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Home , Spider Robinson, Tad Williams, Terry Brooks, Vernor Vinge

• • • The Oakleaf • • • March/April 2006

Classic and by Chris Hendel

Science Fiction (SF) has enjoyed or (Wheel of Time – If you enjoy humor, check out the a huge increase in popularity with so 12 volumes and still growing.) works of Piers Anthony (Xanth much interest in the Harry Potter Perhaps you have not read any series), which is full of puns and series, Star Wars movies and the Lord science fiction lately. A number of parodies. One patron said he had read of the Rings films. The publishing staunch fantasy readers recently every one of this prolific series with industry has responded by publishing discussed which book got them his pre-teen and they never stopped twice the usual number of , hooked on SF. Two series by David laughing. ’s Discworld for both children and adults.Those Eddings; Belgariad and Malloreon is intended for an older audience, and who have read all the Harry Potter were frequently mentioned. They in England his works are in even more books are now gravitating to the might catch your interest too. Or to in demand than J.K. Rowling’s Harry Library’s Science Fiction collection to get you started, you might try re- Potter books! Other tongue-in-cheek discover new titles to devour. Perhaps reading some of the best classics of authors worth a try include Robert you are one of them. () or Asprin ( Series), If you are a Hobbit fan, you might H.G. Wells (War of the Worlds.) In (Stainless Steel Rat), Spider Robinson enjoy one of the many epic quest fact, there has been a renaissance of (Callahan), Douglas Adams series complete with griffins, elves interest in other classic SF authors, (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and princes, such as Mercedes such as Philip K. Dick, , and Christopher Stasheff (Wizard in Lackey’s Mage series (Mage Wars, (Chronicles of Am- Rhyme). Mage Winds, Mage Storms), Mark ber), and Marian Zimmer Bradley There are many other varieties of Anthony’s Last Rune, Tad William’s (Darkover.) sub- in SF, so here is a sample , or ’s Witch of just a few: World. Each of these are quite – Mystery (Peter Hamilton different from one another, but are Murder in the Solid State); very popular. - Alien encounters (Julie Harry Potter stories have stirred Czerneda In the Company of Others); more interest in warlocks, magic and - (Neil Stephenson dragons. If this includes you, try Snow Crash); works by Margaret Weis (Death Gate - Disaster ( Heavy Cycle), (Memory, Weather); Sorrow and Thorn), Melanie Rawn - Time Travel (William R. (Dragon Prince), (High Forstchen Lost Regiment); Druid of Shannara), R.A. Salvatore Alternate (Harry Turtle- (Icewind Dale Trilogy), Ann dove Worldwar); McCaffrey (Dragonriders of Pern), (continues on page 3)

The Newsletter of the Thousand Oaks Library TheVisit Newsletter the Library websiteof the Thousandat www.toaks Oaks.org/libr Libraryary Page 1 • • • The Oakleaf • • • LIBRARY Colonial History Makes for News Notes Good Reading by Kathy Heller

