CHATSWORTH : Ray Bradbury to Aid High School Library

The last straw for Chatsworth High School librarian Janet Sklar came after a student asked for a copy of Ray Bradbury’s book “Fahrenheit 451,” and she found that the school library had no copies.

Sklar, disgruntled over the skimpiness of the library, particularly its dearth of contemporary novels and science fiction works, decided to take action.

Sklar complained to Chatsworth English teacher Phyllis Bennett, a die-hard Bradbury fan, who suggested asking Bradbury to donate his time for a benefit. Bradbury, a longtime supporter of public libraries, agreed to a benefit lecture tonight so long as the Chatsworth public library would benefit.

The Chatsworth High School library has about 12,000 books. The Los Angeles Unified School District recommends that the average high school library carry 15,000 to 20,000 books, said Janet Minami, director of media services for the district.

Chatsworth senior Josh Arce, 17, is another Bradbury fan who plans to attend the lecture. He said the library’s limited collection is frustrating for students, adding that he recently searched for a book on John F. Kennedy’s assassination and found none.

Besides “Fahrenheit 451,” books by Toni Morrison and Alice Walker top the list of those that the school will buy with money from the benefit, Sklar said.

The lecture is at 7 p.m. in the Chatsworth High gym at 10027 Lurline Ave. Bradbury will be available for an hour before the lecture to autograph books. Tickets, available at the door, are $7 general and $3 for students.