BOOK THIS: Libraries always get squeezed first...

BOOK THIS: Libraries always get squeezed first in budget crunches. So what was the response from the Buena Park and Placentia library districts when asked to forgive an 11% loss in the county bankruptcy? No, thank you. . . . In a joint letter to two local legislators, the districts’ trustees seethed a little: “We cannot help but recall the past consideration given to our needs by the county. When our districts faced financial difficulties, the county supervisors progressively cut off [our] life support system.”

SPECIAL THANKS: There was a bonus for fans Monday at the first day of practice for the Splash, the indoor soccer team at the Pond of Anaheim. Some of the players, as well as Coach George Fernandez, started calling season ticket holders to thank them for their support. It’s part of the team’s effort to personalize the game. . . . “We’ve sold about a thousand season tickets,” Splash spokesman John Nicoletti says, “and we plan to call everyone.” . . . The team’s home opener is June 25. Tickets: Call 704-2428.

A GREAT NEPHEW: Daniel Webster, who will be among 385 graduates at Western State University College of Law ceremonies Saturday in Irvine, has more going for him than a famous name. He is also the fourth-level great-nephew of Noah Webster, the dictionary founder. He’s also proud of his own milestone: Webster, 30, of La Habra says he is the first openly gay president of a student bar association at any law school in the country. . . . Says Webster, whose term ends this month: “I hope not only to honor Noah’s name, but to make my family and community proud as well.”

CLOSE TO HOME: Bentley Little’s new horror novel, “University,” is set in the fictional University of Brea, where strange things are happening. (E1) It’s the Fullerton author’s first time using Orange County as a backdrop. . . . “It’s fun to set things here,” says Little. “Basically, I did it because I’m lazy and I live here and didn’t have to create a whole new environment.”