Friday, October 26, 2007

Ticket Swap at CLA

If you have a conference event ticket to sell or are looking for a ticket to buy, post your request with contact information in the comments section. As always, CLA will have a "ticket swap" board near the conference registration desk.



Laura Fisher
California Library Association

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

A Little Out There

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Queen Mary Royal Theater
Queen Mary via the Attraction Entrance, accessible from the Seawalk or the Queen Mary Walkway on R-Deck (Level 2)

http://www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=rockyhorror

The performance includes a presentation of the film by 20th Century Fox, as well as a live performance by the resident cast.

Every Saturday at Midnight

Tickets are $8.00 cash at the door, or $8.50 if you prepay online via Paypal. Ticket booths open at 11p.m..
Concessions available in the Royal Theatre lobby starting at 10:30 p.m. Prop/Emergency Kits can be purchased for $1 at the concessions stand. These kits include rice, confetti, balloons, and newspaper (as well as the occasional cracker-jack prize!).

Historical Cemetery Tour

Historical Society of Long Beach
(562) 495-1210 – call for information

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Purchase Tickets When You Arrive
1095 E. Willow Street
Long Beach Municipal & Sunnyside Cemeteries

Tours start every 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Last tour begins at 11:30 a.m. Tours last 2 hours

You will need a car to get there

Howl'Oween Dog Parade and Pet Adoption Fair

http://www.hautedogs.org/howloween.html

Sunday, October 28, 2:30 parade and activities. 500+ dressed-up dogs. Halloween Costume Contest at 4:30 p.m.

Cost: free
Livingston Park (Livingston Drive & Park Avenue) – Belmont Shore

The Passport Bus Service will get you there

Friday, October 5, 2007

A Little Historic Long Beach

Queen Mary (see at the beach)

Rancho Los Cerritos
4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach
562-570-1755
www.rancholoscerritos.org

Built in 1844, the Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site features a Monterey-style adobe house furnished to reflect the occupants and lifestyles from the 1860s-1880s. Garden and tour.

You will need a car

Rancho Los Alamitos

6400 Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach
562-431-3541
www.rancholosalamitos.com

Features a sprawling adobe ranch house from 1800, four acres of gardens designed by landscape architects of the 1920s-1940s, a working blacksmith's shop and live farm animals.

You will need a car

Historical Cemetery Tour

Historical Society of Long Beach
(562) 495-1210 – call for information

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Purchase Tickets When You Arrive
1095 E. Willow Street
Long Beach Municipal & Sunnyside Cemeteries

Tours start every 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Last tour begins at 11:30 a.m. Tours last 2 hours

You will need a car to get there

Art Deco and Streamline Modern

Just walk around downtown Long Beach and enjoy the Art Deco buildings. Some of my favorites:

Monday, October 1, 2007

FOR THE FAMILY

Aquarium of the Pacific

100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3100
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org

9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

General Admission - includes all the galleries, hands-on labs, and presentations.

Aquarium Admission Plus Behind-The-Scenes Tour (Ages 7 and up only) - General admission plus a one hour behind the scenes guided tour.

Aquarium Admission Plus Ocean Experience - General admission and 90 minutes aboard a boat seeing Pacific marine life up close.


Walkable

Catalina Express (see at the beach)

Howl O’ween Dog Parade
http://www.hautedogs.org
Sunday, October 28, 2:30 parade and activities. 500+ dressed-up dogs. Halloween Costume Contest at 4:30 p.m.

Cost: free
Livingston Park (Livingston Drive & Park Avenue) – Belmont Shore

The Passport Bus Service will get you there

Belmont Plaza Pool
4000 E. Olympic Plaza
570-1806

At least four lap lanes are available during all sessions. Lockers are available for daily use, but swimmers must bring their own locks. Children must be 48" tall or accompanied by an adult (18 yrs. and older) in the water at all times. Swimsuits required. No refunds. Leave all flotation devices at home. Water is kept at 80-82°.

The Passport Bus Service will get you there

Game Works
10 Aquarium Way
(562) 308-7529
http://www.gameworks.com/experience.php

There is often a mix of families and young singles. There are family appopriate games and food. There are also several bar areas. Children must be accompanied by an adult over 21. After 9:00 pm this site is only open to the 21 and older crowd.

