Trivia of the Month (Answer)...

The question for the month was what is a whimbrel?  A whimbrel is a North America bird residing chiefly in Alaska and along the northern facing coasts of Canada.  The bird is approximately 17 inches long with a 31 inch wingspan.

Find more information about this and other birds in the book we took the question from…. The question (& answer) were found on p. 242 of Birds of North America  by Fred J. Alsop III.  The book was published in 2001 by DK Publishing.

Events for the Week of October 30….

Events going on at the library this week include…

• Make it Monday features Halloween Fun on Monday (10/31) at 4:00
• Lectores meet on Tuesday (11/1) at 6:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (11/2) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
• Baby Storytime on Thursday (11/3) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Thursday at 3:00
• LA OIC Boot Camp on Friday (11/4) from 1:00-4:00 --- en español
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday at 3:30
• Student Smart ACT practice test on Saturday (11/5) starting at 10:00
• STAR Reader on Saturday at 2:00

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

Library Events in November…

(Mark your calendars accordingly)

The library has some interesting events planned in November.  As always, I thought I’d take a minute and give you a run down so you can plan ahead.  Let’s start with the non-repeating events:

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11/1 @ 6:00
Club de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

11/4 from 1:00-4:00
LA OIC Boot Camp
This program puts low cost computers in the hands of low income people.  This session is in Spanish. Call or drop by to sign up.

11/5 from 10:00-2:30
Student Smart (ACT Practice Test)
Take a practice ACT test.

11/7 @ 4:00
Make it Monday: Building Block Challenge
Join us fun with building blocks.  What can you make?

11/12 All Day
Arroyo Seco Open House
Join us for our open house.  Schedule includes:

10:00         Community Bike Ride with the Book Bike

10:00-12:00 Friends’ Book Sale

12:00-4:00   Library eResource Introduction Sessions

1:00           L.A. Plays Launch Event

3:00                City Services and Renters Rights 

11/14 @ 4:00
Make it Monday: Stories & Crafts
Join us for Thanksgiving themed fun.

11/15 @ 3:00
Teen Program
Join us for an exciting, teen-friendly event

11/15 @ 6:00
Club de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

11/19 @ 3:00
Movie Showing
Join us for a screening of the film based on this month’s Arroyo Book Club selection.

11/21 @ 4:00
Make it Monday: Building Block Challenge
Join us fun with building blocks.  What can you make?

11/26 @ 3:00
Arroyo Book Club
Join us for a lively discussion of José Saramago’s Blindness.

11/28 @ 4:00
Make it Monday: Activity
Join us for a craft.

- - - - - - - - - -

Each month the library also has a number of ongoing classes & events.  They are:

Toddler Storytime - - - Wednesdays at 10:30 
Little Ones’ 3 and under & their grownups are invited to join us for stories, music, & games.  

Baby Storytime - - - Thursdays at 10:30 
Bounces, rhymes and songs for prewalkers (age 0-12 months) and their caregivers.

STAR Volunteer Readers - - - Available on Wednesdays at 3:00, on Thursdays at 3:00, & on Saturdays at 2:00 
STAR readers present the fun of storytelling and reading to children one-on-one or in small groups. Kids earn a free book to keep after 3 visits. 

Drop in Computer Lab - - - Fridays at 3:30
Bring your questions about computers, tablets, eReaders, or other electronic devices.  We will do our best to help you figure out answers. 

- - - - - - - - - -

Please do not hesitate to call the library at 323-255-0537 if you have any questions or would like more information.  Remember that you can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

The November Arroyo Book Club Book

The November Arroyo Book Club Book is Blindness by José Saramago.  The book is described:

“A city is hit by an epidemic of "white blindness" that spares no one. Authorities confine the blind to an empty mental hospital, but there the criminal element holds everyone captive, stealing food rations and assaulting women. There is one eyewitness to this nightmare who guides her charges-among them a boy with no mother, a girl with dark glasses, a dog of tears-through the barren streets, and their procession becomes as uncanny as the surroundings are harrowing. As Blindness reclaims the age-old story of a plague, it evokes the vivid and trembling horrors of the twentieth century, leaving readers with a powerful vision of the human spirit that's bound both by weakness and exhilarating strength.”

This book was made into a movie in 2008 by director Fernando Meirelles.  It starred Mark Ruffalo and Julianne Moore, among others.  We will be showing the movie as well as discussing the book this month.

