Arlene Bradley has the happy distinction of being the Friends of the Library’s most senior volunteer. Arlene has been associated with the library since 1986, and a volunteer since 1991. When Arlene and her family first moved to the area, Arlene came to the library once a week for reading material for herself and her children. On one fateful visit she was given a tour of the library, and encouraged to become a Friend—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Arlene moved to California from Massachusetts in 1941, and obtained her degree in social work from UCLA. She and her husband built their first house themselves, near Box Canyon, living in a trailer until it was completed. Over the years, Arlene has seen a lot of change come to the area, but one thing hasn’t changed—her dedication to the Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library. “The books are wonderful,” Arlene says. “But it’s the people who make the difference. The people I work with are why I get up and come to the library every week. It’s definitely the people.”
These days Arlene takes the Dial-A-Ride from University Village to arrive in time for her weekly Tuesday morning shift, working with Audrey Helix on the Daily Used Book Sale’s stellar children’s book collection. Arlene says she loves working with the children’s books—“the big picture books, even the squatty board books,” because they are so beautiful. Arlene pauses for a minute, reflecting, and then smiles. “Of course,” she says, “You do get first crack at them, and I always bought my share.”
Tuesdays wouldn’t be the same without Arlene Bradley in her customary place sorting children’s books and getting them ready for the Daily Sale shelves. The Friends are grateful for Arlene’s unflagging dedication and her can-do spirit; we hope Arlene will be sorting on Tuesday mornings for years to come. Thanks, Arlene, for all you to do help us #keepthelibraryawesome!
About Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library
The Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library is a California-based group of avid library advocates dedicated to enhancing the Thousand Oaks Library with support services and intellectual and cultural programs that enrich the lives of area residents of all ages. Learn more at www.ftol.org.
Contact
Kathy Leslie, Publicity Coordinator
Email: publicity@ftol.org