Classic Science Fiction and Fantasy by Chris Hendel
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• • • The Oakleaf • • • March/April 2006 Classic Science Fiction and Fantasy by Chris Hendel Science Fiction (SF) has enjoyed or Robert Jordan (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 fantasies, hooked on SF. Two series by David laughing. Terry Pratchett’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. Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451) or Asprin (Myth Series), Harry Harrison 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, Vernor Vinge, and Christopher Stasheff (Wizard in Lackey’s Mage series (Mage Wars, Roger Zelazny (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-genres in SF, so here is a sample Otherland, or Andre Norton’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 - Cyberpunk (Neil Stephenson dragons. If this includes you, try Snow Crash); works by Margaret Weis (Death Gate - Disaster (Bruce Sterling Heavy Cycle), Tad Williams (Memory, Weather); Sorrow and Thorn), Melanie Rawn - Time Travel (William R. (Dragon Prince), Terry Brooks (High Forstchen Lost Regiment); Druid of Shannara), R.A. Salvatore Alternate History (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 Washington 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).