Plan to join us for a screening of the movie on 11/19 at 3:00 and for the book discussion on 11/26 also at 3:00.  You can stop by the library for a copy of the book at your convenience.

Events for the Week of October 23….

Events going on at the library this week include…

• Make it Monday features a building block challenge on Monday (10/24) at 4:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (10/26) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
• Baby Storytime on Thursday (10/27) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Thursday at 3:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (10/28) at 3:30
• Student Smart ACT seminar on Saturday (10/29) starting at 10:00
• STAR Reader on Saturday at 2:00

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

The Dark Side of the Road

In The Dark Side of the Road Simon R. Green introduces us to Ishmael Jones.  Ishmael works for a mysterious organization tasked with cleaning up problems caused by aliens and other outsiders.  As the book opens Ishmael’s boss, the Colonel, has summoned him to a house in the country.  Ishmael arrives in the teeth of a blizzard to find that the Colonel has vanished.  Ishmael investigates the growing mystery as bodies begin to pile up around him and the weather keeps everyone trapped.

The book is both readable and reasonably interesting.  It does cover territory that has been handled better by other authors but is worth a look at if you like a classic cut off estate mystery with supernatural or perhaps extraterrestrial trappings.

Arroyo Seco Open House

The Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library is holding an Open House on Saturday, November 12.  Everyone is invited to come on by for any (or all) of the interesting events we have planned as well as to check out the library and all of the resources we have to offer.  The days’ events include:

A Community Bike Ride with the Book Bike at 10:00
Join the book bike for a family friendly ride through Highland Park.  This is our first attempt at a community ride and we’d like to see many of you join us for an enjoyable bout of communal exercise out in the fresh air.  (All riders will be required to sign a Personal Release Waiver. Any rider under the age of 18 must have a parent present (to sign release waiver) either on the day of the ride or at the Library prior to the ride beginning.   All riders under age of 18 must wear a helmet as required by law.  All riders under 15 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.)

Friends of the Library Book Sale from 10:00-12:00
Stop by for the first Friends book sale we’ve had in a while and find some lovely (cheap) bargains to add to your collection.  While you’re here see about signing up for the Friends group yourself….  so we can have even more book sales, as well as other activities, in the future.

Library eResource Introduction Sessions 12:00-4:00
We will be running classes on various eResources the library makes available to card holders on the hour all afternoon.  Specifically:

12:00 Databases
Come learn about the many databases the library has and what they can do for your. We have databases for everything from genealogical research through car repair to comprehensive newspaper access.

1:00 eBooks & eAudiobooks
Learn how to check out and download eBooks and eAudiobooks.

2:00 Other eMedia
Explore streaming movies and free music downloads as we talk about eMedia products that aren’t books or audiobooks.

3:00 eMedia Demonstration & Questions
Join us for a demonstration of various eMedia products.  Question session follows so bring any questions you have along and ask them.

L.A. Plays Launch Event at 1:00
L.A. Plays is a program that allows for children to check out toys kits to play with at home.  Join us for the launch of this fun new service as we celebrate with a special storytime.

City Services & Renters’ Rights Presentation at 3:00
Coumcilmember Cedillo’s Staff present information on what city services are available to you & what rights you have as a renter.  There will be time for questions after the presentation.

So be sure to mark your calendar and come on by the library try a program or activity, check out our materials --- both real & virtual, and just say hi.

P.S. if you don’t have a library card they’re free & really easy to get… be sure to get one when you stop in.

Trivia of the Month...

This month’s question is what is a whimbrel?

Events for the Week of October 16….

Events going on at the library this week include…

• Make a Mexican Rag Doll in Make it Monday on Monday (10/17) at 4:00
• Lectores meet on Tuesday (10/18) at 6:00
• STAR Reader on Wednesday (10/19) at 3:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (10/20) at 3:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (10/21) at 3:30
• Student Smart ACT seminar on Saturday (10/22) starting at 10:00
• STAR Reader on Saturday at 2:00
• Arroyo Book Club meets on Saturday at 3:00

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

The Science of Discworld

The Science of Discworld by Terry Pratchett, Ian Stewart, and Jack Cohen uses Pratchett’s discworld setting and characters as a springboard to explore the creation and evolution of our universe, sun, planet, and planet’s living things.  The book uses a narrative framework where the wizards of discworld have created a new universe and are anxious to explore it, particularly since it does not seem to have any of the ingredients the magic of their own universe requires.  So you’ll find a chapter where the wizards explore the universe, solar system, and eventually planet in the context of their own expectations followed by an expository chapter that discusses the actual science of the issue just investigated by the wizards.  The authors do a nice job of telling a fun story and balancing it with interesting, easy to follow science fact.

