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Peek in the Stacks

James Baldwin

James Baldwin, American author, social critic, and activist, was born in Harlem in 1924. He was a prominent literary voice during the American Civil Rights movement, and became an inspirational figure for the gay rights movement, as well. A talented writer, Baldwin published works in numerous genres, especially essays ...

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Bo Peep

Nursery rhymes are verses, chants, or poems spoken or sung to small children to amuse or sooth them. Most were first written down in the 18th century when publications for children moved away from being purely educational, though many rhymes were probably not new at that time. They come from numerous sources, including proverbs, drinking songs, riddles, and historical events or people ...

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Cover, Visit of His Excellency Most Rev. Diomede Falconio, Apostolic Delegate to the United States, Los Angeles, California, 1903

Hidden among the thousands of rare and unique publications in Special Collections and Archives are undiscovered treasures that tell the story of Los Angeles. One of these gems is Visit of His Excellency Most Rev. Diomede Falconio, Apostolic Delegate to the United States. This souvenir book was published to commemorate the dedication of St. Joseph’s Church, one of the most...

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Photograph of a group of naturists, in On Going Naked, 1932

Naturism, or Nudism, is a social movement that advocates and practices social nudity in an effort to encourage self-respect and respect for others. Advocates believe that they came into the world in the nude and therefore they feel closer to nature and the earth when they are in the nude. They also believe that by removing clothing, which establishes social status...

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