Walkable


Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

3720 Stephen M. White Drive
San Pedro, CA
(310) 548-7562


This kid-friendly aquarium on Cabrillo Beach is housed in a structure designed by Frank Gehry and features the world of sea life.

You will need a car


Los Angeles Maritime Museum

Berth 84 (at the foot of Sixth Street)
San Pedro, CA
(310) 548-7618


Browse an awesome collection of model ships from every era, and submerge yourself in the legacy of L.A.'s maritime pioneers at the museum.


You will need a car


Point Fermin Lighthouse

807 W. Paseo Del Mar
San Pedro, CA
(310) 241-0684


Tour one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast. The light has been removed, but the Victorian charm is still evident.


You will need a car

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Nightlife: Clubs, Bars and Music
Downtown Long Beach, compact and vibrant, offers an eclectic mix of cuisines, shopping and entertainment. The red Passport shuttles are free in the downtown area, so it’s fast and easy to get around.

Alegria
115 Pine Avenue
(562) 436-3388
www.alegriacocinalatina.com

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Flamenco- Two Flamenco Shows 1st one at 7:30pm 2nd at 9:00pm Friday & Saturday: Hot local bands: 10:30pm-1:30am

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant
71 S. Pine (at the Pike)
(562) 437-8300
www.aulddubliner.com

The Auld Dubliner’s interior was hand crafted in Dublin. Irish music is regularly presented Thursday through Saturday (sometimes more often – check the calendar on the website). Beer is served in 20 oz Imperial Pints. Food offerings range from curry chips and sausage rolls, through hamburgers, touching on Irish fare (shepherds pie and Irish stew), to Boxty (Irish stuffed pancakes) and finally to traditional entrees (stuffed sole, lamb chops).

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Blue Café
210 Promenade
(562) 983-7111
www.thebluecafe.com

This is a pool and music venue. You can sometimes catch two shows (one upstairs and one down). There is a very mixed audience - college students, bikers, older folks, and a tattooed contingent.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Cohiba
110 E. Broadway
(562) 491-5220
www.clubzone.com

This elegant nightclub and lounge are nestled above Pine Street in downtown. Here you will find specialty martinis, fine cigars, three professional pool tables or the newly renovated nightclub.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Cotton Club West
730 E. Broadway
(310) 654-1116
www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/
Fridays – Latin, Jazz and Salsa
Saturday – Top 40, R & B, Salsa
Sundays – Jazz
The Cotton Club West is an intimate jazz lounge. Adjacent to the famous “Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, the Cotton Club West is where you can catch the most current in Jazz, Latin Jazz, Top 40 and R&B! The Cotton Club offers a full bar.

La Palapa
4020 Olympic Plaza, 1 (next door to the Belmont Plaza Pool)
(800) 958-7729
www.lapalaparestaurant.com/menu/brunch.htm
Fridays – Nopal
Saturday, JAZZ

Mai Tai Bar
87 Aquarium Way
(562) 435-1200
www.clubzone.com/c/Long_Beach/Beach_Bar/Mai_Tai_Bar.html
The Mai Tai Bar overlooks Rainbow Harbor and the Aquarium of the Pacific. It is one of Long Beach’s hottest new venues. Relax on the patio with a view of the water and enjoy the sounds of the islands by hip local bands.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Pike Bar and Grill
1836 E. Fourth Street
(562) 437-4453
www.pikelongbeach.com/Home.html
The Pike Restaurant & Bar is a neighborhood fish grill featuring Long Beach’s Best Fish and Chips - rated #1 in the Press Telegram.
The diverse menu features pastas, fresh grilled fish, burgers, fish tacos and salads. The beverage menu includes an extensive variety of Micro Brews on tap, Fine Wines and a full bar. All of this and Long Beach’s finest Live Entertainment 7 nights a week!

V20
81 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.v2olongbeach.com
"One of the largest venues in the area, this $10 million dollar nightclub is something that you have to experience. With an atmosphere that will stimulate your eyes, a sound system that will rock your ears and a beverage menu that will keep you coming back for more...V2O Nightclub is the place to stimulate your senses."

