The Library will be closed on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in observance of Easter.

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Mario Vargas Llosa
Nicholas Clayton, Librarian, Multilingual Collections, April 18, 2025

Mario Vargas Llosa nació el 28 de marzo de 1936 en Arequipa, Perú y falleció en Lima el 13 de abril a los 89 años de edad. Durante su vida, vivió en varios países como Perú, Bolivia, España, y Francia. Ganó el premio Príncipe de Asturias en 1986 y también el premio Nobel de Literatura en 2010. Autor de más de 50 obras de literatura incluidos Conversación en la catedral, Cartas a...

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Christmas films adapted from books

Read it First! Seasonal Stories

Elizabeth Graney, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Monday, December 21, 2020

This difficult year is, once again, taking its toll on beloved holidays and traditions. As we find ourselves separated from family and friends during a time of celebration, we could all use some good old fashioned holiday cheer.


Author P. Djèlí Clark and his latest book, Ring Shout

Interview With an Author: P. Djèlí Clark

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, December 17, 2020

Phenderson Djéli Clark is the award-winning and Hugo, Nebula, Sturgeon, and World Fantasy nominated author of the novellas The Black God’s Drums and


A santa and a ghost decoration on a porch

Ghost Stories at Christmastime

Daniel Tures, Adult Librarian, Edendale Branch Library, Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Ghost stories have been shared as long as we have wondered what happens to us after we die, and sought to connect with spirits of the departed. Midwinter is the perfect time for them. The nights grow long and dark, and winter weather brings us together to huddle around the fire and share tales.


Family members making crafts with plastic and paper products

21st Century Kids: Limit Plastic Use

Mona Gilbert, Children's Librarian, Northridge Branch Library, Tuesday, December 15, 2020

What was once seen as a remarkable new material, is now viewed, by many, as a menace to the environment. Although it’s evident that plastic, in modern times, is the go-to choice for many businesses and homes, it is single-use plastic consumption that is causing great harm to our oceans and marine life.


L.A. author, Michael J. Bowler and his winning book Spinner

Local Author is California Indie Author Project Winner

Catherine Royalty, Principal Librarian, Collections, Monday, December 14, 2020

We are thrilled to report that one of our local L.A. authors, Michael J. Bowler, has taken the top prize in Young Adult Fiction for his book, Spinner.


Author David Gerrold and his latest book, Hella

Interview With an Author: David Gerrold

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, December 10, 2020

David Gerrold has been writing professionally for half a century. He created the tribbles for Star Trek and the Sleestaks for Land of the Lost.


A Charlie Brown Christmas album cover with tinsel decoration

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Daniel Tures, Adult Librarian, Edendale Branch Library, Wednesday, December 9, 2020

The first Charlie Brown television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, debuted on CBS on December 9, 1965.


close up of woman staring at a chess board

The Queen's Gambit and the Unexpectedly Thrilling and Glamorous World of Chess

Mary McCoy, Senior Librarian, Leadership Development Office, Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Since debuting on Netflix in October, The Queen’s Gambit has become the streaming service’s number-one show and its most-watched limited scripted series ever. It’s been responsible for a surge in chess set purchases and new memberships in online chess programs.


Budding filmmakers

21st Century Kids: In the Director's Chair

Mona Gilbert, Children's Librarian, Northridge Branch Library, Tuesday, December 8, 2020

“Read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read...if you don't read, you will never be a filmmaker.”—Werner Herzog


Collage of books adapted to films

Read it First! Celebrating Jewish Authors

Elizabeth Graney, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Monday, December 7, 2020

This year the Hanukkah holiday will begin on Thursday, December 10, and continue through Friday, December 18. With social distancing encouraged and travel restricted, it will be a quiet holiday for most this year.


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