The 19th branch library of LAPL, Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library, is in Boyle Heights — almost East Los Angeles just off Whittier Boulevard.
It was built in 1927 and is registered as a Historic Place. It’s a perfect place to spend some of Hispanic Heritage Month, sharing stories.
Riley walked straight to the children’s section, decorated with bright butterflies and multicolor banners.
She immediately sat down in the cutest chairs in the entire library.
She picked quite a few books off the shelves, apologies to the librarians who had to re-shelve the books we didn’t have room for in our bag. . .
Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley was a hit.
When we got home, she kept signing “more” at the end of the book, so we would read it again.
She picked Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons created and illustrated by James Dean, story by Eric Litwin. A winner of a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor.
She does love cats. And buttons.
While in the library, we made a new friend who showed Riley the books she picked out. That was Riley’s favorite part of our visit. . .
We took home Would You Rather be a Princess or a Dragon? by Barney Saltzberg.
I think Riley wants to be a dragon.
We picked out My Princess Boy: A Mom’s Story About A Young Boy Who Loves To Dress Up by Cheryl Kilodavis and illustrated by Suzanne DeSimone.
Who doesn’t love to dress up? What a great book.
We got Wait by Antoinette Portis.
I loved this one, too. Hurrying and waiting. . . the story of most of our lives. I hope to teach Riley to wait and take in the simple beauty in the world around her.
We took home Bear Flies High by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Adrian Reynolds. What a fun book with song and rhyme.
The last book we took home was Little Roja Riding Hood by Susan Middleton Elya and illustrated by Susan Guevara. A Pura Belpré Honor Book – an exciting book to find during Latino Heritage Month (The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library)! (Also on a side note, there is a new documentary film out about the NYPL called Ex Libris).
We really enjoyed this new take on an old tale and learning a few new Spanish words, too.
Like I mentioned, it’s Latino Heritage Month . . . and kids, there is an app challenge going on! And, there is an ongoing art exhibit at Central Library. . . can’t wait to go and see it.
Never a dull moment in Los Angeles. Thank you LAPL! If you don’t have a library card, sign up now during September — Library Card Sign Up Month! It’s the best card in L.A. hands down.
