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Author Scott Thomas and his latest novel, Midwestern Gothic
Author Scott Thomas and his latest novel, Midwestern Gothic
Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, September 19, 2024

Scott Thomas is the Stoker-nominated author of Kill Creek, which was selected by the American Library Association's reader committee as the top horror book of 2017,...

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Jubilant participants during the 1987 Save the Books telethon.

Save the Books!

Sheryn Morris, Librarian, Literature & Fiction, Friday, September 28, 2018

In retrospect, it is ironic that the fire took place when it did: April 29, 1986. On that day, progress was quietly continuing with plans for a renovation of the original Central Library and a new multi-level addition.


Glen Creason and his daughter Katya celebrate the re-opening of Central Library on a closed-off 5th Street

Central Reopens: Reflections

Glen Creason, Librarian III, History & Genealogy Department, Tuesday, September 25, 2018

The day my own dear Central Library reopened I got my name in the L.A. Times which elicited ragging from pals around the city.


Janos Xantus in front of his sketch from his journal

Hungary Eyes: A Continental Impression of Early Los Angeles

Nicholas Beyelia, Librarian, History and Genealogy Department, Tuesday, September 25, 2018

A number of travelogues have been written about Los Angeles throughout the decades with a myriad of opinions on the cultural and social climate of the city. The City of Angels has been both praised and reviled in equal measures, but there is no question that it always leaves a lasting impression.


Pictured from left, are Vivian Vance, co-star, holding her Emmy for Best Supporting Actress, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball holding the Best Situation Comedy Emmy

What the Emmy Awards Looked Like In Vintage Los Angeles

Tina Lernø, Librarian, Digital Content Team, Saturday, September 15, 2018

Who will win, who will "be happy just to be nominated," and who will go home empty-handed? Watch the festivities tonight to find out, but before you do, check out these amazing images from our photo collection of past Emmy award celebrations.


colored drawing of women's clothes from 1845

What Fall Fashions Looked Like 200 Years Ago

Tina Lernø, Librarian, Digital Content Team, Thursday, September 13, 2018

I love fashion and seeing all the beautiful new clothes and styles coming out for the fall season.


pictorial map of california (detail)

California Admission Day

Glen Creason, Librarian III, History & Genealogy Department, Monday, September 10, 2018

The last time I looked upon Admission Day as an important holiday for our dear Golden State was probably back in Sister Leocritia’s grade 4 classroom at St. Helen school back when electricity was new.


Tom Bradley on an escalator at the opening of the Red Line subway downtown, 1-30-93.

Los Angeles’s First (and Only) Black Mayor Broke Racial Barriers

Central Docents, Central Library, Thursday, September 6, 2018

“Never give up. Keep your thoughts and your mind always on the goal.” —Tom Bradley


Author Christopher Huang and his book, A Gentleman's Murder

Interview With an Author: Christopher Huang

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, August 30, 2018

Christopher Huang grew up in Singapore, where he served his two years of National Service as an Army Signaller. He then moved to Canada where he studied Architecture at McGill University in Montréal. Huang currently lives in Montreal.


Arm with a tattoo on it

Beyond Butterflies & Barbed Wire: Tattoo Designs That Stand Out

Mary McCoy, Senior Librarian, Art, Music, & Recreation Department, Friday, August 24, 2018

Instagram is a perfectly good place to research tattoo designs, or to find an artist whose work you admire, but it can quickly become a sea of interchangeable infinity symbols, feathers, skulls, anchors, cheesy inspirational quotes, and mistranslated Kanji. And we all deserve better than that, right?


Photo of Juliet McDaniel and her debut novel, Mr. & Mrs. American Pie

Interview With an Author: Juliet McDaniel

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Juliet McDaniel has an M.A. in Writing from DePaul University. Although raised in Arizona, she spent the last 25 years living in Chicago, where she currently resides with her partner and her cats.


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