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Vault 350
350 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(888) 80-vault
(562) 590-5596
www.vault350.com
Three-level, 28,500-square-foot Long Beach venue hosts music acts and more.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Yard House (SHORELINE VILLAGE )
401 Shoreline Village Dr.
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 628-0455
www.yardhouse.com/location

“The Yard House is an upscale-casual eatery known for its extensive menu, classic rock music, and world's largest selection of draft beer. From classic lagers to more obscure ales and stouts there's a draft beer flavor for everyone. Each Yard House location features a transparent keg room containing more than 600 barrels, some 1,000 gallons of beer, and an endless fleet of tap handles - 130 to 250 - depending on the location. The menu of American cuisine includes an impressive selection of appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, individual-size pizzas, seafood, steaks, ribs and chops. The Yard House plays classic rock and roll on its state of the art sound system while an abundance of flat screens showcase the day's sports and special events.”

Walkable

Salsa Clubs

Mariposa Restaurant
135 Pine Avenue
(562) 437-2119
www.mariposaonpine.com

Free salsa lessons every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Open at 6 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday. Every Friday – Saturday following dance lessons, the salsa band, Candela, plays till 1:45 a.m. Full menu of Mexican cuisine with entrees starting at $10.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Cafe Sevilla and Sevilla Nightclub
140 Pine Avenue
(562) 495-1111
www.cafesevilla.com, www.sevillanightclub.com

One-hour salsa lessons on Thursday begin at 8:30 p.m. Cover which includes lessons, $5 before 9:00 p.m. and $12 after 9:00 p.m. After the lessons, dancing till 1:45 a.m. Open at 4:30 p.m. (Note: Friday and Saturday, no salsa, only hip-hop. Top 40 and house music.) Full menu of Spanish cuisine with entrees starting at $15 and tapas from $5 to $12.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Long Beach Public Library Staff Recommendations

The Staff of the Long Beach Public Library are happy to share their Restaurant and Shopping Recommendations with you.

Restaurants - Inexpensive to Mid-Range – Within Walking Distance

Buono's Authentic Pizzeria
250 W. Ocean Boulevard, #A
562-432-2211

http://www.buonospizza.com

Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
One Pine Avenue and Ocean Blvd.
562 -308-2255

http://www.rockbottom.com

This popular chain brews their own beer on the premises. The menu features a wide selection of appetizers, burgers, chicken, salads, seafood, pizza and ribs.

California Pizza Kitchen
61 S. Pine Avenue
562-628-1800

www.cpk.com

Auld Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant
71 South Pine Ave.
562- 437-8300

www.aulddubliner.com

Alegria Cocina Latina
115 Pine Avenue
562-436-3388

www.alegriacocinalatina.com

Its unique menu offers many of Spain's most noteworthy treats including paella.

George's Greek Deli
318 Pine Ave
562-437-1184

www.georgesgreekcafe.com

Pf Chang's China Bistro
340 S. Pine Ave.
562-308-1025

www.pfchangs.com

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
87 Aquarium Way, the Pike at Rainbow Harbor
562-432-0300

www.bubbagump.com

CasaVino Wine Bar
51 South Pine Ave
562-216-1590
www.casavinowinebar.com

Mai Tai Bar
The Pike, 97 Aquarium Way
562-435-1200

www.maitaibar.com

A trendsetting and fun spot overlooking gorgeous Rainbow Harbor and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Yard House
401 Shoreline Dr. (Shoreline Village)
562-628-0455

www.shorelinevillage.com

Largest selection of draft beer in the world with 250 taps and menus ranging from steaks, seafood, pizza, salads and great appetizers.


Outback Steakhouse
20 Shoreline Dr.W.
562-435-0002

www.outbacksteakhouse.com

SuperMex
732 E. First St.
562-436-0707

www.supermex.com


Restaurants - High End - Within Walking Distance

L' Opera Ristorante
101 Pine Avenue
562-491-0066

www.lopera.com

Northern Italian cuisine.

Parker's Lighthouse
435 E. Shoreline Dr.

562-432-6500

www.selectrestaurants.com/parkerslight/index.html

Landmark restaurant housed in a U.S. Coast Guard-sanctioned rooftop lighthouse with spectacular views from every table.

