Trivia of the Month (Answer)...

This month’s question was who was the first woman appointed to a federal position that required Senate confirmation?  Julia Lathrop was appointed by President William Howard Taft to be chief of the newly created Children’s Bureau in 1912.  Succeeding President Woodrow Wilson reappointed her.

The question and its answer were found on p. 198 of Milestones: A Chronology of American Women’s History by Doris Weatherford.  The book was published by Facts on File in 1997.

Reading Takes You Everywhere – Walk Highland Park

(This Year’s Summer Reading Program)

This summer we thought a walking group would be a fun thing to do.  Join us as we explore Highland Park on foot, using the Angels Walk LA's Highland Park Guide as a starting point and exploring the sights of the area while sharing our own stories.  We will meet on June 15 and July 13 at 9:30 in front of the library.  If you’ve got a dogs who like to walk bring them though they will have to wait outside the library for us to get started.

Arroyo Seco Book Club’s June Pick…

The Arroyo Seco Book Club will be reading Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson as our June book.  This biography of the famous inventor and American revolutionary is described as follows by the lovely folks at Amazon:

Benjamin Franklin is the founding father who winks at us, the one who seems made of flesh rather than marble. In a sweeping narrative that follows Franklin’s life from Boston to Philadelphia to London and Paris and back, Walter Isaacson chronicles the adventures of the runaway apprentice who became, over the course of his eighty-four-year life, America’s best writer, inventor, media baron, scientist, diplomat, and business strategist, as well as one of its most practical and ingenious political leaders. He explores the wit behind Poor Richard’s Almanac and the wisdom behind the Declaration of Independence, the new nation’s alliance with France, the treaty that ended the Revolution, and the compromises that created a near-perfect Constitution.

While we might quibble at some of that description the book nevertheless promises to be an interesting look at a fascinating man.  Pick up a copy from the library and plan to join us for discussion on June 23 at 3:00.

Events for the Week of May 27….

Do remember that the library will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday.  Events going on at the library during the remainder of the week include:

• Baby storytime on Tuesday (5/29) at 10:30
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (5/30) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (5/31) at 3:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (6/1) at 3:30
• STAR Reader on Saturday (6/2) 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

Reading Takes You Everywhere – Tai Chi

(This Year’s Summer Reading Program)

We are fortunate this summer that Wayne Qian who’s taught us Tai Chi for the past three summers will be doing so again.  He will teach us techniques to ease our tension and stress, and improve our balance and breathing.  Sessions are scheduled for Saturday Mornings at 10:00.  The first will be on 6/9 and the last on 8/11.  Please feel free to join us for any session.

The instructor provides us with some information about the characteristics of Tai chi quan…

• Slow and graceful movement which goes on and on.  It is “like the clouds scurrying across the sky and the water flowing down a river or stream.”  It does not stop until the whole exercise comes to a peaceful end.  Choppy movements are anathema to tai chi practitioners.
• Natural and unblocked flow of ch’i, meaning vital energy, in the whole body at all times.  To do that, the tai chi practitioner must focus their mind on their movement, trying in every way to keep themselves from being distracted by a medley of ideas.
• A perfect combination of action and quietness.  The body of the practitioner is moving all the time, but his mind is dominated by a peacefulness that comes only with a lot of exercise.  In appearance, he is sort of restless, at heart, he experiences a serenity which onlookers find difficult to comprehend.  Ultimately, he finds himself at one with the universe.

The instructor also provides eight basic rules to follow:

1. Keeping the upper part of the body straight.  One must not slant forward or backward.  This will ensure the flexibility of the waist, which is the axis of the human body, the starting point of almost every bodily movement.
2. Keeping one’s gravity low.  This might be difficult for first-time learners, but it is highly important because probably more than anything else it contributes to a good bodily balance.
3. When moving forward or backward, do not place one’s feet in the same line.  Only then can one be “as steady and firm as a mountain.” Placing both feet in the same line would most likely lead to the loss of balance.
4. Not moving a foot when the body’s weight is on it.  To move the right foot requires shifting the weight away from it to the left foot; to move the left foot requires shifting the weight away from it to the right.
5. Allowing the shoulders and elbows to hang down naturally.  The term “hand down naturally” means the total relaxation of the muscles in the neck and arms.  Raising the shoulders is a sin.  And even when the arms are moving, the elbows must not unfold like a bird’s wings.
6. Every movement must “round out” in the end, not in an angular fashion.  This applies especially to the movement of the hands.  Slow, continuous, and elegant, it has nothing to do with what is short, sudden and rough.  It is this feature that gives the practice of tai chi a look of elegance.
7. Matching one’s breathing with movement.  As one will find out, tai chi quan consists of open and closed movements.  “when open, breathe in; when closed, breathe out,” that is what one has to remember.  The effort to match breathing with movement will naturally slow down the movement.
8. Control deep breath by the diaphragm, allowing ch’i to go deep into the abdomen instead of the lungs.  While doing this occasionally is easy; it takes all the focused attention that one can give to do it continually.  However, the effort to do it will be amply rewarded.  This is also the secret of an opera singer’s powerful voice.

