Category Archives: Fun Stuff

LOC Geography & Map Division Virtual Orientation

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Curious about the Library of Congress’ Geography & Map Division collections? Please join Geography and Map Division staff next week for a virtual orientation to learn more about the collections and resources!

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Time: 3:00-4:00 pm (Eastern), 12-1pm PDT

Location: Online

Register for this session here!

Reference librarian Julie Stoner and Geospatial Data Visualization Librarian Meagan Snow will present an introduction to the Geography and Map collections at the Library of Congress. This orientation session, aimed at the general public, will highlight a wide range of cartographic formats and subject matter. The focus of the session will be on maps and online resources available to all patrons any time or place in the world. Topics covered will also include search tips and tricks, research and collection guides, ways to engage with the collections online, and how to prepare for a future trip to the reading room. After the presentation, staff look forward to answering additional questions from attendees. Check it out!

Fireworks 2026!

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I’ve noticed that firework stands are appearing around town, which reminds me that the 4th of July is almost here and that means FIREWORKS!

Like the many years before, the famous Fireworks app will tell you when fireworks will start to be sold in SoCal cities that allow them and when you can light them up! Check it out!

Cinematic Cartography

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The next Cambridge Seminar in the History of Cartography will be held via Zoom on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at 5.30pm UK time (9:30am PST).

The speaker will be Chris Lukinbeal, University of Arizona on Cinematic Cartography.

All are welcome.

Please register for the talk at https://buytickets.at/emmanuelcollege/1929457 and the Zoom link will be sent to you.

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On a side note, this reminds me of a book I purchased a while back, Cinemaps. You should pick one up for a Christmas gift! -mike

Fireworks 2025!

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Fireworks! Fireworks! Fireworks!

Yes, it is almost July 4th again and our famous SoCal Fireworks app has been updated for 2025.

For this year the City of Orange has joined the other cities that allow fireworks. Sadly the City of Carson and City of Inglewood decided to ban fireworks for this year.

Use the app to view cities that allow the sale and discharge of fireworks in LA, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Included are days and times when fireworks will be sold and when you can light them up, as well as links to city websites and telephone numbers. Data was collected from municipal codes, websites, and/or contacting each city. Data provided as is. Some cities are allowing sales now. Check it out and be safe!

Fireworks 2024!

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It’s that time again … July 4th and fireworks! Only some areas in SoCal are allowing the sales of fireworks. Where can you go?

Use the app to view cities in LA, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino County that allow the sale and discharge of fireworks.  Included are days and times when fireworks will be sold and when you can light them up, as well as links to city websites and telephone numbers.  Data was collected from municipal codes, websites, and/or contacting each city. Data provided as is.  Some cities are allowing sales now AND allow you to discharge them as well!  Check it out and be safe!

ESRI Launches Maps.com

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Last week, ESRI launched Maps.com, a media website designed to celebrate maps and introduce the power of mapping to the world. Each week, the Maps.com editorial team publishes content to engage you and help you learn about the world through maps. Topics range from local issues to areas of global interests, and includes content contributed from the GIS community. Check it out!