Restaurants - Reasonably Priced - Requires Transportation

Joe's Crab Shack
6550 E Marina Dr., in Alamitos Bay Landing
562-594-6551

www.joescrabshack.com

Park Pantry
2104 E. Broadway
562-434-0451

Famous for good fresh home cooked meals in a casual and friendly atmosphere.

Avila's El Ranchito Mexican
5345 Long Beach Blvd.
562-428-7348

Cha Cha's Caribbean Fusion
762 Pacific Avenue
562-495-4242

Phuket Thai – Belmont Shore
5274 E 2nd St
562-433-5859

Star of Siam – Thai Restaurant
2109 E Broadway
562-439-1564

www.starofsiamonline.com

Panama Joe's – Belmont Shore
5100 E. Second St.
562-434-7417

Award winning Mexican dishes

Chen's Chinese Restaurant
2131 E Broadway
562-439-0309

Le Creperie Café – Belmont Shore
4911 E 2nd St
562-434-8499

www.lacreperiecafe.net

Crepes just like you would find in cafés and bistros on the streets of Paris.

Pinkberry Ice Cream and Yogurt – Belmont Shore
5305 E 2nd Street
562-987-5472

Riley's – Belmont Shore
5331 E. Second Street
562-856-1612

Selection of typical finger foods, from wings to spinach dip, plenty of burger and sandwich selections and also a surprising choice of reasonably priced dinner entrees. Restaurant is owned by the son of one of our librarians.

Cafe Gazella – Belmont Shore
191 La Verne
562-438-5033

Classic Italian cuisine in a gorgeous setting featuring lamb, New York steak, veal tenderloin and fresh fish.

The Pizza Place
1431 E. Broadway
562-432-6000

Belmont Brewing Co.
25 - 39th Place
562-433-3891

www.belmontbrewing.com

Four Olives Café
4276 Atlantic Ave.
562-595-1131

A trendy Bixby Knolls restaurant touted by locals for its quality meals at reasonable prices.

The Library - A Coffee House
3412 E Broadway
562-433-2393

Polly's Bakery Café
4680 E Los Coyotes Diagonal
562-595-5651

Since 1968, good old-fashioned meals and outstanding pies and baked goods.

Restaurants - High End - Requires Transportation

The Reef Restaurant
880 S. Harbor Scenic Dr.
562-435-8013

http://www.reefrestaurant.com

Boasting "the best view in Long Beach" no matter where you are seated in the restaurant you will experience the breathtaking vision of the downtown Long Beach skyline from across the Queensway Harbor.

Bono's Restaurant – Belmont Shore
4901 E. 2nd St.
562-434-9501

Owned by Christy Bono, the late Sonny Bono's daughter. The menu consists of dishes designed to emulate California cuisine with just a hint of Italian influence.

Café Piccolo
3222 E Broadway
562-438-1316

Northern Italian cuisine served in an enchanting garden atmosphere.


Shopping Locations - Within Walking Distance

The Pike at Rainbow Harbor – across the Convention Center
95 South Pine Avenue
562-432-8325

http://www.thepikeatlongbeach.com/

A vibrant dining and entertainment district linking the Long Beach Convention Center to Rainbow Harbor's waterfront and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Have fun at GameWorks, ride the antique carousel or catch the latest movie release at the state of the art, all-stadium seating Cinemark Theatre complex.

Shoreline Village
562-435-2668

www.shorelinevillage.com

A reasonable walk to shops and restaurants. Go past the Aquarium of the Pacific and Pine Avenue and turn right onto Shoreline Village Drive. Or, take the Passport a free shuttle service that connects Shoreline Village to the downtown area every 12 minutes.

CityPlace Mall

A reasonable walk to an eight-block urban retail development in the heart of downtown Long Beach, that is bound by Third Street to the south, Sixth Street to the north, Pine Avenue to the west and Elm Avenue to the east. Stores include Wal-Mart, Nordstrom's Rack, Ross Clothing, Albertson's Supermarket, and drugstores.

http://www.longbeachcityplace.com

Shopping Locations - Requires Transportation

Belmont Shore

A cozy little community by the beach and the most heavily shopped area of Long Beach. Belmont Shore stretches along 2nd Street and Ocean Avenue on the southern most end of the city. Popular 2nd Street, an approximate four-block long shopping region features great shops, boutiques, galleries, book stores, restaurants, banks, photo labs, Starbucks and Peet's coffee, and the Bay Shore Branch of the Long Beach Public Library located at 195 Bay Shore Avenue. www.belmontshore.org/index.php


