Bikers trying to raise bucks for books

It's an unlikely pairing, but one that's expected to put more books on the shelves of Camarillo's new public library.

Tom Elsaesser, owner of the Ventura Harley-Davidson dealership in Camarillo, announced his "Bikers for Books" fundraising campaign during last week's Camarillo City Council meeting.

Jason Barresi, the shop's general manager, said Ventura Harley-Davidson will match any donations made to the new library by their customers through the end of the year.

"We think a library is such an important part of a community," Barresi said. "Our goal is to match $25,000 in donations."

Both Barresi and Elsaesser are Camarillo residents.

"Bikers for Books" is part of the "Next Chapter" fundraising campaign, a city-sponsored charity drive that's expected to raise $1 million for 40,000 books to stock the new 65,000-square-foot library.

Barresi said the dealership is sending their Camarillo customers a letter that explains the fundraiser and gives a general overview of the new city library, which is expected to open in February.

The letter invites customers to bring in their donations to the dealership, which will match any gifts and then deliver the money to city hall.

Ci t y Manager Jerry Bankston said more than 400 individuals have already made donations to the "Next Chapter Campaign" for a total of nearly $600,000.

For more information about the "Bikers for Books" campaign, call (805) 981-9904 or visit Ventura Harley-Davidson at 1326 Del Norte Road.

-Daniel Wolowicz