September/October 2008

Live Homework Help One City One Now Available Book: Essay

The Thousand Oaks Library is Contest offering every patron with a Thou- sand Oaks Library card online access Leaving Home — to expert tutors through the HelpNow Home is the place where, program from Brainfuse, Inc. one when you have to go there, of the nation’s leading providers of they have to take you in. online tutoring services. Students in — Robert Frost grades 3 through 12, as well as those taking introductory college courses, But “home” is sometimes elu- can access www.toaks.org/library sive, and the search for something from home, school or in the Thousand Young students work at the computers in the that feels like home can make for a Oaks Library to connect one-on-one Grant R. Brimhall Library. memorable journey. The concept of to a trained tutor for academic assis- home, belonging, separation from tance in math, science, English, and Now’s secure file sharing feature to family, and survival are major themes social studies. submit their papers to trained writing of the One City One Book selection The Grant R. Brimhall Library instructors any time of the day. All by . and the Newbury Park Branch HelpNow tutors possess four-year Reflecting on our own experiences is Library, both offer HelpNow. Any college degrees, must undergo a rig- one way to respond to these themes. Thousand Oaks Library cardholder orous selection and training process, In no more than 800 words, tell a can access HelpNow, seven days a and are subjected to a full background story about leaving home, but finding week from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and security check. a home too. and connect for a one-on-one session For more information, please — Perhaps it could be the journey with a tutor. Spanish speaking tutors contact the Grant R. Brimhall Library, from a faraway place or simply from are also available. 805-449-2660, or the Newbury Park one locale to another. HelpNow provides library Branch Library, 805-498-2139. — Perhaps it could be about leaving patrons with live, on-demand home- the comfort and familiarity of home work help, state-aligned skills build- for school, travel, adventure, or ing lessons from expert tutors, and a Connect with a trained opportunity. 24-hour writing lab. With HelpNow, tutor for assistance in — Perhaps it could even be about how hard it was to leave eighth grade tutors and students communicate in math, science, English, real time by typing, drawing, correct- and tackle high school. ing and marking homework lessons. and social studies. Tell your own story or recount In addition, students may use Help- (continues on page 2)

The Newsletter of the Thousand Oaks Library Visit the Library website at www.toaks.org/library • • • The Oakleaf • • • (Essay Contest continued from page 1) the fondly burnished stories and powerful lessons learned from other family LIBRARY members or friends. The winning essays will be read aloud to the community at the Thousand News Notes Oaks Reads One City One Book author event at the Civic Arts Plaza Kavli Theater on October 11, 2008, featuring the celebrated author of What Is the 8 Watch Library Technology What, Dave Eggers. Grow! Verizon Foundation has Rules: provided the funding for digital • Essays must be no longer than 800 words signage at the libraries. The new • Entries must be typed, doubled spaced in 12-pt. Times New Roman font large screen monitors installed • Attach the entry form to your completed essay (entry forms can be above the circulation desk and found at www.thousandoaksreads.org, or in the libraries.) the children’s check out desk at • Do not place your name or other identifying information on your essay the Grant R. Brimhall Library, • Deadline: Entries must be received by 9 p.m. September 24, 2008 and above the circulation desk at Guidelines: the Newbury Park Branch will • Spelling and punctuation should be checked carefully. soon be programmed with in- • Essays will be judged on originality, creativity, eloquence of writing, formation about library and city and structure (that is, how well thought out the essay is), and relevance resources, programs, services and to the theme. materials and other information Essays may be dropped off at the Grant R. Brimhall or Newbury Park we think that library customers Branch Library or mailed to: Thousand Oaks Library, OCOB Essay Contest, will find interesting or helpful. 1401 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The essays must be accom- 8 Movie Matinees: These panied by an entry form that includes the following information: your name, FREE film screenings are held address, telephone number, E-mail address, as well as the category that you are once a month at 1:00pm in the in: Grant R. Brimhall Library Com- — High School students (age 14-18) munity Room. — College and Young Adult (age 19-29) — on September 8, see Out of — Adult (age 30 and above) Africa (1985 – Meryl Streep and Your name and any other identifying information should be on the entry form Robert Redford) In 20th century only. v colonial Kenya, a Danish baron- ess/plantation owner has a pas- Playaway Audio Books sionate but ultimately doomed love affair with a free-spirited The Thousand Oaks Library is nancial contribution from the Friends big-game hunter. Rated PG. now offering Playaway – the first of the Thousand Oaks Library, the — on October 13, it’s time for self-playing digital audio book – at new collection of 120 Playaways The African Queen (1952 - both the Grant R. Brimhall and New- includes works of popular fiction for Humphrey Bogart & Katha- bury Park Branch Libraries, adding adults, teens and children. Selections rine Hepburn) In Africa during the innovative digital format to the in this new format are available at WW1, a gin-swilling riverboat existing audio book collection. both the Grant R. Brimhall Library owner/captain is persuaded by a Half the size of a deck of cards, and the Newbury Park Branch. Addi- strait-laced missionary to use his Playaway is the simplest way to tional selections will be added to the boat to attack an enemy warship. listen to a book on the go and since collection in the near future. — on November 10, see The it uses no tapes or CDs, it can hold There is no charge to check Jane Austen Book Club (2007- an entire audio book, regardless of out Playaways, which have a four- Maria Bello, Emily Blunt, Amy length. Using clearly marked but- week loan period and are renewable. Brenneman) Six Californians tons, Playaway gives listeners the Playaway has a universal headphone start a club to discuss the works ability to move back and forth within jack that works with almost any type of Jan Austen, only to find that or between chapters and alter the of headphone or mobility accessory. their relationships begin to re- speed of a narrator’s voice. It even However the libraries will have ear- semble 21st century versions of has an automatic bookmark feature buds, lanyards and batteries available Austen’s novels. Rated PG-13. that remembers where you left off. for purchase. Made possible by a generous fi- v

