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Hell’s Heart book cover by Alexis Hall
Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, April 30, 2026

Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in their purse, and nothing particular to interest them on shore, Alexis Hall thought they would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. Unfortunately, the boat they were in sank with all hands, and they were rescued...

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Del Howison and his first novel, The Survival of Margaret Thomas

Interview With an Author: Del Howison

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, August 8, 2019

Del Howison is an award-winning editor, journalist, fiction author, and actor. He has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award four times (and won it once), for the Black Quill Award twice, for the Shirley Jackson Award and for the Rondo Hatton Award.


Charles Manson being lead away by deputies

Helter Skelter in the Summer of 1969

Tina Lernø, Librarian, Digital Content Team, Tuesday, August 6, 2019

1969 was a tumultuous year. The US Apollo 11 mission brought men to the moon, and the Beatles gave their final live performance. Richard Nixon was sworn in as President, the war raged on in Vietnam (along with huge protests), and the draft was reinstated.


Baby splashing in a pool

Bringing the Heat!

Photo Friends, Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The Los Angeles basin cannot escape the fact that its climate tends to extremes, particularly of the hot variety. Global warming and galloping urbanization have exacerbated the situation Temperatures have increased over the past century, while heatwaves are becoming ever more common and last longer.


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.


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