Trivia of the Month (Answer)...

This month’s question was what does the phrase “off the wall” mean?  To quote directly from our source:

Off the wall. Unorthodox; bizarre.  The allusion may be to the unpredictable angle of return of a ball rebounding from a wall, as in baseball or squash.  The phrase dates from the 1950s.

The question (and answer) were taken from p. 493 of Brewer’s Dictionary of Modern Phrase & Fable compiled by Adrian Room. The book was published by Cassell & Co. in 2000.

Summer Reading Challenge 2019

(for adults)

Participation

This year’s Summer Reading Program will run from June 10 through August 10.  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 stress relief star.
• Upon reaching the midpoint of the challenge you will mark a scratch card for 1 of 4 possible prizes.  These include a lip balm, a pen, a kazoo, or an egg rattle.
• Upon completion you receive a selfie light (it can be used for more than taking pictures).
• Upon completion you will also be enrolled in the library wide drawing for the finale party at Central Library.

Programs

We will be having a number of 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 6/15 and ending on 8/10.

We’ll have a 360 Photography Workshop.  The workshop has two parts.  Part 1 is a basic introduction designed for the complete novice.  Part 2 builds on what was learned in part 1 as participants create a 360 story.  The first part will be offered on 6/8 and 6/9 at 2:00 (come to either session).  The second will be offered on 6/12 at 6:00 and 6/15 at 1:00 (again come to either session).

We’ll have a Homemade Sodas & Kombucha workshop with instructor Brie Wakeland on 6/15 at 3:00. Come and learn all about making your own refreshing liquid treats.

Join us for some relaxing crafting on 7/6 at 3:00.  We’ll be learning how to make paper beads.

Craving music? Then you’ll want to be sure to join us on 7/13 at 3:00 for Solo Jazz & Classical Guitar with Nick Mizock.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing with us on 7/20 at 3:00 as we experiment with straw rockets. This is for everyone so I want to see some adults representing.

The LA Made series returns to our branch on 8/3 at 3:00 with a performance by Top Shelf Vocal – A Cappella. Join us for a musical afternoon.

No summer reading program is complete without a chance to play with shrinky-dinks.  Join us on 8/10 at 3:00 and make a shrinky-dink (or two, or three).  You can design an amulet, turn it into a magnet, or put a pin backing on it, whatever you want.

Arroyo Book Club meetings for Summer Reading are on June 22 and July 27, both at 3:00.

Summer Reading Challenge 2019 – 360 Photography Workshop

Curious about the world of 360 photography & videography?  We will be exploring the topic in a two part workshop this June.  Come learn how to take and process 360 photos with a Samsung Gear camera…

In Session 1 we will focus on the basics.  This is designed for beginners as we learn about the camera, how it works, and practice using it to compose basic shots.  This session will be offered twice.  Once on 6/8 at 2:00 and again on 6/9 at 2:00.  Come to either session.

In Session 2 we will build on what we learned in session 1.  This time the goal will be go take a series of photos and use them to construct a slide show that tells a story.  This session will be offered twice.  Once on 6/12 at 6:00 and again on 6/15 at 1:00.  Come to either session.

Because we have a limited number of cameras you will want to sign up.  Stop by the reference desk to do so. 

Finally, bring your library card with you to the program.

Arroyo Book Club’s June Pick…

The Arroyo Book Club will be reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson for our June meeting.  Just Mercy examines the state of our legal system, particularly its treatment of the poor, of minorities, of the disadvantaged.  Amazon provides the following to describe the book:

Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system. One of his first cases was that of Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit. The case drew Bryan into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship—and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice forever.

Just Mercy is at once an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice. 

 A book to make you think.  Stop by the library for a copy and make plans to join us for discussion on June 22 at 3:00.

Events for the Week of May 26….

Remember that the library will be closed on Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day.  Events going on at the library during the remainder of the week include:

Tuesday – 5/21
Baby Storytime at 10:30
LAPD Read Along at 3:00
STAR Reader at 3:30

Wednesday – 5/29
Toddler Storytime at 10:30
STAR Reader at 3:00

Thursday – 5/30
STAR Reader at 3:00

Friday – 5/31
Drop in Computer Lab at 3:30

Saturday – 6/1
Santa Cecilia Orchestra : Dance Music Through the Ages at 11:30

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 June…

(Mark your calendars accordingly)

The Summer Reading Challenge starts on June 10! Be sure to get yourself and your family signed up… then join us for any (or all) of the great programming that is going on throughout the month.   Let’s take a look at some of the things on schedule:

- - - - - - - - - -
6/1 @ 11:30
Santa Cecilia Chamber Concert
The local Santa Cecilia Orchestra will be putting of a free performance on the theme of dance music through the ages. Bring the whole family and join us.

6/3 @ 4:00
Make it Monday
Join us for a building block challenge.

