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When was the last time you *really* looked at your photo album? Over time, albums can degrade and residue from plastic and glue can damage photos. What can we do to make sure our photos and albums last for future generations?
Join our workshop Tuesday 10/7 at 6 p.m. to learn some basic tips on preserving photographs. We will explore different storage options, labeling, and care in a hands-on, communal setting.
Bring some photographs or an album and get ready to think like an archivist!
First published in 1970, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee generated shockwaves with its frank and heartbreaking depiction of the systematic annihilation of American Indian tribes across the western frontier. In this nonfiction account, Dee Brown focuses on the betrayals, battles, and massacres suffered by American Indians between 1860 and 1890. He tells of the many tribes and their renowned chiefs—from Geronimo to Red Cloud, Sitting Bull to Crazy Horse—who struggled to combat the destruction of their people and culture.
This time around we will be using our own questions as prompts. So… as you read note down questions for discussion and bring them with you to share when we meet.
Stop by the branch to pick up a copy to read. You will find them in the usual location, just ask if you don’t know where that is.
It is available as an ebook from Hoopla, find it here
We will come together to discuss the book on Saturday, October 25 at 3 p.m. It will be a hybrid meeting so you have the option of attending in person or via Zoom. If you’d like to join us via Zoom let us know at ayosco@lapl.org so we can get the link to you
Today’s travel poster incites you to “See Bali.” Drawing shows Balinese Dancers in costume against a tropical backdrop. View the full image here: https://tessa2.lapl.org/digital/collection/travel/id/169/rec/6
Katherine Addison’s Witness for the Dead takes one of the characters from her previous world of The Goblin Emperor and spins off to tell the tale of his life. Thara Celehar, who figured out who had killed the previous emperor and his older sons, is now working as the eponymous witness for the dead in the city of Amalo. A case involving a dead opera singer, another centering on a contested will, the discovery of a man with a history of dead wives, not to mention the appearance of a ghoul and the consequences of political maneuvering all beset our Witness. What he does about all of these things is what makes the book so satisfying.
Another wonderful story that showcases Addison’s excellently built world. Heartily recommended.
This month’s question was what are some of the common plants that can be used in the distillation of spirits? To quote from our question’s source:
“Distilled spirits (or, simply, spirits or liquors) are the alcohol-containing fluids (ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol) obtained via distillation of fermented juices from plants. These juices include wines, distillates of which are termed brandies. The most commonly used plants are sugarcane, potatoes, sugar beets, corn, rye, rice, and barley; various fruits such as grapes, peaches, and apples are also used.”
The question (and answer) were found in the Encyclopedia of Drugs - Alcohol and Addictive Behavior. This is a Gale Virtual Reference e-Book. It is intended for the student and layperson, covers the social, medical and political issues related to drugs and alcohol, 4 volumes. Find it on the library’s Research & Homework page under “E” and access it with your library card.
Melissa Scott continues her Astreiant series with Point ofSighs. The Astreiant series is a detective series
set in a fantasy world that is pre-industrial.
The social structure is matriarchal (as an aside, it’s fun to read a
book where the default pronoun used by all the characters is she/her and “all
women” is a stand in for “all people”) with a rigorous class structure. Our
main characters are Philip Eslingen, who’s currently a member of the newly
established city guard, and his leman (or lover) Nicolaus Rathe, an Adjunct
Point, essentially a policeman. The
story starts with a man accused of murdering a ship’s captain. Rathe sets out
to find who really did the killing and stumbles across a larger crime that
eventually involves the return of a goddess from myth and a sacrificial cult.
The book can be read as a standalone, though the characters will be far richer if you go for the entire series. The series has long been a favorite of mine. I recommend it to those who like a good detective story, enjoy fantasy world building, and have a taste for different worlds.
September 20, 2025
3:00 PM at the Arroyo Seco Library
Today’s fashion plate shows a walking dress. A purple velvet shawl edged in lace worn over an empire waist white dress. Accessories include a purple parasol and a straw hat with white plume. The plate was published in Ackerman’s Repository on October 1, 1809. Find the full image here: https://tessa2.lapl.org/digital/collection/fashion/id/198/rec/5
Feeling crafty? Swing by on September 13 at 3 pm and design your own amulet or magnet out of shrinky-dink plastic and then watch the power of heat transform them. We have plenty of material for this program so bring all your friends.
Everyone is welcome!
Silvia Moreno-Garcia, author of the Arroyo Book Club’s September book – Mexican Gothic, will be making a presentation at the upcoming Los Angeles Libros Festival.
The 7th annual Los Angeles Libros Festival will offer a full day of entertainment featuring Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, musical performances, authors, workshops, books, and community. This event, hosted by the Los Angeles Public Library, is free for all and takes place at Central Library. Details and complete program can be found on the website
Silvia Moreno-Garcia will be in conversation, sharing her experience as a writer across genres in the Mark Tape Auditorium at Central Library on September 13 at 12 p.m. This will be a bilingual presentation.
Unable to make it in person? You’re in luck. The presentation will be streamed on LAPL’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/losangeleslibrary) and the recorded presentation will be available there for about 2 weeks.
This month’s question is what are some of the common plants that can be used in the distillation of spirits?
Need help improving your reading and writing skills? Come by the Arroyo Seco Library any Wednesday between 4 and 6 p.m. and find that help.
Adults can work with a walk-in tutor for 15 to 20 minutes. Walk-in tutoring is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Our FREE services include:
No appointments or Reservations Required!
Please call one hour before coming to the library to confirm the tutor will be here. Our number is 323-255-0537.