Upcoming Events and Free Programs at the Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park Branch Libraries
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Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.
There are two great Thousand Oaks libraries; the Grant R. Brimhall Library at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks (805.449.2660) and the local Newbury Park Branch is at 2331 Borchard Road (805.498.2139). These libraries provide year-round free events, activities and programs for all ages. Selected events from time to time will be covered here.
Visit the library website at www.toaks.org/library to learn more.
April 2024 Programs:
ALL AGES
National Library Week Month-Long Celebration
For the month of April, anybody who signs up for a new library card at the Thousand Oaks Library will receive a prize or Opportunity Drawing Ticket. The Opportunity Drawing Ticket will be good for one of three prize drawing: a $100 Amazon gift card, a $50 Target gift card, or a $50 Trader Joe’s gift card. Children and teens can get a prize from our prize box. While supplies last. Grand prize drawings will be held May 6th. Sign up today at the front desk or www.tolibrary.org.
Bookmark Contest
Pick up a bookmark contest form from the library and design your own original bookmark inspired by the 2024 Summer Reading theme Adventure Begins at Your Library! For grades K-Adult. Entries are due April 30, 2024. For more information and rules, please visit www.tolibrary.org/src & read the contest form.
Eclipse Moon Phase Scavenger Hunt
Stop by either library between March 29 – April 7 and participate in a scavenger hunt! Participants will use a map to locate the various phases of the eclipse hidden around the library. Finish the scavenger hunt to receive a pair of eclipse glasses. While supplies last.
Eclipse Viewing In-Person
Join Mike Hartinger from the Space Science Institute and UCLA to learn about the April 8 total solar eclipse, view it through a special sun-viewing telescope, and watch using eclipse-viewing glasses provided by the library. This program will be held on Monday, April 8 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
Gosh Yarn It
Relax, crochet, and socialize at the Thousand Oaks Library’s crochet club! Beginners and experts alike are welcome to bring your own supplies and hang out with fellow crocheters as we sip tea and work on our projects. For ages 11+. This program will be held on Friday, April 12 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
Meet Danny Jordan: Author of The Capables
In honor of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness month, please join us as we welcome the author of the award-winning inclusive children's book series, The Capables, Danny Jordan! This program will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Community Room.
CLU Lecture: Communication with Dr. Regina Biddings-Muro
Dr. Regina Biddings-Muro, Vice President of University Advancement at CLU, will give a special lecture on the subject of Communication. This program will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
An Afternoon with Alka Joshi: Author of The Henna Artist
The 2024 Thousand Oaks Reads: One City, One Book selection is The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi! An Afternoon with Alka Joshi is the culminating author talk, discussion, and book signing. This program will be held on Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 pm in the Bank of America Performing Arts Center - Fred Kavli Theatre. FREE TICKETS are required for this event. Digital tickets are now available via Ticketmaster. Paper tickets will be available starting April 1 at both libraries. For more details, visit www.tolibrary.org/ocob.
LevelUp Lounge
Stop by the Grant R. Brimhall Teen Space on Fridays for access to all ages gaming with the Library’s Xbox Game Pass! Hang out and relax with games like No Man’s Sky, Powerwash Simulator, Forza, Sea of Stars, and over 250 more options!
KIDS
LEGO Play @ Your Library
DUPLO® bricks are available for younger builders. Recommended for school age. This program will be held from 10:15 am to 11:45 am on Tuesday, April 2 in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room and on Wednesday, April 3 in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
Homework Help Center
Need help with homework? Want to improve your math or reading skills? Don't know much about history? Great news! Students in Grades K-8 can get help with homework from volunteers at the library. The Homework Help Center is open at the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room on Mondays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Tuesdays from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Closed on all CVUSD holidays and breaks. No sessions on April 1-4.
Space Fun!
Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Adair Teller as she discusses the upcoming eclipse, current NASA events, and take part in a fun space-themed activity. For ages K-5 & space enthusiasts. This program will be held on Thursday, April 4, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. *All attendees will get Eclipse Glasses for the upcoming Eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Dog Days
Readers of all levels and abilities are invited to come and read to a certified therapy dog! Participants will sign up for a brief 10-minute session with a dog and their owner. This program will be held Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23, & 30 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Children’s Program Room. No sessions on April 1-4.
Reading Buddies
Helping students in Grades 1-4 practice reading and gain read aloud confidence! This program will be held on Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room, and on Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm or 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
Music & Movement
Dance, clap and sing along with Ms. Cheryl and her guitar during this fun, interactive program for ages 0-5 years. This program will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 10:15 am to 10:45 am and 11:15 am to 11:45 am in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
Future Einsteins: Oobleck and Non-Newtonian Fluids
Observing first-hand how non-Newtonian fluids work through Oobleck. Led by Teen Volunteers. For grades 1-5. This program will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Community Room. Registration required.