6/4 @ 6:00
Círculo de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

6/6 @ 4:00
Zine Workshop
Join us and work on your own personal Zine in this all-ages workshop.

6/8 @ 2:00
360 Photography Workshop Part 1
Come explore the world of 360 photography with us in the first of a 2 part series.

6/9 @ 2:00
360 Photography Workshop Part 1
Come explore the world of 360 photography with us in the first of a 2 part series. (This is a repeat of the class held on 6/8)

6/10 from 2:30 - 4:30
LA DOT Tap Information Table
Questions about LA metro systems? Just want to refill your TAP card? Stop by.

6/10 @ 4:00
Reptile Family
See, touch, and learn all about reptiles with the Reptile Family.

6/11 @ 4:00
Teen Program
Join us for exciting teen fun.

6/12 @ 6:00
360 Photography Workshop Part 2
Come explore the world of 360 photography with us in the second of a 2 part series.

6/15 @ 10:00
Tai Chi
Increase your balance and flexibility and decrease your stress. Join us for an hour of tai chi.

6/15 @ 1:00
360 Photography Workshop Part 2
Come explore the world of 360 photography with us in the second of a 2 part series. (This is a repeat of the class held on 6/12)

6/15 @ 3:00
Homemade Soda & Kombucha
Learn how to make your own kombucha and other homemade fermented beverages from Brie Wakeland at this free workshop.

6/17 @ 4:00
Make it Monday
Join us for summer reading fun.

6/18 @ 6:00
Círculo de Lectores
Hay café, pastel casero, ye conversación amena sobre el libro que estamos leyendo

6/20 @ 4:00
Teen Program
Join us for exciting teen fun.

6/22 @ 10:00
Tai Chi
Increase your balance and flexibility and decrease your stress. Join us for an hour of tai chi.

6/22 @ 3:00
Arroyo Book Club
Join us for a discussion (fill in title)

6/24 @ 4:00
Make it Monday
Join us for summer reading fun.

6/27 @ 4:00
Teen Program
Join us for exciting teen fun.

6/29 @ 10:00
Tai Chi
Increase your balance and flexibility and decrease your stress. Join us for an hour of tai chi.

- - - - - - - - - -

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 program on 6/11)

Toddler Storytime - - - Wednesdays at 10:30 
Little Ones’ 3 and under & their grownups are invited to join us for stories, music, & games. (No program on 6/26)

LAPD Read Along - - - Tuesdays at 3:00
Officers from the LAPD read favorite stories with kids.

STAR Volunteer Readers - - - Available on Tuesdays at 3:30, Wednesdays at 3:00, and Thursdays at 3:00.
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.

History of Highland Park…

Here (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/10/520225.pdf) we have a reprint of advertisement that appeared on 12/26/1909 in the Los Angeles Examiner.  It is a map of Mt. Washington and is visually a stunning piece of work.  Take a look at it.

Events for the Week of May 19….

Events going on at the library during the week include:

Monday – 5/20
Grupo de apoyo para la familia at 10:00
Citizen Science : Trees! at 4:00

Tuesday – 5/21
Baby Storytime at 10:30
LAPD Read Along at 3:00
Teen Program Fun at 3:00
STAR Reader at 3:30
Círculo de Lectores at 6:00

Wednesday – 5/22
Toddler Storytime at 10:30
STAR Reader at 3:00

Thursday – 5/23
STAR Reader at 3:00

Friday – 5/24
Drop in Computer Lab at 3:30

Saturday – 5/25
LA Made: Classic Korean Music & Dance at 1:30
STAR Reader at 2:00
Arroyo Book Club 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

Die Like an Eagle

Donna Andrews continues the adventures of uber-organized, always stumbling across dead bodies, Meg Langslow in Die like an Eagle.  In this one Meg finds the body of the brother of a much hated local contractor/baseball league bigwig and the question is was the brother an accidental victim of someone looking to even the score or the target of malice?  As always Meg manages to find the answer with the help of her large and extremely eccentric family, with a side helping of humorous adventure.

Recommended for lovers of humorous mysteries who like character a bit more then they like plot.

Trivia of the Month...

This month’s question is what does the phrase “off the wall” mean?

Music at the Library

Put a little music into your Saturday!  The local Santa Cecilia Orchestra will be sending some of its musicians to put on a free community concert on the theme of “dance music through the ages.”  The performance will be on Saturday, June 1 at 11:30.  It should be a wonderful experience so bring the whole family.

If you haven’t already heard of the Santa Cecilia Orchestra check them out.  Find their web page here: http://scorchestra.org/.

Events for the Week of May 12….

