Season’s Readings everyone! As is generally true, there have been some marvelous books published in 2025, and I’m thrilled to share my favorites with you. I’ve listed these books in alphabetical order by title until the last entry, which is my favorite of the books I’ve read in 2025. When possible, I’ve also provided links to the interviews I’ve done with most of these authors on the LAPL Blog...
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The Woman Nobody Knows
While scouring microfilm in the History & Genealogy Department at Central Library a few months back, I was startled to see a name that seemed entirely out of place in a particular publication.
Anytime, Anywhere: Comics & Graphic Novels 24/7
There are many ways of enjoying great stories and beautiful, engaging artwork—one of these ways is through reading graphic novels and comics. Both express a story with art—but while comics tend to extend the story over a series of issues, graphic novels tell an engaging story in a single book.
The 7½ Los Angeles Public Library Branches Named After Women
Tiffney Sanford, Librarian, North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library, Friday, March 11, 2022
The Los Angeles Public Library has seven and a "half" branches dedicated to extraordinary women. Let’s take a look at these women and their namesake libraries for Women’s History Month.
Women Who Risked Everything: Female Spies of World War II
World War II required an enormous number of troops and personnel throughout the world. The unrelenting demand for labor opened up new opportunities for women. For the first time, the United States military established separate branches for women.
Uncovering Family Secrets: Forming a New Identity
Imagine discovering that the man who raised you is not your biological father. That your mother’s race differs from how she presented herself. That the person you are attracted to is your sibling. That you are the descendant of a renowned individual. A monstrous one.
Interview With an Author: Freya Marske
Freya Marske is one of the co-hosts of Be the Serpent, a Hugo Award-nominated podcast about SFF, fandom, and literary tropes, and her work has sold to Analog and been shortlisted for Best Fantasy Short Story in the Aurealis Awards. She lives in Australia.
5 Picture Books Celebrating California Foodies
California Nouns: People, Places, and Things
California Food Culture
Interview With an Author: Andrea Hairston
Andrea Hairston is a novelist, essayist, playwright, and the Artistic Director of Chrysalis Theatre. She is the author of Mindscape, shortlisted for the Phillip K. Dick and Otherwise awards, and winner of the Carl Brandon Parallax Award.
Julia Perry - American Neoclassicist
Julia Perry (1924-1979) was an American composer of African descent who had remarkable success in Europe and the U.S. in the 1950s and 1960s. She made an international impression with her Stabat Mater, composed in 1951, and her Short Piece for Orchestra the following year.
Congressman John Lewis: Civil Rights Leader and Trailblazer
John Lewis was born in Troy, Alabama, the third oldest son of ten children. His father was a tenant farmer, while his mother earned extra money doing housework for other families.