In this February 16, 2023, edition of LA County Library’s Heart & Hand Book Talk Series, watch Oliver James, one of the brightest new stars on TikTok’s BookTok platform. His story makes for one of the most uplifting in the whole literary world: he taught himself to read at the age of 34 by leveraging TikTok. Oliver is also a fitness aficionado and personal trainer who got started on his reading journey while working out, and now he’s set a “modest” goal of reading 100 books this year. We promise you will come away from this talk inspired! The Heart and Hands Book Talk Series hopes to inspire people to open their hearts and minds by challenging existing perceptions about systemic racism and injustice against people of color. Developed as part of LA County Library’s Equity Initiative, these talks feature discussions on thought-provoking literature as well as conversations with noted authors and speakers. The Heart and Hands Book Talk Series is moderated by Skye Patrick, LA County Library Director.
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Oliver James – Heart & Hand – Destigmatizing Illiteracy with Social Media
:Upcoming Events
WAITING FOR GODOT
As Vladimir and Estragon wait and wait for the arrival of the elusive Godot, a cast of mysterious misfits interrupt their endless vigil in Samuel Beckett’s tragi-comic masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. Timeless and multi-layered, Waiting for Godot changed the course of contemporary drama and remains as resonant and riveting as ever. Tuesdays – Fridays, 8:00 p.m. Saturdays, 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Sundays, 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Da Poetry Lounge -Open Mic Night
We provide a platform to celebrate poetry while using it as the foundation for creativity, innovation, and expression across various media outlets. We invite artists and audiences alike to share their stories, take up space, and enjoy the evening. Every Tuesday night, 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. (except for the third Tuesday)
The Crazy Superhero Vacation
The Crazy Superhero Vacation is a production by Ms. Neate’s class at Vena Avenue Elementary. Animation and editing are by Pieter Hardeman of Toy Story Lab. Southland Sings is a creative organization using the arts to unlock creative potential through live opera, musical theatre production, education assemblies, and music composition for all ages.
WICKED
WICKED looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, another young woman is born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets an exceptionally popular bubbly blonde, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good” and the other “wicked.” Tuesdays – Saturdays – 8:00 p.m. Saturday – 2:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
ARTEONICA*: Art, Science, and Technology in Latin America Today
ARTEONICA* revisits a lesser-known Latin American art movement, initiating a discussion between a group of innovative computer artists from the 1960s and 1970s, and contemporary Latin American artists whose work is influenced by their legacy. Despite the political and social conflicts across Latin America in the ’60s and ’70s, artists in the region explored the interconnectedness of art, science, and technology during that time.