Bixby Knolls

An area of Long Beach nestled between the North Long Beach, California Heights, and Wrigley areas of Long Beach within the 90807 zip code with a concentration of retail and restaurants especially along Atlantic Avenue. The Dana Branch of the Long Beach Public Library is located on 3680 Atlantic Avenue.

www.bixbyknollsinfo.com

Queen Mary
1126 Queen's Highway
562- 435-3511

An array of unique shops and one-of-a-kind treasures inside the Queen Mary. The Queen's Marketplace, outdoors, is an English-style village that includes refreshments and gifts.

www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=shopping

Market Place
Boutiques and restaurants
Pacific Coast Highway and Second Street
562-431-6282

www.longbeachmarketplace.com


Thursday, August 16, 2007

Food

Long Beach must be one of the best restaurant cities in California. From the high priced and swanky Madison to the local and friendly Omelette Inn (Breakfast and lunch only) there is something for everyone. Many are within walking distance of the Convention Center. And, if you take a trip farther out to Belmont Shore you will find even more. Here is a small selection:

The Madison
102 Pine
(562) 628-8866
http://www.themadisonrestaurant.com

Pricey and elegant.

The Mahogany walls and columns are original, so are the amazing high ceilings, adorned with delicately painted details. The whole of New York City was searched to find two antique crystal chandeliers to illuminate the elegant interior. On the back wall, from a stunning mural, pale faces haunt the room like benevolent ghosts of a gentler era.

A la carte entrees start at $20 with sides (vegetables, potatoes, etc) beginning at $6. Soups and salads begin at $7.

L'Opera
101 Pine
(562) 491-0066
http://lopera.com

Warm, elegant and beautiful.

Entrees - $11 – 30
Soup - $6

Leave room for Tulipano ($8.50) or one of their other fabulous desserts.

Alegria Cocina Latina
115 Pine Avenue
(562) 436-9108

www.alegriacocinalatina.com

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Flamenco
Two Flamenco Shows 1st one at 7:30pm 2nd at 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday: Hot local bands: 10:30pm-1:30am

George's Greek Deli

http://www.georgesgreekcafe.com
318 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 437.1184

Saturday night belly dancing at 8:00 pm

Entrees $10 - $20
Sandwiches $7 - $10

5316 E. 2nd St. (Belmont Shore)
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 433.1755

Same menu – no belly dancing

Gumbolaya
245 Pine Avenue, Suite 220
(562) 901-6800
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Gumbolaya is the new, affordable Cajun restaurant that openend in June 2007 in the Pine Square Theater Complex. It can be found on the outdoor second story of the theater complex with tables overlooking Pine Avenue, a half-dozen tables inside and a long lunch bar with stools in the back.

-- Vegetarian --

P. F. Chang's China Bistro (Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly)
340 South Pine Ave.
Phone: (562) 308-1025
http://www.pfchangs.com/

A national chain of Chinese restaurants with savvy management at the top and four attractive locations in the Los Angeles area. New on their menu are four vegetarian entrees offered as lunch selections in addition to several vegetable dishes in the regular menu. The lunch dishes can also be ordered for dinner. Even more impressive is that their vegetarian foods are prepared in a separate portion of the kitchen from the rest of the menu. Try their Ma Po Tofu, Coconut Curry Vegetables, and Brown Rice for a delightful lunch or dinner treat.

Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight

Zephyr Vegetarian Café (Vegan and Raw)
340 East 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562-435-7113

An informal café with a funky ambience and reasonable prices that features a full menu of salads, raw and cooked daily soup specials, sandwiches, burgers, living foods, and entrees. The soups, both raw and cooked, are delicious. Be sure to try the Seitan Bowl, a garden of vegetables over brown rice with chunks of seitan stir fried in a tasty teriyaki sauce. Most of the vegetables served are organic and are purchased at the local farmers' markets.

Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday
Closed Monday

For more choices in the downtown and Belmont Shore areas, check out:
www.dlba.org and www.belmontshore.org


Add a comment about your favorite Long Beach restaurant