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John Bernhill Phillips, the first designated Central Library director. Shelves of film reels in the Audio-Visual Department
Danielle Ball, Librarian, Business & Economics Department, May 5, 2026

Los Angeles Public Library is celebrating 100 years of the Central Library, making this the perfect time to spotlight the exceptional librarians who have overseen this remarkable building and everything within: its collections, programs, services, and staff. Over several weeks, we're highlighting the individuals who have served as Director of Central Library.

In Part 1 of this series,...

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Looking up at the dark, starry night sky with a telescope

Stargazing: Looking Up

Jack Stephens, Librarian, Science, Technology & Patents Department, Monday, April 13, 2020

Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Stephen Hawking


Peter Swanson and his latest book, Eight Perfect Murders

Interview With an Author: Peter Swanson

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Friday, April 10, 2020

Peter Swanson is the author of six novels, including The Kind Worth Killing, winner of the New England Society Book Award, and finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and Her Every F


Book covers

What Novels Were We Reading 100 Years Ago?

Robert Anderson, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Thursday, April 9, 2020

Like the current year, 1920 was an eventful one for the United States. The “Spanish Influenza” epidemic of the previous two years, which we’ve heard a lot about recently, had taken 675,000 American lives, including more than half of the 116,000 who died while serving in World War I.


a man and his giant record collection

You’re the DJ! How to Make and Share Your Own Freegal Playlist

Daniel Tures, Adult Librarian, Edendale Branch Library, Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Way back in the 1980s, for that BFF or pen pal or special someone, you would make mixtapes. The perfect set of songs, lovingly curated to express your eternal friendship, your inspiration, the dark abyss of your misunderstood heart, your super coolness or your tender feelings.


illustration by Basil T. Blackwood shows a seated audience looking attentive

From Lewis Carroll to John Lennon: The Irrational Magic of Nonsense Verse

Christa Deitrick, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Monday, April 6, 2020

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, nonsense verse is defined as “humorous or whimsical verse that differs from other comic verse in its resistance to any rational or allegorical interpretation.


Books made to film adaptations

Read it First: At Home Edition

Elizabeth Graney, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Friday, April 3, 2020

Movie theaters may be closed and many films delayed, but fear not!


three of the book jackets featured

Daring Women: On Foot, on a Camel, in the Sky, on a Bicycle...

Sheryn Morris, Librarian, Literature & Fiction, Tuesday, March 31, 2020

As Women’s History Month ends, we would like to offer you a few e-books and e-audiobooks about intrepid, adventurous women who traveled for the sheer joy of doing something different, to escape from others, to see the world, or to take on a challenge.


women holding her library card wearing headphones

Explore a World of Online Music With Your Library Card

Daniel Tures, Adult Librarian, Edendale Branch Library, Thursday, March 26, 2020

“Music… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.” ―Dietrich Bonhoeffer


Author Sarah Gailey

Interview With an Author: Sarah Gailey

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, March 12, 2020

Sarah Gailey came onto the scene in 2015 and has since become one of the sharpest, funniest voices in pop culture online. They are a regular contributor to multiple websites, including Tor.com. Their nonfiction has appeared in Mashable and The Boston Globe.


David Roback

Remembering David Roback and L.A.’s Paisley Underground Scene

Daniel Tures, Adult Librarian, Edendale Branch Library, Monday, March 9, 2020

On February 24, guitarist and songwriter David Roback passed away in his home city of Los Angeles at the age of 61.


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