Biographers, historians and avid readers fuel the resurgence of interest in Wednesday, March 1 the founding of our country. Books written about the founding fathers, mothers The new and improved Library and brothers who played a significant role in the political and social beginnings of website premiers on this date. America live on library shelves in the 973’s. Authors such as David The web site will have a whole McCullough, Joseph J. Ellis, Charles Cerami and H.W. Brands document the new look with more user friendly colonial era and early years of the new American nation. David McCullough’s access to online services. Patron 1776 (a bestseller focusing on General George and the colonials comments are welcome. who marched with him in the year of the Declaration of Independence) cannot currently be found on our library shelves, available only through the HOLDS Thursday, March 9 process. This highly acclaimed biography dramatizes Washington’s various roles Learn how to take full advantage during the founding of the new nation. He was commander and chief of the of the library’s online catalog and Revolutionary Army, the first President of the United States and leader of the electronic databases both in the Constitutional Convention. He led his countrymen on the field of battle, putting library and at home, in this free together a ragtag group of farmers and frontiersmen who nevertheless managed Internet program: TOMCat + to defeat a highly disciplined military foe. Washington’s tenure as the first Electronic Databases. It will be American president, his refusal to assume the role of “king” and avoidance of held at the Newbury Park any royal trappings, as well as stepping down after two terms, is the stuff of Branch from 10:15 - 11:45 a.m. legend. Not as widely known is George Washington’s contribution to the develop- Monday, March 13 ment of American agriculture. Indeed, Washington saw himself primarily as a A repeat of the above program, farmer. His Mount Vernon estate was his home for more than 45 years. TOMCat + Electronic Databases Granted to John Washington, George’s great grandfather, in 1674, the estate will be presented from 7:00 - passed down to George’s older half-brother Lawrence. Washington inherited 8:30 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks the property from Lawrence’s widow in 1761. With a keen interest in architec- Library. ture as well as land use, Washington enlarged the residence over the years along with building up the property from 2,000 to 8,000 acres. He studied agricultural Thursday, March 23 books, corresponded with other American and European farmers, tested crops Using E-mail and E-mail and planting techniques in an effort to improve the productivity of the plantation. Services He rose at 5:00 a.m. each day, had breakfast and rode out to oversee his farms. 10:15 - 11:45 a.m. at the With constant experimentation, he was able to improve the quality of a soil Newbury Park Branch Library. ruined by tobacco planting using a crop rotation plan and other land conservation This free demonstration focuses techniques. His interest in farming and the improvement of the estate continued on e-mail services. Learn how to the end of his life. George Washington died December 12, 1799, of a throat they work, how to set up and infection following a long day riding in the snow to oversee his property. manage an e-mail account, and Since 1860, restoring Mount Vernon’s historic structures and landscape has how to practice proper been the mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. A professional staff “netiquette”. of archeologists and architectural conservators work to ensure that visitors experience the property as it was during George Washington’s ownership. Use Monday, March 27 your local library as a resource for more information about George Washington A repeat of the above program, or to plan a trip to Mount Vernon (look for travel planning resources in the Using E-Mail and E-mail 917.55 area). Browse the 973’s to become acquainted with the colonial era and Services will be presented from the birth of our nation. Here are some suggestions: Washington’s Secret War 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Thousand (2005) by Thomas Fleming, Martha Washington: An American Life (2005) by Oaks Library. Patricia Brady, His Excellency George Washington (2004) by Joseph J. Ellis, Washington’s Crossing (2004) by David Hackett Fischer, Founding Mothers (2004) by Cokie Roberts, and 1776 (2005) by David McCullough.

Page 2 • • • The Oakleaf • • • Aquarium Arrives at NEW Thousand Oaks Library Arrivals An 18-foot, 3,600-gallon Friends is donating $104,000 for the aquarium, a gift from the Friends of salt-water aquarium, which will be The Thousand Oaks Library the Library, was delivered to the placed in the walkway that connects System has recently added these Thousand Oaks Library on February the new Children’s wing with the materials to its collection: 15. The Friends wanted to donate main library. The tank, made from something spectacular to celebrate the Plexiglas over an inch thick, is 18 feet FICTION new Children’s wing. They choose a long, 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It can large aquarium after several members be viewed from the new Children’s Company Man of the Friends’ Board and Library wing and the main Library, as well as (Fiction) staff went to view the 15,000-galllon from the outdoor courtyard. by Joseph Finder aquarium at the Cerritos Library and (Reprinted from the Friends of the saw what a huge impact it had on the Thousand Oaks Library Newsletter, the atmosphere of the Library. The Friend’s Focus, April/May 2006.)