Library Events in June…

(Mark your calendars accordingly)

Summer Reading starts in June so there are plenty of interesting activities going on.  Let me give you a run down so you can plan ahead.  Let’s start with the non-repeating events:

- - - - - - - - - -
6/4 @ 4:00
Make it Monday
Join us for a cool program and build a signal horn.

6/5 @ 6:00
Circulo de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

6/9 @ 10:00
Tai Chi
De-Stress from your week with a tai chi session taught by our longtime volunteer.

6/9 @ 3:00
LGBT Documentary
Join us for the screening of a LGBT themed documentary of the audience’s choosing.

6/11 from 2:00-4:00
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.

6/11 @ 4:00
Make it Monday
Join us this week for Wildlife Wendy’s Tropical Bird Show.

6/12 @ 4:00
Teen Program
We celebrate the start of summer reading with airbrush tattoos. Join us for your own cool temporary tat.

6/15 @ 9:30
Walk Highland Park
Join us for a bit of exercise, some congenial company, and a chance to explore the sights of Highland Park.

6/16 @ 10:00
Tai Chi
De-Stress from your week with a tai chi session taught by our longtime volunteer.

6/16 @ 3:00
Journal Making
Join us to create your own custom journal.

6/18 @ 4:00
Make it Monday
This week enjoy some Jurassic fun.  Join us for dino themed crafts and games.

6/19 @ 4:00
Teen Summer Reading
Join us for some teen centered fun.

6/19 @ 6:00
Circulo de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

6/23 @ 10:00
Tai Chi
De-Stress from your week with a tai chi session taught by our longtime volunteer.

6/23 @ 3:00
Arroyo Book Club
Join us for a lively book discussion.  Call the branch for book specifics.

6/25 @ 4:00
Make it Monday
This week build a mini city!

6/26 @ 4:00
Teen Summer Reading
Join us for some teen centered fun.

6/30 @ 10:00
Tai Chi
De-Stress from your week with a tai chi session taught by our longtime volunteer.

- - - - - - - - - -

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

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

Baby Storytime - - - Tuesdays at 10:30
Stories, songs, and rhymes await babies up to 18 months (no session on 6/12)

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 6/13).

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.

Reading Takes You Everywhere

(This year’s Summer Reading Program)

Participation

This year’s Summer Reading Program is called “Reading Takes You Everywhere” and will run from June 4 through August 4.  You’ll be able to enroll yourself via the library’s website (www.lapl.org/summer) or by visiting your preferred branch (if you’re reading this that is hopefully the Arroyo Seco Branch).

Keep track of your reading hours and activity involvement either by using your online summer account or your paper game board.

Prizes

There are a varied collection of prizes you can earn as you participate in the Summer Reading Program…

• Upon enrollment you will receive a lovely tote bag.
• Upon reaching the midpoint of the challenge you will receive the coveted color changing pencil.
• Upon completion you receive a handy travel mug.
• Upon completion you will also be enrolled in the library wide drawing for an adventure at OUE Skyspace. Visit their website to find out more about what this means (https://oue-skyspace.com/).

Programs

We will be having several interesting programs as part of the summer reading challenge.  Feel free to join us for any or all of them.  Specific program details:

Tai Chi meets each Saturday morning at 10:00 beginning on 6/9 and ending on 8/11… 

Walk Highland Park Group will meet to, unsurprisingly, take a walk through Highland Park on June 15 and July 13 at 9:30 in the morning.

Make a Journal. Join us to create your own, personalized travel (or whatever other kind you’d like) journal on June 16 at 3:00.

Guitar with Taro Wayama & David Lee Ruest. Join us for a beautiful guitar concert on July 14 at 3:00.

Arroyo Book Club meetings for Summer Reading are on June 23 and July 28, both at 3:00.

Events for the Week of May 20….

Events going on at the library during the week include:

• Santa Cecilia Orchestra Chamber Concert on Sunday (5/20) at 2:00
• Grupo de apoyo para la familia on Monday (5/21) at 10:00
• Make it Monday featuring suspension bridges on Monday at 4:00
• Baby storytime on Tuesday (5/22) at 10:30
• Teen Program on Tuesday at 4:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (5/23) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (5/24) at 3:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (5/25) at 3:30
• STAR Reader on Saturday (5/26) 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

Fever in the Dark

Ellen Hart continues her Jane Lawless mystery series with Fever in the Dark.  In this volume a pair of newly wed women are threatened by both an obsessive stalker and the un-faced past of one of the women while simultaneously dealing with the added craziness of the pair’s engagement video having gone viral.  Jane is dealing with some problems of her own but never the less comes through for her friends.

