Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Trivia of the Month (Answer)...

This month’s question was which was the first Presidential election that was decided by the House? To quote directly from our source:
The election of 1800 was the first in which the contingent election procedures of the Constitution were put to the test and the president was elected by the House.
The election was tied between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr for reasons worth checking out and after some serious politicking Jefferson wound up president.

The question (& answer) were found on p. 13-14 of Presidential Elections: 1789-1992.  The book was published by the Congressional Quarterly in 1995.

Monday, February 27, 2017

The Arroyo Book Club’s March Pick…

Book Jacket for: All the light we cannot see : a novel

The March pick for the Arroyo Book Club is Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See.  This book, which has been very popular since it was published back in 2014 --- only now are there enough copies to make it a feasible book club choice --- explores WWII through the eyes of two children. The publishers describe the story with the following text:
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, a stunningly ambitious and beautiful novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. Marie Laure lives with her father in Paris within walking distance of the Museum of Natural History where he works as the master of the locks (there are thousands of locks in the museum). When she is six, she goes blind, and her father builds her a model of their neighborhood, every house, every manhole, so she can memorize it with her fingers and navigate the real streets with her feet and cane. When the Germans occupy Paris, father and daughter flee to Saint-Malo on the Brittany coast, where Marie-Laure's agoraphobic great uncle lives in a tall, narrow house by the sea wall. In another world in Germany, an orphan boy, Werner, grows up with his younger sister, Jutta, both enchanted by a crude radio Werner finds. He becomes a master at building and fixing radios, a talent that wins him a place at an elite and brutal military academy and, ultimately, makes him a highly specialized tracker of the Resistance. Werner travels through the heart of Hitler Youth to the far-flung outskirts of Russia, and finally into Saint-Malo, where his path converges with Marie-Laure. Doerr's gorgeous combination of soaring imagination with observation is electric. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another.
The book was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2015.  Pick up a copy and see what you think of it.  Then join us to share those thoughts on March 25 at 3:00.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Events for the Week of February 26….

Events going on at the library this week include…
  • Interview Practice Session on Sunday (2/26) at 3:00
  • Building Block Challenge for Make it Monday on Monday (2/27) at 4:00
  • Teen program – sure to be fun - on Tuesday (2/28) at 3:00
  • Toddler Storytime on  Wednesday (3/1) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Baby Storytime on Thursday (3/2) at 10:30
  • LA OIC Computer Boot Camp (en español) on Friday (3/3) from 1:00-4:00
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday at 3:30
  • STAR Reader on Saturday (3/4) 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

Friday, February 24, 2017

Library Events in March…

(Mark your calendars accordingly)

The library has some interesting events planned in March.  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:

- - - - - - - - - - 

3/3 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.

3/6 @ 4:00
Make it Monday: Women’s History Storytime & Craft
The title says it all.

3/7 @ 3:00
Teen Program
Join us for an exciting program and share your thoughts about the library.

3/7 @ 5:00
Aerobics
Join us as we pop an aerobics DVD in the player and get a little cardio in.

3/7 @ 6:00
Club de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

3/11 @ 2:00
Film Screening
Join us as we celebrate Women’s Heritage Month with a showing of the film Julie & Julia.

3/13 from 2:00-4:00
LA DOT Tap Card Information Session
Stop by with questions for the LA Department of Transportation.  Get your TAP card reloaded while you’re here.

3/13 @ 4:00
Make it Monday: The Arty Look Magic Show
If you’re looking for a little magic then we have just the show for you.

3/14 @ 3:00
Craft Program
Join for a Cesar Chavez inspired craft project.

3/14 @ 5:00
Aerobics
Join us as we pop an aerobics DVD in the player and get a little cardio in.

3/20 @ 4:00
Make it Monday: Building Block Challenge
Join us and show us just what you can make.

2/21 @ 3:00
Teen Program
Join us for an exciting program and share your thoughts about the library.

3/21 @ 5:00
Aerobics
Join us as we pop an aerobics DVD in the player and get a little cardio in.

3/21 @ 6:00
Club de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

3/25 @ 3:00
Arroyo Book Club
Join us for a lively discussion of All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

3/28 @ 5:00
Aerobics
Join us as we pop an aerobics DVD in the player and get a little cardio in.

- - - - - - - - - -

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.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Love in Lowercase

Book Jacket for: Love in lowercase : a novelLove in Lowercase by Francesc Miralies tells the story of Samuel.  Samuel is a linguistics professor who lives alone and has few friends... but then a cat shows up which leads him to an upstairs neighbor and a vet which leads him to a forgotten first love and an eccentric (possibly mad) scientist.  Almost before Samuel has realized it his life has changed in startlingly large ways.

I checked the book out because its jacket copy suggested it was “for language lovers and fans of The Rosie Project.”  Unfortunately I felt it missed the mark.  The only language love was the running reference to words that are untranslatable --- that is words that exist in one language but have no corresponding word in another. In general the book is a collection of short abrupt chapters that piece together a change in the hero. 