Writing Buddies
Let's Roll-a-Story! This activity engages students in Grades 2-5 by providing elements of storytelling while simultaneously supporting skills such as brainstorming and creative writing. This program will be held on Thursday, April 18 from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
Talk, Read, Sing! with First 5 Ventura County
Join First 5 Ventura County and participate in a variety of activities that promote speech/language and literacy development. For ages 0–36 months. This program will be held on Friday, April 19 from 10:30 pm to11:15 am in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.
Mini Masters: Georgia O’Keeffe
An art history story and craft program led by a Teen Volunteer. Artist: Georgia O’Keeffe. Book: Through Georgia’s Eyes. Craft: Giant Paper Flowers. This program will be held on Sunday, April 28 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Children’s Program Room.
Storytimes & Playtime
Baby Storytime
Join us at the Grant R. Brimhall Library for 20 minutes of storytelling fun! This is a lap-sit storytime for babies 0-12 months. This program will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 23, & 30 from 10:15 am to 10:35 am. Walk-ins welcome.
Toddler Storytime
Join us at the Grant R. Brimhall Library for 20 minutes of storytelling fun! This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. This program will be held on Wednesday, April 10 & 24 from 10:15 am to 10:35 am and 11:00 am to 11:20 am. Registration required.
Preschool Storytime
Join us at the Grant R. Brimhall Library for 30 minutes of storytelling fun and a small craft! This is a storytime for ages 3-5 years. This program will be held on Thursday, April 11 & 25 from 10:15 am to 11:00 am. Walk-ins welcome.
Newbury Park Toddler Storytime
Join us at the Newbury Park Library for 20 minutes of storytelling fun! This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. This program will be held on Thursday, April 11 & 25 from 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome.
Bilingual Pajama Storytime/Hora de cuentos en pijama bilingüe
Join us at the Grant R. Brimhall Library for a bilingual (Spanish/English) storytime and craft for ages 3+. This program will be held on Monday, April 29 from 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm. Únase a nosotros en la Biblioteca Grant R. Brimhall para disfrutar de una hora de cuentos bilingüe (español/inglés) seguida por una manualidad para edades de 3 años o mas. Este programa se llevará a cabo el lunes 29 de abril de 6:30 pm a 7:15 pm.
Enrichment Playtime
Join us for 30 minutes of unstructured playtime. For babies ages 0-12 months, this program will be held on Tuesday, April 16 from 10:15 am to 10:50 am at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. For toddlers ages 12-36 months, this program will be held on Wednesday, April 17 from 10:15 am to 10:50 am at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room and on Thursday, April 18 from 1:15 pm to 1:50 pm at the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room. For preschoolers aged 3-5 years, this program will be held on Thursday, April 18 from 10:15 am to 10:50 am at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
TEENS & TWEENS
Summer Teen Volunteers Needed!
The Library needs friendly teen volunteers during the Summer to help with Summer Reading Club, LibCon, and Library programs and activities. Apply ASAP for first choice in Library and volunteer shifts. Go to www.tolibrary.org/teens for more information and application details. Orientation Training sessions available starting in April. Volunteer shifts available June 15-August 11, 2024.
Eclipse Pencil Pouches
Decorate a black pencil case with glow in the dark paints to make an eclipse, stars or galaxies. Only for Grades 6-12. This program will be held from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, April 2 in the Grant R. Brimhall Teen Space, and on Wednesday, April 3 in the Newbury Park Library Tech Space. Registration required. *All attendees will get Eclipse Glasses for the upcoming Eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Reading Rocks Book Club
Join us monthly to discuss books with strong female characters. For Grades 4-5, Rocks, the program will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For Grades 6-8, Boulders, the program will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All sessions will be held on Tuesday, April 9 in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Children's Program Room. Registration required.
Reading for Brag Tags
Get a Brag Tag for every book you finish with more than 100 pages. Submission form and details at the Library. Only for Grades 6-12. This program will be held from March 1 to April 15. Get your Brag Tag(s) before April 15. While supplies last.
Social Media Literacy for Tweens
In this 2-hour workshop, tweens will learn the impact of social media, how to evaluate ads in places like Instagram, and take-away strategies for rebuilding confidence, self-esteem and body image. Christina Berke is a writer, educator, and former middle school teacher, she's currently an Adjunct Professor of English and is certified with the Be Body Positive network. Only for Grades 6-8. This program will be held on Sunday, April 21 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (with a short break in between) in the Grant R. Brimhall Technology Training Room. Registration required.
eComic Book Club (Virtual)
Read comics, graphic novels and manga from our ComicsPlus catalog on your phone, tablet, or computer. Join us in an online safe space where we can discuss with other fans of eComics. This month we will read and discuss Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu. For ages 13-18. This program will be held virtually on Thursday, April 25 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Registration required, details to join will be sent after registration .
