The Library will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day.

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Writer Jennifer O'Callaghan and her latest book, Rear Window: The Making of a Hitchcock Masterpiece in the Hollywood Golden Age
Photo of author: Hayley Andoff
Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, November 6, 2025

Jennifer O'Callaghan is a freelance writer and journalist. She has worked as a reporter for Metro News, The Sundance Channel, Shaw TV, and CKUA radio in news, entertainment, and lifestyle beats. She has also appeared as a red-carpet reporter for the web entertainment site MyBroadway.com , and as host on Paradetown USA on NYC-TV. She has interviewed...

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Collage of films adapted from books

Read It First! Movie Adaptations in Theaters This Month

Elizabeth Graney, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Wednesday, May 4, 2022

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times—the book was better! There's nothing like debating the differences between a favorite book and its translation to the screen.


Collage of vintage photos from Tessa.org

Why We Need Another Celebration Month

Tina Lernø, Librarian, Digital Content Team, Saturday, April 30, 2022

May is Jewish American Heritage Month. It was officially declared on April 20, 2006. The month of May was chosen due to the highly successful celebration of the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History. 350 years. That's a lot of years!


Author Gary Philips and his latest novel, One-Shot Harry

Interview With an Author: Gary Phillips

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, April 28, 2022

Son of a mechanic and a librarian, Gary Philips has published various novels, comics, novellas, and short stories, worked in TV and edited or co-edited several anthologies including the Anthony-winning


Sims Poetry Library from the outside

Poetry Month: Sims Library of Poetry

Catherine Sturgeon, Children's Librarian, Angeles Mesa Branch Library, Monday, April 25, 2022

It began with a man and a suitcase of poetry. Hiram Sims, professor and poet, started this journey by loaning books of poems to his students at the Community Literature Initiative’s (CLI) Poetry Publishing Class. One of the requirements for the class was to read a poetry book a week.


Author Peter Swanson and his latest novel, Nine Lives

Interview With an Author: Peter Swanson

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Thursday, April 21, 2022

Peter Swanson is the New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including The Kind Worth Killing, winner of the New England Society Book Award, and finalist for t


Children at the beach with floatie toys

5 Picture Books About Beaches & Oceans

Kadie Seitz, Librarian, Youth Services, Tuesday, April 19, 2022

California Nouns: People, Places, and Things
Beaches & Oceans


Dodger Stadium a view from the stands

Baseball is Back! 9 Classic Baseball Novels

David Kelly, Senior Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Friday, April 15, 2022

A little over a month ago the prospect of Major League Baseball’s opening day arriving on time looked bleak at best and the possibility of a long work stoppage loomed. Thankfully, everyone came to their senses and another baseball season has started.


the visitor movie poster

Time Out of Joint: Underrated Sci Fi Films You Can Stream on Kanopy

Randall Hinson, Librarian, Office of Education and Literacy, Thursday, April 14, 2022

The year is 3036. Venusian Fnargs have demolished Earth and fried much of the human race with subthalamic energy beams. Now they scuttle through the smoking rubble of New Los Angeles, hunting down survivors.


Youth Poet Laureate Jessica Kim

Interview With Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate Jessica Kim

Lynne Thompson, Poet Laureate Emerita of Los Angeles, Monday, April 11, 2022

At what age did you begin writing poetry: Were there poets who encouraged or inspired you in the early stages and if so, who and what encouragement or inspiration did they provide?


Collage of films adapted from books

Read It First! Movie Adaptations in Theaters This Month

Elizabeth Graney, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, Monday, April 11, 2022

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times—the book was better! There's nothing like debating the differences between a favorite book and its translation to the screen.


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