Online Resources from the
Los Angeles Public Library

 

Have you ever taken the time to really explore the
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
website? If not, you'll be amazed!
Fun to browse!   Informative and interesting!
Well-worth the time!

LAPL TREASURES include:

1. Library Resources: find wonderful resources:

a. Web Links - This is LAPL's Guide to the Internet.
· Search Engines - They help guide you to the information you want on the Internet. Each search engine works a little differently. We suggest your start with Google, and next Bing, and then compare results with all the others when you have the time.
· Subject Categories- Almost every topic you might want is here. For example, book club members, click on "Literature."
b. Research Guides to Popular Topics - This is like having your own personal librarian! Some examples: "Environmental Impact Reports," "Genealogy," "Holiday Cookery." There are literature guides, e.g. "African-American Literature," "Book Reports/Book Reviews/Criticism," "Literary Criticism Locator," "Poem Locator," "Readers' Advisory," "Short Story Locator."
c. Word Processing - Have the use of a Word Processor for writing papers or articles, including a resume program, available via the Library computers. (See #8 - Reserve a Computer)

2. Library Catalog - Search for whatever you want, place it on hold, and request delivery to Encino-Tarzana Branch Library. If an item is not available for a hold (e.g. video, DVD), you might be able to get it by calling the Branch that has it and requesting that it be sent to Encino-Tarzana Branch; you'll be called when it arrives.

Also on the Catalog screen you can look at Hot Titles, books most popular during a 2-week period; Electronic Books that you can borrow and read from your computer or portable Internet device; and even join an Online Book Club [if you don't have time for one of our FOL Book Clubs]. Finally, there are Resources to find online full text works, to download and keep for free.

3. Databases - A well-organized collection of related information or records; data comes from many sources, including encyclopedias, dictionaries and indexes. LAPL has hundreds of databases - most are devoted to a specific topic, e.g. history, biography, fiction, health, America. You can search a specific database by name or multiple databases by topic. Browsing is fun!

4. Photo Collection - LAPL has more than 60,000 images online, focusing on Los Angeles, Southern California Life, and California History. You can search, look at the Overview, read the FAQs. or order a copy of a photograph for a minimum fee.

5. e-Media - Borrow by downloading the best-selling videos, classical music, and audiobooks (also in Spanish). An online guided tour will help you get started.

6. Ask a Librarian - Did you know that you can get your questions answered by "talking""with a librarian via phone, fax, email, or online, 24/7?

7. Your Library Account - See your LAPL record - items borrowed and on hold -- and you can renew them -- all from your home computer.

8. Reserve a Computer - You can reserve a PC for one hour at Encino-Tarzana to use the Internet or MS Word (word processor).

9. About the Library - More "hidden treasures" - a sampling:

a. Borrower Services FOR NEW LIBRARY USERS -- a few pages of "how-to's" and rules, all to make your new experience easy and very pleasant.
b. Central Library - The best treat of all - under Visitor Information - find Art and Architecture in Central Library A descriptive tour of the Central Library; a click on each illustration will fill the screen! The Subject Departments list focuses on several subject areas and describes their materials and collections, research guides, support groups, tours; Children's Literature also has Photos and Events; and Literature & Fiction Dept. has Information Files & Indexes.
c. Friends of the Library describes the overall Friends' groups and other LAPL Support Groups, including our Encino-Tarzana Branch.
d. GAB (Grandparents & Books) Share your passion for reading with children at Encino-Tarzana Library. LAPL offers training in techniques. Bilingual readers are welcome.
e. Library Store You don't have to travel downtown to take advantage of the Library Store and its many gift items for readers, writers, children, and books about Los Angeles.
f. Literacy Project Learn to read or improve literacy with tutors and self-guided programs for adults; learn to read to children.
g. Services for the Disabled - LAPL offers services for those who are blind, hearing-impaired, or homebound.
h. Volunteer Opportunities - Opportunities to volunteer, [including at our Library and with our Friends Volunteers.]
i. Board of Library Commissioners - Interesting reading of the Minutes of the legal head of the Library Department of the City of Los Angeles.
j. Library Foundation - How the Foundation provides additional financial support for LAPL and presents programs. You can join the Foundation.

10. Location & Hours - For all branches, including holiday closures.

11. Events and Exhibits - LAPL offers great events/exhibits -- all free -- for adults, teens, and kids. Also, there is a Calendar of Events that you can search for all Branch library events. [Note: Branches submit calendars 2 months in advance; for Encino-Tarzana Branch, our Website Calendars are much more up-to-date.]

12. News & Press - This page is interesting for LAPL news.

13. Espanol - Much of the same material, translated into Spanish.

14. Kids Path - Find the Kids Catalog, Great Books, Homework Help, Cool Sites for Kids, Events, Games, Espanol, and a "For Parents" page too.

15. Teen Web - Your Library, Homework Help, My Life, What Do You Think?, Events, Teen Reading Club, Library Game. Explore this! Also Student Smart Study Program - citywide seminars and New SAT Practice sessions conducted by The Princeton Review instructors in LAPL branches/Central Library, enabling middle school and high school students to develop effective study and test taking strategies for college.

Please note that some services are unavailable Sunday mornings due to system maintenance.