Cat Breaking Library Expansion Update Free. A Joe Grey Mystery June 24, 2006 is the date planned Saturday, June 24 with a ribbon (Mystery) by for the Grand Opening of the new cutting ceremony, refreshments, and Shirley Rousseau Children’s Expansion at the Thousand children’s activities. The Newbury Murphy Oaks Library. The library may need Park Branch Library will be open to close beginning June 12 to move regular hours during this time. children’s library materials into the The entire community is invited to The Best Time new space and reshelve the materials attend the celebration and come out Travel Stories of remaining in the existing building. It is to tour the new facility. the 20th Century planned that the library will re-open on (Science Fic) edited by Harry (continued from page 1) Turtledove – Military (David Drake Hammer’s Slammers). If you want to find others, look at What Fantastic Fiction Do I Read Next NON-FICTION (R 016.8088), which has a story type index. Or check our electronic resources in the Databases section of our Website: Novelist is great for finding other titles similar to the great one you just read, and the Literature Resources Center will 746.432 give you information about the author and lists of all their works. Mother 2005 was an excellent year for new and established writers. Listed here is of Purl by a recommended selection of new books that will have you coming back for Edith Eig more: Shadow of the Giant by by Ken MacLeod Mind’s Eye by Paul McAuley 978.02 B929 Seeker by Jack McDevitt Buffalo Bill’s Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold America : Someone Comes To Town, Someone Leaves Town by Cory Doctorow William Cody Anansi Boys by and the Wild Shaman’s Crossing by West Show by A Feast for Crows by George R. R. Martin Louis S. Warren Thud! by Terry Pratchett

Page 3 • • • The Oakleaf • • • Calendar of Events

SMTWT FS‹ 1234‹ Friendly Book Used Book Used Book Disc., 7:30pm, 9 Sale 6 - 8:30pm, Sale 10am - 3pm ‹ TOL. “The Perfect for NPB. Sponsored NPB. Sponsored Unbearable Preschoolers by Friends of the by Friends of the Lightness of storytimes for Library. Library. Being” by Milan 3, 4, & 5-yr. olds. Kundera. TOL at 10:30am 6 & at 1:30pm. 578“Google It” Thru April 13. 10 11 A free Internet Wee Ones and TOMCat + and program. Toddlers story- Electronic Explore the many times for ages Databases, a features of 18-36 months. free demo on Google.com. 7 - TOL at 10:15am using the library’s 8:30pm at TOL. and 11:00am. online catalog. Register at Continues thru NPB at 10.15am. Reference Desk. April 11. History Book 12 13 14 15 Disc. Group, 17 18 TOMCat + and Wee Ones and 7:00pm, TOL. Electronic Toddlers story- “The American- Databases, a times at TOL; ization of free demo on 10:15 & 11:00am Benjamin Frank- using the library’s lin” by G.S. Wood online catalog. 16 TOL at 7:00pm. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day Preschoolers 19 21 22 storytimes at 24 25 Wee Ones and TOL: 10:30am & Toddlers story- at 1:30pm. times at TOL; 10:15 & 11:00am 23 Perfect for Preschoolers TOL: 10:30am & March 2006 March 2006 March 2006

at 1:30pm. March 2006 March 2006 Using E-mail, 26 27 28 29 a free demo on Using E-mail, Wee Ones and using e-mail. a free demo on Toddlers story- NPB at 10:15am.You’ve got mail! ‹ how to use and times at TOL; manage e-mail 10:15 & 11:00am 30 31 Perfect for accounts. NPB ‹ Preschoolers at 10:15am. TOL: 10:30am & ‹ at 1:30pm. TOLTOL = Thousand= Thousand Oaks Oaks LibraryLibrary (Grant R.R. Brimhall Brimhall Building) Building) • 805-449-2660• 805-449-2660 NPBNPB = Newbury = Newbury Park Park Branch Branch Library Library •• 805-498-2139805-498-2139 www.toaks.org/library n = Free tickets required.

The Oakleaf Thousand Oaks Library System • Volume 6, Number 2 • March/April 2006 Director of Library Services: Stephen R. Brogden Thousand Oaks Library • 805-449-2660 Newbury Park Branch Library • 805-498-2139 1401 E. 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

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