Books for Buttons & Boba
Come to the Library and pick-up a “Books for Buttons and Boba” form. Finish a book with more than 200 pages, get a button, and enter for a chance for a Boba gift card. For Grades 6-12. This program is held at both library branches.
Games in the Teen Space
Get your game face on and dive into a world of board game fun with friends at the Library, then level up your Fridays with epic video game showdowns at the LevelUp Lounge! For Grades 6-12. This program will be held from March through April in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Teen Space.
Coding Club (Registration Is Full)
Members will learn how to program using Java and work together to create software with the group, as well as being able to create, present, and see other personal/group projects on a regular basis. Led by Teen Volunteers. Only for Grades 6-12. This program will be held on Mondays, April 1, 15, & 29 from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Technology Training Room. Registration required & must attend most meetings.
ADULTS
Tea Tasting Kit
Experience the rich flavors of India! Each kit includes a tea bag and one of the following loose-leaf teas: Darjeeling First Flush, Darjeeling Second Flush, Masala Chai, or CTC Assam. Kits available at both libraries. While supplies last.
Virtual Author Talks
The Foods, People, and Innovations That Feed Us–A Sweeping History of Food and Culture with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson. This program will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 2 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
From Murder to Atonement–Confronting My Son’s Killer with Diane Foley & Colum McCann. This program will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 9 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
A Literary Examination of Power, Love, and Art with Xochitl Gonzalez. This program will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 17 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Board Game Club
Adults are invited to join us monthly to play strategy board games like Forbidden Island, Dungeon Mayhem, and Wingspan. This program will be held on Tuesdays, April 2, 16, & 30 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. The April 16th meeting will be held in the Grant R. Brimhall Teen Space.
Free Movie Matinée
Watch free movie matinées at the library! View the movie schedule online. This program will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:30pm on April 5 in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room, and on April 8, 20, & 22 in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
Henna 101 with Henna Me Beautiful
Learn about the history of henna, and the basics of how to create simple and beautiful design elements. Henna Me Beautiful's lead artist, Afshan Khan, is certified through International Certification of Natural Henna Arts. Materials and supplies provided. This program will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Community Room. Space is limited. Registration required.
Tea Tasting with Alaya Tea
Join us to try a variety of teas! Alaya is an Indian, women-owned tea company. Their name comes from “Himalaya,” a region where some of the finest teas grow and thus, inspired the founders Esha Chhabra and Smita Satiani to build a tea company. This program will be held on Sunday, April 7 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Space is limited. Registration required.
Happily Ever After Book Club
Join us as we chat about our favorite romance novels, where a Happily Ever After (HEA)—or a Happily For Now (HFN)—is always guaranteed. This month’s book is Wolfsong by T.J. Klune. This program will be held on Monday, April 8 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Technology Training Room. Walk-ins welcome.
Conversations with Mom
This free support group is for moms and their newborns to get together in a relaxed environment to express their joys and concerns. A safe place to ask questions and meet other new moms in the community. This program will be held on Tuesdays, April 9, 23, & 30 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. No session on April 2nd and 16th.
eBooks and Audiobooks
Interested in reading or listening to a book on your device? Have some experience with digital books but would like to learn more? Join us as we explore Libby, a popular digital lending service. This program will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, April 10 in the Newbury Park Library Tech Space and on Wednesday, April 17 in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Technology Training Room.
Spanish at Your Library
Intermediate and advanced learners will gain a better understanding of how to express themselves in Spanish under the gentle guidance and support of a language-learning professional. Adults and teens 14+. This program will be held on Wednesday, April 10 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Technology Training Room. Registration preferred. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows. No session on April 24th.
Open Mic Poetry Nights
Come listen to local poets and share your own work! Poets include members of the Ventura County Poetry Project, local poets, and special guest readers. This program will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 10 & 24 in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group
Practice speaking English in an informal and friendly group setting. All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced. Adults and teens 14+. This program will be held on Thursday, April 11 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Tech Training Room. Registration preferred. Walk-ins welcome if space allows.
Dot Mandala Crafternoon
Transform a compact mirror into a vibrant mandala masterpiece. This program will be held from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 13 at the Newbury Park Library and on Sunday, April 21 Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
Kathak Dance Demo & Follow Along with Sona Lewis
Indian classical “Kathak” dance artiste and performer Sona Lewis will present Kathak dance. There will be a “follow-along” segment for anyone who wants to learn more about Kathak. No prior dance knowledge is needed. This program will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