I liked this book quite a bit and would recommend it to anyone who likes a nice character driven mystery.

Trivia of the Month...

This month’s question is who was the first woman appointed to a federal position that required Senate confirmation?

Events for the Week of May 13….

Events going on at the library during the week include:

• Sunday at the Movies on Sunday (5/13) at 3:00
• Grupo de apoyo para la familia on Monday (5/14) at 10:00
• LA DOT Tap Info Table on Monday from 2:30-4:30
• Make it Monday featuring edible skyscrapers on Monday at 4:00
• Baby storytime on Tuesday (5/15) at 10:30
• Circulo de Lectores on Tuesday at 6:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (5/16) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (5/17) at 3:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (5/18) at 3:30
• STAR Reader on Saturday (5/19) at 2:00
• Special note: Santa Cecilia Orchestra Chamber Concert on Sunday (5/20) 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

Testosterone Rex

In Testosterone Rex Cordelia Fine takes on the argument that there is an innate difference between the way men live, work, & think and the way women do and that difference is caused by testosterone.  The book is divided up into three sections.  The first, Past, explores and refutes “old assumptions that universal principles of sexual selection inexorably gave rise to the evolution of two kinds of human nature, male and female.”  The second, Present, shows that while sex certainly influences brain development and function it is just one of many interacting factors.  Finally in, Future, Fine looks at the world and the society that might result with the overturning of the simplistic “boys will be boys” attitude brought to us by a reliance on a story that says testosterone explains the way things are.

All in all the book was interesting, made a quite believable case, and was very readable.  I would recommend it to anyone.

History of Highland Park (& Area)...

At this link (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/10/520240.pdf) you will find Garvanza Area --- 1887, two newspaper photos of the Garvanza area.  One is an shot that includes  the conjunction of Figueroa & York and nearby sites.  The second is the same shot taken in 1959 so you can see how the area has changed in those 70+ years. The original document was taken from the May 19, 1959 edition of the HP News Herald.  Check it out.

Events for the Week of May 6….

Events going on at the library during the week include:

• Grupo de apoyo para la familia on Monday (5/7) at 10:00
• Make it Monday featuring self-propelling boats on Monday at 4:00
• Baby storytime on Tuesday (5/8) at 10:30
• Teen Fun on Tuesday at 4:00
• Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (5/9) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
• Discusión: la salud mental y estigma on Wednesday at 4:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (5/10) at 3:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (5/11) at 3:30
• STAR Reader on Saturday (5/12) at 2:00
• Lummis Day Viva Poetry Workshop 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

May’s eResource of the Month

Planning a trip to far away shores? Have a report on Argentina due tomorrow? Curious about the life of the average citizen of the country currently begin talked about on your news sites? Check out CultureGrams, this month’s eResource of the month.  Culture Grams is a “leading reference for concise and reliable cultural information on the countries of the world.”  It provides country reports that include facts and figures as well as a one-of-a-kind perspective on daily life and culture.  This includes the background, customs, and lifestyles of these countries.

CultureGrams can be accessed with any computer or tablet via the library’s Research & Homework page (http://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/research-and-homework#C).  You will need to have your library card and PIN handy.  Browse on in and investigate. 

Music at the Library

The Santa Cecilia Orchestra led by its director, Sonia Mare De Leon de Vega is generously putting on a musical performance at our library on May 20 at 2:00.  The presentation is called

"Celebration" 25 Year Anniversary Chamber Concert.

The program is free and open to the public.

The Santa Cecilia Orchestra is a locally based group.  Check out their website (http://scorchestra.org/) to find out all about them and then come and join us for the show.

Arroyo Book Club’s May Pick

May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  This year the Arroyo Book Club will be exploring a take on the Japanese-American experience by reading Julie Otsuka’s The Buddha in the Attic for our May meeting.  This book tells the life experiences of a group of Japanese “picture brides” arriving in America early in the 1900s.  Amazon uses the following text to describe the story:

A gorgeous novel by the celebrated author of When the Emperor Was Divine that tells the story of a group of young women brought from Japan to San Francisco as “picture brides” nearly a century ago. In eight unforgettable sections, The Buddha in the Attic traces the extraordinary lives of these women, from their arduous journeys by boat, to their arrival in San Francisco and their tremulous first nights as new wives; from their experiences raising children who would later reject their culture and language, to the deracinating arrival of war. Once again, Julie Otsuka has written a spellbinding novel about identity and loyalty, and what it means to be an American in uncertain times.

This book was a Faulkner Award winner for fiction.  Stop by the library for a copy of the book and plan to join us for discussion on May 26 at 3:00.