Trivia of the Month (Answer)...

This month’s question was what are the substances most often swallowed by children under age five (reported by Poison control Centers)?  They are:

• Plants
• Soaps, detergents, cleaners
• Perfume, cologne, toilet water
• Antihistamines, cold medications
• Vitamins, minerals
• Aspirin
• Household disinfectants, deodorizers
• Insecticides
• Miscellaneous painkillers
• Fingernail preparations
• Liniments
• Household bleach
• Miscellaneous external medicines
• Cosmetic lotions, creams

The question (and answer) were found on p. 8 of The Poisons and Antidotes Sourcebook by Carol Turkington.  The book was published in 1999 by Checkmark books.

The Arroyo Book Club’s November Pick

The Arroyo Book Club will be reading A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman for the November meeting.  Backman is an idiosyncratic writer with a talent for oddly compelling characters.  Let me share the catalog’s description with you…

In this bestselling and delightfully quirky debut novel from Sweden, a grumpy yet lovable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door. 

Meet Ove. He's a curmudgeon--the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him "the bitter neighbor from hell." But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn't walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time? 

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove's mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents' association to their very foundations.

Stop by the library for a copy of the book and plan to join us for discussion on November 25 at 3:00.

Events for the Week of October 29….

Events going on at the library during the week include:

• Grupo de apoyo para la familia on Monday (10/30) at 10:00
• Halloween themed Storytime and Craft on Monday at 4:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (11/1) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday  at 3:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (11/2) at 3:00
• LA OIC Computer Boot Camp on Friday (11/3) at 2:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday at 3:30
• STAR Reader on Saturday (11/4) 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

Library Events in November…

(Mark your calendars accordingly)

Let’s start with a heads up.  The library will be closed for a total of 4 days in November.  We will be closed on November 10 & 11 and on November 23 & 24.  

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:

- - - - - - - - - - 
11/3 from 2:00-5:00
LA OIC Computer Boot Camp
This program puts low cost computers in the hands of low income people.  This session is in English. Call or drop by to sign up.

11/5 @ 2:30
Sunday at the Movies
Hold on to your spooky Halloween feelings for a bit and join us for a showing of Frank Capra’s Arsenic and Old Lace.

11/6 @ 4:00
Make it Monday
This week’s program features a building block challenge.

11/7 @ 6:00
Club de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

11/13 from 2:0-4:00
LA DOT TAP Information Table
Questions about the transit system and TAP cards? Want to fill up your card? Swing by and talk to the folks from LA’s Department of Public Transportation.

10/14 @ 4:00
Teen Program: Henna
Join us for a fun activity just for teens.  Limited to the first 20 participants.

11/18 @ 10:00
SAT Practice Test
Take a full scale SAT practice test and learn where you need to focus your attention to improve yourself for the actual test down the line.

11/18 @ 3:00
Native American Mythology - A Documentary Exploration
Join us as we explore Native American culture through the medium of documentary film.

11/20 @ 4:00
Celebrate Thanksgiving Storytime & Craft
Very self-explanatory event title. Join us for a little crafty fun with a story accompaniment all on the theme of Thanksgiving.

11/21 @ 6:00
Club de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

11/25 @ 3:00
Arroyo Book Club
Join us for a lively discussion of Backman’s A Man Called Ove.
us for a special Halloween themed storytime and craft.

- - - - - - - - - -

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

Grupo de apoyo para la familia - - - Mondays at 10:00

Toddler Storytime - - - Wednesdays at 10:30 
Little Ones’ 3 and under & their grownups are invited to join us for stories, music, & games. (No session on 11/15).

STAR Volunteer Readers - - - Available on Wednesdays at 3:00, on Thursdays at 3:00, and 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 Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra  is a charming mystery by Vaseem Khan.  In it we are introduced to Inspector Chopra on the day he both takes early retirement from the Mumbai police and inherits a baby elephant.  The body of a young man had been found on Chopra’s last day and he soon finds himself mired in trying to find out what happened to him.  The case takes on unexpected depths and the new elephant proves surprisingly helpful.

This was an enjoyable story that took an interesting look at Indian culture and the city of Mumbai and was peopled with fun characters.  I would recommend it and in fact have already requested the second book of the series for myself.

Events for the Week of October 22….

