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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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Cover of 1946 Thomas Street Guide

Video: Navigating L.A. in the Pre-GPS Era

Neale Stokes, Senior Librarian, Digital Content Team, Monday, July 29, 2019

Before the advent of GPS and smartphones, residents of Los Angeles were wholly dependent on the street guide to navigate their sprawling metropolis. In this video, map librarian Glen Creason explores the history of the L.A. street guide, and explains why they are still relevant today:


Author Casey McQuiston and her first novel, Red, White & Royal Blue

Interview With an Author: Casey McQuiston

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, July 25, 2019

Casey McQuiston grew up in the swamps of Southern Louisiana, where they cultivated an abiding love for honey butter biscuits and stories with big, beating hearts.


Color postcard of California Alligator Farm, in Los Angeles [ca.1911]

Bring the Kids! Fun at the California Alligator Farm

Tina Princenthal, Principal Librarian, Central Library Services, Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Before Mickey and his Magic Kingdom, there was Billie the Alligator and his reptilian pals at the California Alligator Farm.


Author Sarah Gailey and her novel, Magic For Liars

Interview With an Author: Sarah Gailey

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, July 11, 2019

Hugo award winner Sarah Gailey lives and works in Los Angeles, California. Their nonfiction has been published by Mashable and the Boston Globe, and their fiction has been published internationally.


Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial opening day

Going With the Flow: The Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial

Kelly Wallace, Librarian, History Department, Tuesday, July 9, 2019

It’s been over forty years, but the water is flowing again at the Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial.


fireworks at Los Angeles City Hall

What the 4th of July Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

Tina Lernø, Librarian, Digital Content Team, Tuesday, July 2, 2019

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.


Kris Waldherr and her book

Interview With an Author: Kris Waldherr

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, June 27, 2019

Kris Waldherr is an award-winning author, illustrator, and designer. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, and her fiction has been awarded with fellowships by the Virginia Center of the Creative Arts and a reading grant by Poets & Writers.


Section of a map of Downtown Los Angeles

Video: Mapping Los Angeles' LGBTQIA History

Neale Stokes, Senior Librarian, Digital Content Team, Thursday, June 20, 2019

In the latest, Pride-themed episode of Stories from the Map Cave, map librarian Glen Creason walks us through some significant landmarks and events in Los Angeles' LGBTQIA history. Watch below:


Seanan McGuire and her book Middlegame

Interview With an Author: Seanan McGuire

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, June 20, 2019

Seanan McGuire is the award-winning author of the October Daye urban fantasy series, the InCryptid series, and the


Ethel Schultheis looks into a large fountain

Mr. and Mrs. Schultheis go to Santa Barbara

Photo Friends, Wednesday, June 19, 2019

We have written before about Herman Schultheis, the German-born photographer and jack of all film-related trades. With his wife, Ethel, Herman arrived in Los Angeles in 1937 with high hopes of a career in the film industry.


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