LAPL Blog

Latest Posts

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,...

Pages

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, History & Genealogy, 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.


Senior reading to a child at the library

5 Great Resources for Seniors at the Library

Guest Blogger, Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Celebrate National Senior Citizens Day at the Library!


Author Anne Youngson and her debut novel, Meet Me at the Museum

Interview With an Author: Anne Youngson

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Anne Youngson had a long, successful career in the motor industry before taking an early retirement to focus on her writing. She is currently studying for a PhD at Oxford Brookes. Anne and her husband live on a farm in Oxfordshire, where they have a two-acre garden open to the public.


Pages

Top