking attentive

From Lewis Carroll to John Lennon: The Irrational Magic of Nonsense Verse

Christa Deitrick, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Monday, April 6, 2020

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, nonsense verse is defined as “humorous or whimsical verse that differs from other comic verse in its resistance to any rational or allegorical interpretation.


Books made to film adaptations

Read it First: At Home Edition

Elizabeth Graney, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Friday, April 3, 2020

Movie theaters may be closed and many films delayed, but fear not!


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