Do It. "This is Your Library."

Sure, everyone's always preaching about how we should save our public libraries, and obviously there's really no reason not to want to save your local library -- free books, entertainment, childhood memories, those poor librarians. But admittedly, it can be difficult to think of something that you could do that would actually help out the public spaces.

But now there's this: the Library Foundation of Los Angeles is taking steps to make the library cool again by hosting "This is Your Library." It's supposed to be the beginning of a new series of "late-night talk show-like events," featuring discussions with prominent people from and about the wonderful city of Los Angeles. There'll also be live music, DJs, food trucks and a bar, and overall just a good time hanging out at the library at night, appreciating L.A. Supporting the library can be pretty easy, right?

The kickoff of the series is Thursday (tomorrow) night at 7:30pm at the Central Library downtown, and it's going off with a bang: among the featured guests for the night is LA Weekly's own food critic guru Jonathan Gold, Stuff White People Like's Christian Lander, Black Flag/Circle Jerks' Keith Morris, Latin musician and up-and-comer Ceci Bastida and the band The Holloys. It's a pretty eclectic group, which should make for an interesting night. Tickets are $15 each, and remember, this is going to the Library Foundation, so it's all in goodness.

"This is Your Library" is taking place at the Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium located at 630 W. Fifth St. in downtown.

And if you're still jonsing for a drink afterwards, head on over to my favorite Library Bar!

-- Chau Tu

Eat Out. Library Bar [Thirsty Thursdays!].

Most of my good friends know that I spent much of my wonderful time in college at the library...and no, that's not as nerdy as it sounds. No, no, I was just your regular work-study student working behind that big library desk, sitting pretty and people-watching while you stressed out about your research paper and got mad at us for giving you late fees. Best job in the world? Maybe.

So it goes without saying that libraries will always hold a special place in my heart, and although I no longer work at one, I figure I can still (still? shhh) drink at one. The Library Bar is the perfect substitute. Situated right in the heart of downtown near (duh) the L.A. Public Library on 6th St., the below-ground bar is low-key with a not-too-dark atmosphere and yes, books on the shelves. (But don't even think about trying to, er, check them out. I once witnessed a guy who dared to throw a book jokingly at a friend get consequently thrown out by the awesome bouncer literally before the book hit the ground.)

The drinks are pretty decently priced for downtown, with well drinks going for about $7, and happy hour (until 8pm) margaritas and cosmos at about $4. The bar also apparently has amazing food, which I have yet to try, but have definitely drooled over as I sucked on the blueberries of my whiskey sour (yes, blueberries in a whiskey sour!). Parking can be a hassle, with it being downtown and all, but according to their website, the bar now provides $5 validated parking after 6pm. So, just like with those late fees, no excuses.

The Library Bar is located at 630 West 6th St. in downtown.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Yelp