Events going on at the library during the week include:

• Waterwise Gardening Workshop on Sunday (10/22) at 1:00
• Grupo de apoyo para la familia on Monday (10/23) at 10:00
• LA Saves Information Table on Monday from 3:00-5:00
• Make it Monday features a building block challenge also on Monday at 4:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (10/25) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday  at 3:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (10/26) at 3:00
• Community Birthday Party (October) on Friday (10/20) at 3:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (10/27) at 3:30
• STAR Reader on Saturday (10/28) 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

Stiletto

Stiletto by Daniel O’Malley is book 2 of a series that I’m finding absolutely enthralling.  The series which began with The Rook depicts the workings of a super-secret British government agency made up of individuals born with peculiar talents.  We’re talking really peculiar here, like for example, the ability to remotely control the anatomy of others or a set of quadruplets who share one mind.  The job of this agency is to protect ordinary Britain from the depredations of the supernatural.  Across the course of the two books we’ve watched the agency battle first an internal and then an external threat.  

The characters are interesting, the situations are creative (& unusual) and the plot is compelling.  I highly recommend the series.

The Long Cosmos

Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter conclude their long Earth series with The Long Cosmos  (see 11/24/15 for entry about previous book in series).  In this tale a message of interstellar origin has been received all across the long Earth, a message that says simply join us.  How people react to the message and the consequences of their actions make up the book.

The book, while definitely not a stand alone, is an enjoyable read that I would recommend.  If you haven’t read the long Earth series pick up the first title, The Long Earth, and get started.

Trivia of the Month...

This month’s question is what are the substances most often swallowed by children under age five (reported by Poison control Centers)?

Events for the Week of October 15….

Events going on at the library during the week include:

• Grupo de apoyo para la familia on Monday (10/16) at 10:00
• Puppet Show on Monday at 4:00
• Teen cupcake decorating program on Tuesday (10/17) at 4:00
• Circulo de Lectores on Tuesday at 6:00
• STAR Reader on Wednesday (10/18)  at 3:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (10/19) at 3:00
• Community Birthday Party (October) on Friday (10/20) at 3:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (10/20) at 3:30
• Waterwise Gardening Workshop on Saturday (10/21) at 11:00
• 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

In Shining Armor

Elliott James continues his Pax Arcana series with In Shining Armor.  Here we have John Charming set into action by the kidnapping of his goddaughter.  This event sets off distrust between the werewolves and the knights.  We are soon involved in alternative dimensions and with a slew of evil monsters plotting all kinds of mayhem before things resolve.

All in all this is an adventurous book that revels in battle.  Probably best read as part of the series though I’ll admit the series is losing steam for me.  First books were better and this is only for the die hard who like to follow things to completion.

History of Highland Park…

Curious about some of the notables who have lived in Highland Park? Check out this undated newspaper clipping titled “Artists and musicians of world-wide fame now live, or have lived, in Highland Park.” Find the article here (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/10/520293.pdf). 

Events for the Week of October 8….

Please note that the library will be closed on October 9.  Events going on at the library during the remainder of the week include:

• Classic Afternoon Movie on Sunday (10/8) at 3:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (10/11) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (10/12) at 3:00
• STAR Reader on Saturday (10/14) at 2:00
• Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles 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

October’s eResource of the Month

Have you been looking for ebooks in Spanish?  Maybe you want to learn Spanish.  Perhaps you’re looking for an art course.  You will want to take a look at Digitalia, October’s eResource of the Month.  Digitalia has…

• Spanish language ebooks for adults and children
• Multimedia language learning phrasebooks in 12 languages
• In-depth language learning materials in Spanish for English speakers
• Multimedia courses on music, art, and computers
• Classic fairy tales for children

All of these things are available instantly online with an Internet connection.  You can also download up to 5 e-books at a time for a 20 day loan period.  The digital streaming ebooks are compatible with most web browsers, Android phones, iPhones, iPads, and many e-readers.  Note: To download ebooks you will need to install Adobe Digital Editions.

Find Digitalia via the Los Angeles Public Library’s e-media page (http://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/e-media).  You will need to have your library card handy.

The Wizard of London

The Wizard of London by Mercedes Lackey is book 4 of her Elemental Masters series.  I’ll note that I picked this book up without having read anything else in the series and enjoyed it just fine as a stand alone.  In this book we follow a pair of young girls at school in a slightly different version of Victorian England.  One girl grew up the daughter of missionaries in Africa and has been sent back to England for schooling.  The other girl is essentially a misplaced orphan who finds refuge in the school.  Both girls are talented in a psychic sense and the story focus on them, and the school staff, discovering and attempting to thwart what is essentially an evil magician.

The book was quite enjoyable though I found the reasons that turned the evil magician evil completely understandable in a way that made her defeat a bit sad even though she really did deserve to be defeated based on the actions her reasoning drove her to (that’s quite the sentence but I’ll let it stand).  The book is recommended for those who enjoy a light fantasy story.