Page 2 • • • The Oakleaf • • • Information Advantage NEW When you need reliable information, take advantage of the Arrivals powerful research tools available at your library.

Featured Resource: LearningExpress The Thousand Oaks Library Library has recently added these materials to its collection: September is back-to-school time for students of all ages and a per- FICTION fect time to take advantage of the library’s many online research tools. LearningExpress Library offers interactive tutorial courses and practice The King’s tests covering a variety of topics ranging from basic skills to licensing Favorite (Fiction) exams. Elementary, middle school and advanced placement skills as by Susan Holloway well as reading, writing, math are only a sampling of the school subjects covered. U.S. Citizenship, civil service, real estate, resume and interview- ing skills are among the large set of vocational and career guidance tools. LearningExpress Library can be accessed from the “Research” link on the library’s online website. You will need to create your free LearningEx- If You Ever Tell press account, and then you’re on your way to improving your skills and (Fiction) ensuring success on licensing and employment exams. In addition to the by Carlene practice, you’ll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and Thompson an individualized analysis of your results. NON-FICTION 951.056 L693 Snow Falling in Teen Volunteers Spend Their Spring: Coming of Age in China Summer at the Library during the Cul- tural Revolution Each summer the Thousand Oaks by Moying Li and Newbury Park libraries sponsor a program which encourages teens 155.935 and children to read. This year, 78 I Will Not teen volunteers assisted over 2,700 Be Broken: 5 children in joining the “Catch the Steps to Over- Reading Bug” Summer Reading coming a Life Club. The teens handed out prizes, Crisis by Jerry helped with children’s programs, and White assembled promotional materials. 333.91 The teen volunteers also helped 575 Dry Spring: teens with the “Metamorphosis” Teen The Coming Reading Program. In just 6 weeks, Water Crisis of the teens put in a total of 2,228 volun- North America teer hours! We are fortunate to have by Chris Wood such dedicated young volunteers, and are thankful for the help that they provide. Without them, the library’s 641.36 summer reading program would not The Compassion- be possible. ate Carnivore by Teen Volunteers Karen Sujata (top) and Vic- Catherine Friend toria Chu (bottom) work and have fun at the Summer Reading Club desks. Photos by Judi Bumstead.

Page 3 • • • The Oakleaf • • • Next Chapter Scenes from A Reading Club for Teens with the Library Developmental Disabilities Photos by Judi Bumstead

This fall the Next Chapter Book Club will continue to meet every Tuesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Grant R. Brimhall Library. Spe- cifically designed for teens with develop- mental disabilities, participants meet for one hour once a week to read together and learn, make friends, and enjoy the library. Participants are not required to have a Thousand Oaks Library card, or be a resident of Thousand Oaks. Currently, the seven members of the book club, both young men and wom- en, are reading an adapted version of the classic book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. The members generally read out loud together, but depending upon each individual’s reading level, they may also take turns reading alone or with the help of an adult volunteer group facilitator. Each week, the group takes time after reading a chapter of the book to enjoy conversation and treats. The participants of the book club try to incorporate creativity into the mate- rial they discuss and learn to keep things interesting and fun. For example, during a recent meeting, one of the two adult volunteer facilitators of the Next Chapter Book Club, who is also a docent at the Stage Coach Inn Museum, brought in period clothes for the participants to try on. And, the group has start- ed a scrapbook to record group meetings and activities. The group anticipates that they will complete reading Little Women in the fall, at which time they will begin reading another adapted classic novel. Parents, caregivers, teachers, potential volunteers and teens are welcome to visit the Next Chapter Book Club to decide if they would like to participate, and may call Nancy Schram at 805-449-2660 ext. 251 for more information. The Next Chapter Book Club at the Thousand Oaks Library is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library and the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks.