Recommended for those who enjoy science with an added top coat of whimsy.

OIC Computer Boot Camp

La organización LAOIC (http://laoic.org/) continúa su programa de venta de computadoras para familias de bajos recursos. Para calificar, debe proveer prueba de ingresos totales que sean menos de $23,000 al año y completar la clase de computadora de 3 horas. La clase proxima será el 4 de Noviembre, 1:00-4:00. Usted debe registrarse antes de tiempo llamando al 323-255-0537. 

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The OIC of Los Angeles (http://laoic.org/) has a program aimed at putting computers in the hands of low-income individuals & families for a low cost.  The computer in question is a core 2 duo desktop with flat screen monitor and the low cost in question is $149 plus tax.  Participants must provide proof of low-income status.  Such proof includes documentation showing earnings less than $23,000 a year or receipt of Medicaid, SSI, TANF, GA-U, DSHS support, or free school lunches.

The program begins with a 3 hour boot camp.  We are offering those boot camps here at the Arroyo Seco Library on the first Friday of each month from 1:00-4:00.  Months alternate between classes in English and Spanish.  The November class will be in Spanish. Call us at 323-255-0537, or stop by, to sign up.  

If you have questions about the program please call OIC at 323-754-3116. 

Events for the Week of October 9….

Please remember that the library will be closed on Monday for Columbus Day.  Events going on at the library the rest of the week include…

• Teen Program on Tuesday (10/11) at 3:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (10/12) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
• Baby Storytime on Thursday (10/13) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Thursday at 3:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (10/14) at 3:30
• Student Smart ACT practice test on Saturday (10/15) starting at 10:00
• STAR Reader on Saturday at 2:00

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

Websites I Like…

The Digital Public Library of America is a fun site to play around in.  Their goal is “bringing together the riches of America’s libraries, archives, museums, and cultural heritage sites, and making them freely available to students, teachers, researchers, and the general public.”  They make more than 14 million items available for searching or browsing and create special curated collections for your enjoyment.  Another feature they have is a timeline which, logically, allows you to take a chronological look at their collection.

Take a moment and play around with it.

The Fold

The Fold by Peter Clines centers around the “Albuquerque Door,” a device designed to allow for instantaneous transportation.  Mike Erikson, our hero, is hired by an old school friend to investigate the door and its researchers to determine whether funding should be continued.   Mike begins the investigation and soon discovers things are not as they should be.  Naturally things escalate and soon he is fighting for the very fate of the world.

If you think about the premise even a little it is quite clear how the door theoretically works and what the problems surrounding the door are --- I had that all sussed out by the end of the first chapter --- so this is not a book you read because you don’t know where things are headed.  It is however nicely full of action and interesting enough to keep your attention despite itself.  I would recommend it to those who like a good action SF story.

October eResource of the Month

The October eResource of the month is Brainfuse VetNow.  This oddly titled resources offers “free, live, online academic and job assistance for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Tutors are available every day 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST.”  

Brainfuse offers a comprehensive suite of online academic services designed to support many learning needs and styles.  Included you will find live tutoring, skills building, a 24/7 help center, and foreign language and writing labs.  There is a test center with access to online practice quizzes to help you succeed in preparing for any of a number of exams or with subjects giving you particular difficulty.  There is also a flash card app that provides access to a large number of flash cards for prepping with.  

If you are a vet or you know a vet check this resource out.

You can access Brainfuse VetNow from any computer, though you will need your library card and PIN handy if you are on a non-library computer.  From the library’s website click into Research & Homework and scroll down to the b’s (http://cms.lapl.org/collections-resources/research-and-homework#B).  

Events for the Week of October 2….

Events going on at the library this week include…

• Make it Monday learning activity on Monday (10/3) at 4:00
• Club de Lectores meeting on Tuesday (10/4) at 6:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (10/5) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
• Baby Storytime on Thursday (10/6) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Thursday at 3:00
• OIC Computer Boot Camp on Friday (10/7) at 1:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday at 3:30
• STAR Reader on Saturday (10/8) at 2:00
• Stress Relief Techniques Class on Saturday at 3:00

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.