Library Foundation Announces New ALOUD Series, ‘Branching Out’

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles has made its first announcement of programming under new Director of Public Programs Jessica Strand. The following is their press release.

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles’ ALOUD series announces its new lineup of programs called Branching Out, dedicated to celebrating the lively and diverse communities in Los Angeles. Beginning this July, these programs will be held at parks adjacent to five Los Angeles Public Library branches across the city, including Vermont Square Branch Library, North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Library, Memorial Branch Library, Lake View Terrace Branch Library, and Edendale Branch Library. Throughout the summer, library patrons can listen to readings, music, see dance, find food trucks, and more with performances by Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, Bob Baker Marionette Theater, a program curated by Black Lives Matter movement co-founder Patrisse Cullors, and readings by poets Marcello Hernandez Castillo and Tina Chang. More programming and readings for Branching Out to be announced.

“This summer we are exploring the city with programs that reflect the communities where each of these branches live. As we continue to bring ALOUD further into the city, we hope that people experience their local branches in new and interesting ways through this free, accessible programming,” says LFLA Director of Public Programs Jessica Strand.

Adding to ALOUD’s summer lineup is a new program collaboration with The New York Times, highlighting the paper’s diverse offerings from arts and culture to food and climate all while reminding attendees that a Los Angeles Public Library card grants free online access to The New York Times.

ALOUD will also host a Lost & Found at The Movies program this summer with Dr. Heather Berlin in conversation with Lost & Found curator John Nein on the neuroscience of how our brains process films.

The ALOUD series is delighted to host these events for the Los Angeles community to further promote reading, creativity, and most importantly, free access to programs and services offered by the Los Angeles Public Library. This summer, all ALOUD programs are free and open to the public. For a complete list of upcoming ALOUD programs please visit lfla.org/ALOUD.

Tuesday, July 9
Lost & Found at the Movies: Your Brain on Movies
Location: Mark Taper Auditorium at Central Library
Featuring Dr. Heather Berlin
In conversation with John Nein, Senior Programmer, Sundance Film Festival
FREE Event

If you’re already fascinated by movies from the standpoint of human behavior, consciousness, and character motivation, try watching them with a neuroscientist. With Dr. Heather Berlin, we’ll take a journey through the human mind, exploring its relationship to complex characters, the creative process itself, and how we watch and interpret cinema.

Saturday, July 20
Branching Out at Vermont Square Branch
Reading by Paul Carter, South LA Activist
Featured performance by Fernando Pullum Youth Orchestra
Location: Vermont Square Park
FREE Event

Celebrating Los Angeles’ oldest branch library, this spirited Vermont Square event will feature readings from community leaders and a performance by Fernando Pullum Youth Orchestra. The orchestra is excited to share their love of music to their local audience in their special homecoming performance.

Tuesday, July 30
In collaboration with The New York Times
Location: Mark Taper Auditorium at Central Library
Conversation with Kyle Buchanan
FREE Event

Based in a forthcoming piece compiling influential films, The NYT’s pop culture reporter and Carpetbagger columnist Kyle Buchanan explores the role of theatre and story as well as the conventional idea of movies with entertainment industry insiders.

Saturday, August 3
Branching Out at North Hollywood Branch
Featured performance by Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
Location: North Hollywood Recreation Center at the Amelia Earhart Regional Library
FREE Event

Take flight this summer outside of the Amelia Earhart Regional Library to honor the famed aviator who lived in North Hollywood and known for her love of books. Join us for a reading by a surprise guest and jazz performance by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.

Saturday, August 17
Branching Out at Memorial Branch
Featured performance by The Open Floor Society and Bob Baker Marionettes
Location: Los Angeles High Memorial Park
FREE Event

With such close proximity to the Los Angeles High School, the historic Memorial Branch Library has a strong presence in the community since 1930. Enjoy some family fun festivities in the heart of Mid-Wilshire from salsa dancing with The Open Floor Society to a puppet show from Bob Bake Marionette Theater.

Saturday, August 24
Branching Out at Edendale Branch
Featured performance by Street Symphony
Curated by Patrisse Cullors
Location: Echo Park Lake
FREE Event

Two pillars of the Echo Park community—the library and the lake—unite for a lively musical performance by the Street Symphony and a program curated from Patrisse Cullors, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter.

Thursday, August 29
In Collaboration with The New York Times
Conversation with Jon Pareles and Jill Cowan
Location: Mark Taper Auditorium at the LA Central Library
FREE Event

The New York Times asked readers for a list of songs that best emulate California and their love of it. The New York Times received a huge response. The event will include music, a dance party, and a conversation with New York Times Jill Cowan, the California Today correspondent, and music columnist Jon Pareles to discuss the music of California and our emotions attached to the songs.

Saturday, September 14
Branching Out at Lake View Terrace
Featured performance by Chris Pierce and Sunny War
Reading by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo and Tina Chang
Location: Hansen Dam Park
FREE Event

Lake View Terrance Branch is the eco-friendliest space in the Los Angeles Public Library system. Continuing their legacy, join us in the Valley for some fresh air and fresh voices with powerful performances from soul man Chris Pierce, folk-punk musician Sunny War, and poets Marcelo Hernandez Castillo and Tina Chang.

September (Date TBD)
In Collaboration with The New York Times
Conversation: TBD
Location: Mark Taper Auditorium at the LA Central Library
FREE Event

Music can evoke emotions but food is the way to the heart. The event will include a discussion about the process of alternative meats and their effects on the environment as well as the growing popularity of engineered non-animal based foods. After the discussion, there will be a food tasting.

About ALOUD
ALOUD is the Library Foundation of Los Angeles’ series of bold and powerful programs. Programs will continue to evolve as we experiment, take risks, and try new ideas that are informed by the changing world and the audiences we serve. New programs are frequently added, and all programs are subject to change.

About the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles supports the Los Angeles Public Library in its effort to provide all 3.8 million Angelenos with equitable access to thousands of free programs, the Library Foundation strengthens the Library’s commitment to educate and empower every individual in our city’s diverse communities. At the Foundation, we are committed to keeping the Library thriving for generations to come and to providing all Angelenos with the tools to enrich and improve their lives.

What are you looking for?