Fun • Lifelong Learning • Friends

The Oakleaf Thousand Oaks Library • Volume 8, Number 5 • September/October 2008 Director of Library Services: Stephen R. Brogden Grant R. Brimhall Library • 805-449-2660 Newbury Park Branch Library • 805-498-2139 1401 East Janss Road • Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 2331 Borchard Road • Newbury Park, CA 91320 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10:00am - 9:00pm Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 12:00pm - 9:00pm Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm Thursday - Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sunday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm Sunday: CLOSED

Page 4 • • • The Oakleaf • • • Thousand Oaks Reads 2008 Schedule of Events Thousand Oaks Reads is a community-wide reading program that encourages the entire City to join together in experi- encing the same book. We hope you have already read this year’s book selection, What Is The What by Dave Eggers and are eagerly awaiting a chance to meet the author on October 11 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Many other events are planned from mid-September to mid-October. All programs are free and open to the public. Thousand Oaks Art Festival, Satur- day & Sunday, September 20 & 21, Dave Eggers 10:00am - 5:00pm., Thousand Oaks The highlight of this year’s One Civic Arts Plaza. Visit the Thousand City One Book is the Afternoon Oaks Reads One City One Book with Dave Eggers, the author of booth and help create murals for dis- What Is the What. Mr. Eggers will play in the libraries. speak about his experiences, answer questions, discuss the book with the Film Screening: God Grew Tired Dave Eggers audience, and then sign copies of of Us, Thursday, September 25, What Is the What which will be avail- 6:30pm., Grant R. Brimhall Library. DAFRA -- West African Drum & able for purchase. Narrated by Nicole Kidman this is a Dance Ensemble, Sunday, October 5, Dave Eggers currently lives in wonderful and deeply moving docu- 2:00 pm., Grant R. Brimhall Library. the Bay Area, but mentary about three young men from Bring the whole family to this lively he grew up near and at- Africa (“The Lost Boys”) and their concert featuring West African music, tended the University of . He first awe-inspiring encounter with the dance and costume. In the tradition is also the author of the memoir A modern world. Rated PG, 89 minutes. of call and response, the audience Heartbreaking Work of Staggering will participate in the performance by Genius (2000), the novel You Shall An Afternoon with Fern Davye, learning some of the songs, rhythms, Know Our Velocity! (2002), and the Sunday, September 28, 2:00 pm., and dance steps. story collection Grant R. Brimhall Library. Ms. (2004). Davye captivates audiences as she Reflections: Africa, Wednesday, Oc- In 1998, Eggers founded Mc- navigates the rich relationships in tober 15, 7:00pm, Grant R. Brimhall Sweeney’s, an independent book-pub- great writing. Recommended for Library. Community members who lishing house in San Francisco that teens and adults. have worked in Africa, or on Africa’s produces a quarterly literary journal behalf, reflect on their experiences. and a monthly magazine called The CLU Faculty Panel Discussion, Believer. Thursday, October 2, 7:30 - 9:00 pm., Film Screening: Hotel Rwanda, In 2002, he opened 826 Valencia, Lutheran University, Lun- Friday, October 17, 6:30 pm. Grant a writing lab for young people where dring Events Center. CLU professors R. Brimhall Library. The true-life he teaches writing and runs a sum- discuss Egger’s novel and its relation story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel mer publishing camp. There are now to world events. manager who housed over a thousand branches of 826 in , Los Tutsi refugees during their struggle Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, and Ann Book Arts Workshop, Saturday, against the Hutu militia in Rwanda. Arbor, and . October 4. Session One: 10:00am - Rated PG-13; 121 minutes. An Afternoon with Dave Eggers 1:00pm; Session Two: 2:00 - 5:00pm, is Saturday, October 11, 2:00 pm., at Newbury Park Branch Library. Cre- These programs are made pos- the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza ate a handmade book reflecting the sible through the generous contribu- Fred Kavli Theatre for the Perform- themes of What Is The What. This tions of the Friends of the Thousand ing Arts, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. class is taught by California artist and Oaks Library and many generous Admission is free but tickets are teacher Marcia Moore. All materials community partners. For more required. Pick up free tickets at the and tools will be supplied. Registra- information visit the website at www. Grant R. Brimhall Libraryor New- tion is required. Recommended for thousandoaksreads.org or call the bury Park Branch beginning Septem- teens and adults. Library at 805-449-2660. v ber 22. Limit two per person. v

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