Events going on at the library during the week include:

Monday – 5/13
Grupo de apoyo para la familia at 10:00
LA DOT Tap Information Table from 2:30-4:30
Building Block Challenge at 4:00

Tuesday – 5/14
Baby Storytime at 10:30
LAPD Read Along at 3:00
STAR Reader at 3:30

Wednesday – 5/15
Toddler Storytime at 10:30
STAR Reader at 3:00

Thursday – 5/16
STAR Reader at 3:00
FREE Citizenship Workshop from 11:00-3:00

Friday – 5/17
Drop in Computer Lab at 3:30

Saturday – 5/18
STAR Reader at 2:00
Puppet Parade Puppet Construction 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

Free Citizenship Workshop

The branch will be hosting a Free Citizenship Workshop on Thursday, May 16 from 11:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon.  At the event you will meet expert volunteers who speak Spanish and English who can help you with your application.  To fill out your application you will need:

• Green card, social security card, and driver’s license/state I.D.
• Address and job/school history for the last 5 years.
• List of ALL trips taken outside of the US for the last 5 years.
• Information for ALL children and current/former spouses.
• Check or money order for $725 payable to the Department of Homeland Security, or qualify for a fee waiver.

To qualify for a fee waiver bring your 2018 income tax or Proof of Public Benefits.

Make an appointment and join us.  Register with Leonor at 213-480-1052 x 102.

Arroyo Seco Regional Library Plant Out

You may have noticed that all the plant life along the Figueroa side of the building has recently been removed. This has been done so that the Theodore Payne Foundation (http://theodorepayne.org) can come in and green it up with California native plants. 

The group is planning to come in on May 18th to work with volunteers from 9:30 to 12:00 to get this planting done.  They have assured me that they want these plants to live so have carefully selected varieties that will be okay with the uncommon late spring plant time. 

They are looking for the volunteers to help with the planting so if you feel like getting your hands in the soil, learning a bit about California native plants, and helping the library look its best why not join us?  The Theodore Payne Foundation does want to know to expect you so please register with Brenda Kyle, brenda@theodorepayne.org, 818-768-1802 x28.

This link takes you to the Theodore Payne Foundation’s page about the event (http://theodorepayne.org/volunteer-roles/) scroll down to the one that reads “Arroyo Seco Regional Library Plant Out” and click in.

May’s eResource of the Month

Have you always told yourself you’d like to learn another language?  Maybe just revisit the one you studied in high school and promptly forgot? Maybe in preparation for a long anticipated trip? If so, then May’s eResources are just what you need.  May’s eResources are our language learning tools --- Mango Languages and Powerspeak. 

Access either of these programs from the library’s eMedia page (https://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/e-media).  Just scroll down and find the section labeled Language Learning.  You will need your library card.

Mango Languages online offers a fun convenient way to learn a new language with multi-media tools and plenty of self-paced exercises and activities.  Mango offers a number of courses including Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Arabic, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, Greek, Latin, and more.  Mango also has English for speakers of 19 different first languages. 

Once you’ve clicked into Mango Languages for the first time you will want to make an account so that you can keep track of your progress, pick up where you left off, and all that sort of thing.  Fortunately, making an account is easy.

Powerspeak Languages offers a fun, proven, and powerful way to gain quick language proficiency using stories, activities, and innovative learning tools to help you develop in depth language skills.  Powerspeak offers courses in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean ESL Spanish and ESL Mandarin
.

If you prefer language learning with an audio book course, consider taking a look at our e-audiobook providers, Overdrive and RBDigital.  Both providers have Pimsleur courses in a wide selection of languages available for checkout.

If you have questions about using any of these language learning tools don’t hesitate to swing by your local library branch and chat with the librarian, who will be happy to help.

Events for the Week of May 5….

Events going on at the library during the week include:

Monday – 5/6
Grupo de apoyo para la familia at 10:00
Asian Elephant Craft at 4:00

Tuesday – 5/7
Baby Storytime at 10:30
LAPD Read Along at 3:00
STAR Reader at 3:30
Teen Fun at 4:00
Círculo de Lectores at 6:00

Wednesday – 5/8
Toddler Storytime at 10:30
STAR Reader at 3:00

Thursday – 5/9
STAR Reader at 3:00

Friday – 5/10
Drop in Computer Lab at 3:30

Saturday – 5/11
STAR Reader at 2:00
Lummis Days Library Poetry Workshop from 3:00-5:00

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

LA Made Presents Korean Classical Music & Dance

The library’s LA Made is a cultural programming series featuring free music, dance, theater, and conversations with local entertainers at libraries throughout the city.  In May they will be bringing a performance by The Korean Classical Music and Dance Company to our branch.  The company will perform ceremonial court and social folk dances integral to Korean culture.  Their presentation, which features performers dressed in traditional, colorful costumes, intersperses educational segments with Korean folk dances and music.

The program will take place on Saturday, May 25 at 1:30

Check out the library’s online event calendar for more LA Made programs at branches throughout the city.  Find the event calendar here: http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar.  Selecting LA Made from the Categories drop down box will limit your results to these programs.