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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Revisiting East Adams
If you drive through the neighborhood around the intersection of Adams and San Pedro Street today, you will see a strip mall and on the opposite corner a clothing store. Everywhere you look, there are businesses with signs in Spanish, reflecting the predominantly Latino population.
April 29 Marks 30th Anniversary of 1986 Fire
This year, 2016, marks the 30th anniversary of the most catastrophic fire of a library building in the U.S. It occurred at our Central Library.
The Legacy of the Central Library Fire
On the morning of April 29, 1986, librarian Dan Dupill was answering telephone calls at the Literature Reference Desk at Central Library. The antiquated phone system was slow, and the volume of calls high in those pre-Internet days, so getting through to a Reference Librarian could be a challenge.
Long Lost Lucretius Poem Still Resonates
If you've taken one of our free library tours, we've probably pointed out the quotation over the Flower Street entrance from Lucretius:
“Like runners they bear on the lamp of life."
Ernie Pyle & National Columnists’ Day
April 18th marks National Columnists’ Day, started in memory of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Ernie Pyle, who was killed in World War II. His eloquence in his subject matter, the lives of everyday men in the world of war, struck a chord in America.
Who the Heck is Clara Shortridge Foltz?
Who hasn’t received that notice in the mail—the one that commands you to report for jury duty at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center?
Why Children Should Not be Treated as Adults for Crimes
Walk with the young, America;
be young, again, America,
among the defiant and awake,
solid in their dreams.
Be the revolution in the marrow
where passions, ideals, fervors,
purpose and courage,
are not just qualities
people had in history books,
Celebrating Women's History Month With the Canoga Rockettes
The post-War era brought exponential growth to the San Fernando Valley, transforming the region into the quintessential suburbs.
An Unusual Resource for African American Genealogy
Insurance companies have long provided policies to cover losses of property but, before the end of the Civil War, this also included pay-outs for injury and death of the formerly enslaved.
From Maya Angelou to Tupac Shakur: Spotlight on African-American Poets
Among the many treasures in the Literature & Fiction department is our poetry collection, which clocks in at around 20,000 titles. Since February is African-American Heritage Month, what better time to spotlight a few of these fabulous poets?