BOOKS, BOOKS . . .: Thousand Oaks...

BOOKS, BOOKS . . .: Thousand Oaks officials may move thousand of books from the city’s library while earthquake repairs are being completed (B1). . . . Despite the work and inconvenience, the temporary displacement would speed repairs by clearing space for construction workers. And readers would be spared the dust and noise of renovation.

. . . AND MORE BOOKS: The new year is bringing the county’s teachers a new source for materials . . . but at a cost. The county Library Services Agency is offering a program that makes thousands of books and other reading materials available to teachers--for $25 a year. The Books to Grow On program was available only to day-care providers. Now, teachers will be able to request kits of reading materials in advance and pick them up at the nearest county library branch. For information, call 652-7542.

CHOICE WORDS: He’s no longer in office, but that doesn’t mean former U.S. Rep. Robert J. Lagomarsino is sitting quietly on the sidelines (B1). . . . He makes his opinions known these days in a newsletter that goes out to 300 subscribers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Though much of his criticism is reserved for Democrats--including President Clinton--Lagomarsino’s readers have also been treated to a few well-chosen barbs about the Republican who spent $3.4 million to unseat him: Rep. Mike Huffington.