The book does have its charming moments and its very loose structure makes it a quick, easy read.  I might recommend it to someone looking for a bunch of books they can take with them on vacation.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Events for the Week of February 19….

Please remember that the Library will be closed Monday (2/20) in honor of Presidents’ Day.  Events going on at the library during the remainder of the week include…
  • Lectores meets on Tuesday (2/21) at 6:00
  • Toddler Storytime on  Wednesday (2/22) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Baby Storytime on Thursday (2/23) at 10:30
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (2/24) at 3:30
  • STAR Reader on Saturday (2/25) 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

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Exercise!

Book Jacket for: Denise Austin. [videorecording]. Quick burn cardioIf you’re looking for the opportunity to get in some exercise and you’d like the motivation of doing it with other people then you should plan to join us for Exercise at the Library.  We will be meeting on Tuesdays at 5:00 (beginning on March 7) to spend 30 minutes working out together to an aerobics DVD.  We welcome your company so come & bring your friends.

Please make sure your health is good enough for vigorous exercise as you will be exercising at your own risk.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Trivia of the Month...

This month’s question is which was the first Presidential election that was decided by the House?

Monday, February 13, 2017

Arroyo Seco Club de Lectores

La biblioteca regional Arroyo Seco les invita participar en el Club de Lectores. El círculo de lectura se reúne cada primer y tercer martes as las seis de la tarde, y se lleva a cabo completamente en español. Los participantes escogen obras de ficción y literatura de hechos reales escritas en español para leer y discutir. Acompáñenos a la próxima reunión del Club de Lectores y disfrute de un cafecito con pastel casero y una conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo. Todo mundo es bienvenido. Para más información, por favor llame a la biblioteca regional Arroyo Seco al (323) 255-0537.

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Events for the Week of February 12….

Events going on at the library during the week include…
  • LA DOT Tap Card Information Table on Monday (2/13) at 2:00
  • Make it Monday features an African American Heritage storytime & craft on Monday at 4:00
  • Teen Craft program on Tuesday (2/14) at 3:00
  • Toddler Storytime on  Wednesday (2/15) at 10:30
  • Baby Storytime on Thursday (2/16) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Thursday at 3:00
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (2/17) at 3:30
  • SAT Practice Test on Saturday (2/18) from 10:30-2:30
  • 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

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Lagoon

Book Jacket for: LagoonIf you like SF and you also like looking at the world through a different cultural lens you will enjoy Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor.  In this book aliens land in the waters off of Lagos, Nigeria.  Three people; a soldier, a marine biologist, and a popular rapper; are conscripted by the aliens.  They return to Lagos with an alien representative where news of what’s happening soon leaks out with chaotic consequences.

A fascinating exploration of an alien first encounter from a completely fresh perspective. Recommended.

Monday, February 6, 2017

Let Us Know What You Think….

The library is interested in knowing what you think about the job we are doing.  Let us know by filling out an online survey.  The survey can be found in several languages here: http://www.lapl.org/cssurvey.  You will be allowed to choose whether you want to fill out the short, 3-minute; the medium, 7-minute; or the long, 15-minute survey.

We would appreciate your feedback.

Saturday, February 4, 2017

Events for the Week of February 5….

Events going on at the library during the week include…
  • Charm your Valentine Craft Program on Sunday (2/5) at 3:00
  • Make it Monday features a building block challenge on Monday (2/6) at 4:00
  • Lectores meet on Tuesday (2/7) at 6:00
  • STAR Reader on Thursday (2/9) at 3:00
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (2/10) at 3:30
  • STAR Reader on Saturday (2/4) at 2:00
  • African-American Themed Read Aloud program on Saturday at 2:00
  • UCLA Gluck Near East Trio also 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

Thursday, February 2, 2017

February Electronic Resource of the Month

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge base, explore an area of interest, or pick up new skills then the February eResource of the Month is just what you are looking for.  The eResource in question is Gale Courses.  Gale Courses offers over 300 free, instructor led, online classes which run for six weeks.  Instructors are college professors.  Courses are designed to take about 24 hours in total to complete.  Courses are available in in areas that include:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business
  • College Readiness
  • Computer Applications
  • Design and Composition
  • Healthcare and Medical
  • Language and Arts
  • Law and Legal
  • Personal Development
  • Teaching and Education
  • Technology
  • Writing and Publishing


An email account and an LAPL library card are required to enroll in Gale Courses which you will find online via the library’s Research & Homework page (http://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/research-and-homework#G).  Once on their site you can search or browse for classes that interest you and sign up using the “enroll now” button.  If you are a new student you will need to create an account, a process that will require an email address and a valid library card.

Classes are taught through Gale Courses’ online classroom so you will need to be logged on to obtain course work, take tests, and interact with the teacher and fellow students.  Classes generally begin on a Wednesday and two lessons are released each week.  You will need to keep current and active with the class or you will lose access.  A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful completion of the course.

Take a minute and explore what they have to offer.