“Oakleaf” above this line.

Visit the Library website at www.toaks.org/libraryThe Newsletter of the Thousand Oaks Library

November/December 2011

In December Library staff will say farewell to Deputy Library Services Director Nancy Sevier, who began her career at the Thousand Oaks Library as an hourly reference librarian in 1986. Her last day at the library will be December 27. During her tenure here she has left an indelible mark on library staff. “Her love of this library and the library profession is unsurpassed. Her enthusiasm is just contagious. It has been a true pleasure to work with her. Even when tackling tough issues her positive attitude made it easier,” explained Library Director Steve Brogden. “ Her friendship and professionalism has been a real asset to us. I have been lucky to work with someone who is so professional and personable.” While at Thousand Oaks Library, Nancy served as Reference Librarian, Newbury Park Branch Supervisor, Reference Supervisor, Division Manager overseeing Collections, Children’s/Young Adult Services and

References Services and in February 2000 was appointed as Deputy Library Services Director. She has been overseeing the library budget, personnel and day-to-day operations. Nancy also serves as the liaison to the Friends of the Library, and as a mentor in the City’s Succession Planning mentoring program. During her career, Nancy has been motivated by the belief that libraries have a grand and absolutely essential mission in the world. It has been her privilege to assist individuals seeking knowledge, inspiration, solace and community in

the library. “Nancy has been simply the best supervisor and mentor I’ve ever had. She is always upbeat and positive and has such a wonderful sense of humor,” states Library Division Manager Nancy Schram who will step into the other Nancy’s shoes on December 28th as Deputy Library Director. For more than 20 years Division Manager Chris Hendel has had the pleasure of working with Nancy Sevier. “She has

always given excellent and thoughtful advice, based on her long experience. I have taken advantage of that and valued it many times over the years.” One of Nancy’s accomplishments was serving on the team planning the beautiful 22,000 square foot Children’s expansion of the Grant R. Brimhall Library. She admits that being up to her elbows in architect’s drawings, construction blue prints, carpet swatches and library furniture catalogs was both a lot of work and a lot of fun. When recently asked about the experience Nancy said,

Library Staff Says Farewell to Deputy Director Nancy Sevier

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LIBRARYNews Notes

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The 2011 Thousand Oaks Reads: One City, One Book is underway, and for the fifth consecutive year, it’s the city-wide reading program that brings us all together. This year’s One City, One Book selection, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by first-time novelist Jamie Ford, has been embraced by the Thousand Oaks Library community: hundreds of copies of the book are currently circulating, dozens of book clubs have chosen the novel as their autumn pick, and patrons are making plans to participate in discussions and attend cultural programs during the four week One City, One Book season. The author event is the centerpiece and grand finale of each Thousand Oaks Reads: One City, One Book program, and this year welcomes author Jamie Ford to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Fred Kavli Theatre on November 12 at 2:00 p.m. The author event is open to the public, but free tickets are required and are available at the Grant R. Brimhall Library, the Newbury Park Branch Library, and at the Kavli Theatre box office on the day of the event. Jamie Ford is the great-grandson of a Chinese immigrant, who traveled to California in 1865, worked as a miner, and eventually took the name Ford. The author’s own father grew up during the World War II time period that inspired the novel, when American citizens of Asian descent found themselves the victims of racial bias. “It really started with the ‘I am Chinese’ button—this thing my father mentioned wearing as a kid,”

says the author. His novel recounts the chaos of the blackouts, ethnic neighborhood raids and ultimate internment of 120,000 Japanese-Americans, through the story of two young people in 1940s Seattle. Immediately following his talk at the Kavli Theatre on November 12, Mr. Ford will be available to personally greet his readers and sign copies of his book. Other upcoming One City, One Book events, all designed to celebrate the themes and enhance understanding of issues in the book, include: • A California Lutheran University Faculty Panel Discussion on November 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lundring Events Center. Professors will offer unique perspectives and thoughtful responses to many of the issues in Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet; the public is invited to attend this free program, and pose their own questions • SUMO! A fun afternoon of inflatable sumo suit wrestling on November 5 at the Grant R. Brimhall Library, beginning at 12 noon.

One City One Book 2011

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Are you working on creating or updating a resume? Do you know anyone who is doing so? The Library has a wonderful online resume builder that you might find very helpful. It is an interactive program that allows personal data to be entered into a template. There are definitions and suggestions throughout the form as well. A very professional looking resume can be created in a short time. The service is free. Please go to the library website at www.toaks.org/library. Click on the icon entitled “Online Research and Homework Help” and then click on “Jobs and Career Development” and select “Job and Career Accelerator”. It’s fun and very helpful.

The Grant R. Brimhall Library will officially be 30 years old on January 25, 2012. A variety of programs celebrating the first 30 years are planned. Please watch the library website and calendars for more information.

