One City, One Book Program to Pay Tribute to Endurance, Survival and Redemption

Throughout April, the City of Agoura Hills is presenting several community programs based on its 2013 One City, One Book selection, Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand. 

On the New York Times Bestseller List since 2010, Unbroken captures the story of invincible Louis Zamperini, who went from a troubled youth to a rising Olympic runner for the USA until his career was put on hold to fight in WWII. Trained as a bombardier, Zamperini's plane crashed in the middle of the South Pacific where he survived 47 days on a raft in shark-infested waters only to be captured by the Japanese. He suffered nearly two years as a POW before the war ended, returning home to fight his own personal demons of rage and revenge until finding redemption and forgiveness through religion.

Programs planned for all ages in conjunction with the book are:

An Afternoon with Louis Zamperini

Wednesday, April 10, 1:15 p.m.

The public is invited to spend an afternoon with Louis Zamperini, 96, who will be showing a documentary and discussing his incredible journey of endurance, survival and redemption at the Regency Theater. The event is free but seating is limited; tickets available on a first come first serve basis starting at 12:30 p.m. the day of the event.

Children’s Crane Program 

Wednesday, April 17; 4 p.m.

Mayor Denis Weber reads Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki, a Japanese-American who grew up in an internment camp after the attack on Pearl Harbor, followed by a special origami program with Peggy Hasagawa. Children will learn how to make origami paper cranes, the beginning of an ongoing community program to make 1000 paper cranes that will be sent to the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima, Japan as a wish for world peace from the children of Agoura Hills. The event is free at Agoura Hills Library.

“Unbroken” Fireside  Discussion

Wednesday, April 17;  6:30 p.m.

Join in a community discussion of Unbroken led by librarian Nina Hull and featuring a special guest speaker related to the topic. The event is free at Agoura Hills Library. Call (818) 889-2278.

Vets & Pets Library Program

Saturday April 27; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The public is invited to visit with military pets and service animals; watch demos on how detective dogs are trained through the Sheriff's Canine Program; or adopt a pet sponsored by Camp Bow Wow. Also, letter writing to the troops and live, big band era music with Swinging with Dean Show. The event is free free in the plaza outside the Agoura Hills Library.

On  Wednesday, March 27;  7:45 am, Sumac Elementary School students are invited to kick off the One City, One Book program with "March with the Mayor" to school. Meet Mayor Denis Weber, who served in the military, at Sumac Park located at 6000 Calmfield Drive. The mayor will teach a formation drill and then lead the students in a march to school.     

In addition to listed events, local restaurants are offering "Unbroken" discounts and specials throughout April. 

For more information on the participating restaurants and all programs during the One City, One Book literary program, visit http://ci.agoura-hills.ca.us/ or call 818-597-7361. The programs are sponsored by City of Agoura Hills, Friends of the Library and the Agoura Hills Cultural Arts Council.

The national literary One City, One Book program is designed to stimulate reading through group book discussions and related activities. Agoura Hills’ participation in the program focuses on contemporary life and culture as a community.