Author Ray Bradbury Turns Party Into Library Benefit

THOUSAND OAKS —  Ray Bradbury is surely the only science fiction writer who can say he celebrated his 75th birthday sitting in a throne at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, with Shelley Long to his right, Rod Steiger to his left and 400 adoring fans in front of him.

Tuesday night, the author of “Fahrenheit 451” and “The Martian Chronicles” ate cake, signed copies of his works, shook hands and listened intently as a crew of celebrities read selections from his plays and stories.

It was Bradbury’s decision to spend his birthday in Thousand Oaks at a party with the dual purpose of feting the writer and benefiting the Thousand Oaks Library Foundation.

Known for his fervent love of--and desire to help--libraries everywhere, Bradbury did not hesitate when Thousand Oaks library officials proposed a benefit for their earthquake-damaged building.

“If he knows a library wants him for a fund-raiser, he will break his neck to get there,” said Steve Brogden, the library’s assistant director.

But Bradbury, who lives in Beverly Hills, seems to have an especially soft spot for the Thousand Oaks library. Since 1989, he has done three benefits for the foundation. In fact, it was Bradbury who suggested that this benefit be held on his birthday.

“It’s for a library, and I love libraries,” Bradbury said. “I’ve lectured at 80 libraries in the last six years.”

Bradbury has a couple of personal connections to the Thousand Oaks library. He is good friends with radio personality Norman Corwin, who helped organize Tuesday night’s bash and is an honorary lifetime member of the foundation.

He also has family in town. “My daughter lives within two blocks of the library, and her five kids all use the library in Thousand Oaks,” he said. “I heard about all the damage that the quake did, and I said, ‘What can I do?’ ”

Proceeds from the benefit won’t actually be used to fund library repairs, since federal funds are paying to fix extensive damage to the building’s ceiling and floors.

Library Director Marvin Smith said the money raised will be used on the kind of extras the library couldn’t customarily afford.

With $25 to $75 tickets being sold up until the last moment, Smith said he did not know yet how much the event would raise.

Contemplating a future of decreased government support for libraries, Bradbury urged more community involvement. “It’s got to be local, local,” Bradbury said. “We need to teach teachers to teach reading.”

Though Bradbury pointed out that his futuristic vision in “Fahrenheit 451,” of a world where beloved books were burned, has not come true, he emphasized the importance of reading. “There’s been too much made of the Information Superhighway,” he said. “Talking with strangers on the Internet can’t help you with your creativity. A book can help you.”

Tuesday’s celebration included selections by a number of celebrities, who flanked Bradbury on the stage of the Forum Theater, reading selected pieces from “The Martian Chronicles,” “Dandelion Wine,” “The Illustrated Man” and other Bradbury works.

The California Artists Radio Theatre organized the readings. Members who participated included Shelley Long, Rod Steiger, Stan Freberg, David Warner, William Windom, Norman Lloyd, Samantha Eggar and Kathleen Freeman.

For a few hours, the Civic Arts Plaza was transformed into a “Who’s Who” of television and the stage. Len Lesser, who plays Jerry Seinfeld’s uncle on “Seinfeld,” nibbled cheese and crackers while Charlotte Rae, Mrs. Garrett from “The Facts of Life,” mingled with the likes of Councilman Mike Markey.

Academy Award-winner Steiger posed for photographs with Bradbury, while former “Cheers” barmaid Long slipped in looking glamorous in black and white.

“It’s wonderful to see him celebrating his 75th year with such vigor and intensity and boldness,” Long said. “I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Long said she wasn’t surprised at Bradbury’s choice of birthday party venue. “You reach a point in your life where you look for new things to do on your birthday,” she said.