For up-to-the-minute information about the Grant R. Brimhall Library or the Newbury Park Branch Library, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter@tolibrary. See you there!

When buying that nice hot cup of coffee or tea this winter at the Grant R. Brimhall Library coffee cart, don’t forget the kids. Hot chocolate is also available for $1.00 a cup.

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The Thousand Oaks Libraryhas recently added these materials

to its collection:

NON-FICTION

Information AdvantageWhen you need reliable information, take advantage of the

powerful research tools available at your library.

NEWArrivals

Featured Resource: Home Improvement Reference Center

The Home Improvement Reference Center is the definitive online tool for house repair or remodeling projects. It offers clear, practical advice on just about anything you can think of, improvement projects of all kinds, inside and outside the house. Covering everything from decorating home and garden, electrical work, maintenance, plumbing, remodeling, woodworking, etc., the Home Improvement Reference Center has full-text articles from home improvement magazines and major reference works, plus nearly one hundred videos and thousands of images of popular projects. Do-it-yourself enthusiasts will find this database extremely helpful. It is comprehensive and detailed, providing step-by-step instructions and photographs that guide you through a complete range of interior and exterior projects you can tackle with confidence.

(One City One Book continued from page 2)

Enjoy some rousing swing tunes, songs from Sinatra and Anka, and more from the amazing Dean Ratzman. This touring musician from San Diego will entertain from the keyboard with love songs and show tunes from the 40s through the 70s. Travel back to another era when crooners were king and dancing was a way of life. This program is free and open to the public courtesy of the Friends of

Swingin’ with DeanTuesday, November 8, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Grant R. Brimhall Library

the Thousand Oaks Library.

551Catastrophes! Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Tornadoes, and Other Earth-Shattering Disasters by Donald R. Prothero791.4309

A History of American Movies: A

Film-by-Film Look at the Art, Craft,

and Business of Cinema by Paul Monaco

791.4575Why?

Because We Still Like

You: An Oral History of

the Mickey Mouse Club by Jennifer Armstrong

917.9494Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles by Charles Fleming

• A kimono fashion show is a opportunity for an up-close look at the beautiful fabrics and colors of Japan’s traditional costume; presented by renowned Japanese cultural expert Fumi Akutagawa on November 6 at 1:00 p.m. at the Grant R. Brimhall Library • “The ‘Stuff’ of Life” Essay Contest: Write about a memento, souvenir or a collectable that has

meaning in your life, and prompts thoughtful reflection. Go to www.thousandoaksreads.org for complete information and an entry form • A Community Book Discussion on Wednesday November 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Grant R. Brimhall Library is free and open to the public, with no advance registration required. There’s much more on the calendar, so please visit www.thousandoaksreads.org for the details.

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ThousandOaksLibrary•Volume11,Number6•November/December2011Director of Library Services: Stephen R. Brogden

Grant R. Brimhall Library • 805-449-26601401EastJanssRoad•ThousandOaks,CA91362

Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 8:00pm Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Newbury Park Branch Library • 805-498-21392331BorchardRoad•NewburyPark,CA91320

Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm Thursday - Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sunday: CLOSED

• • • The Oakleaf • • •

The Oakleaf

Dancing Tehani presents a “Glimpse of Polynesia” dance program on Saturday, November 26, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Newbury Park Branch, and 2:00 p.m. at the Grant R. Brimhall Library. The whole family will enjoy learning about and participating in some of the beautiful dances of Polynesia in this hour long program. Jennifer Tehani Sarreal began her dancing career at age 8 with her cousins in a family dance group at small festivals. Today her dance repertoire includes Polynesian dances, International-style Ballroom and Latin dances at the silver level,

A Glimpse of PolynesiaDancing Tehani presents

Classical and Tribal belly dance, Filipino and Muslim folkdances, hip hop, and West African Dance. This program is free and open to the public courtesy of the Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library.

(Farewell continued from page 1)

Music @ the Library

Take a break from holiday stress and enjoy a selection of holiday and

classical music presented byThe Silver Strings

Saturday, December 10 at 1:00 p.m.Grant R. Brimhall Library

Community Room

Winter Break Free Family Films Bring the family, your own snacks and enjoy!

Monday, December 19 at 2:00 p.m. Grant R. Brimhall Library

GNOMEO and JULIET

Animated Feature, Walt Disney Pictures, 2011, Rated-G, 84 minutes

Tuesday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m. Newbury Park Branch Library

CARS 2Animated Feature, Walt Disney Pictures,

2011, Rated - G, 113 minutes

“It was an opportunity that I could never have imagined when I started my career as a reference librarian at the UCLA undergraduate library in 1972.” A California native, Nancy and her husband, Jeff, love to travel and are looking forward to seeing their two adult sons and daughter-in-law, who all reside in New York, a little more often now. Bon voyage, Nancy.