Upcoming Events and Free Programs at the Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park Branch Libraries

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. 

The Grant R. Brimhall Library will be closed on Sunday, May 4, due to events at Conejo Creek North Park; however, the Newbury Park Library will be open from 12 pm to 5 pm. Both libraries will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Our Virtual Library is open 24/7!

ALL AGES

LibCon 2025: Artist Alley Application Now Open!

Calling all artists! The Thousand Oaks Library is accepting applications for LibCon Artist Alley 2025! This is your chance to showcase and sell your artwork at the Library’s annual pop culture convention, happening August 9 & 10. Applications due by June 20, 2025. Visit www.tolibrary.org/libcon for more information and application details.

Gosh Yarn It

Friday, May 9 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Relax, crochet, and socialize at our 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+.

The Great Puzzle Race

Saturday, May 17 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Form a team of up to 4 people and race against other teams and the clock to complete a 500-piece puzzle in 2 hours. Registration required, one per team.

Maker Mondays: Cricut Machine

Monday, May 19 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Teen Space

Discover the Cricut Maker 3—drop in, get inspired, and craft something cool! For ages 11+.

Taiko Drumming with Togen Daiko

Sunday May 25 • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Experience and learn about the Japanese art of Taiko Drumming from the performers of Togen Daiko.

LevelUp Lounge

Fridays • 10:00 am – 5:30 pm • GRB Teen Space

Access 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!

Board Games at the Library

Grant R. Brimhall Library

Stop by the Information Desk to borrow board games to play while inside the Library! Games available include Wingspan, Parks, Forbidden Island, and more.

Stay & Switch

Newbury Park Library

Join the fun by exploring our newest addition to the Library of Things. Stop by the Newbury Park Library Information Desk to check out a Nintendo Switch Lite, loaded with exciting digital games! You can borrow it with your library card and enjoy gaming while you’re in the Library.

KIDS

Homework Help

Mondays • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Tuesdays • 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Wednesdays & Thursdays • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Struggling with challenging school assignments? Our volunteers are here to help! For students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Runs September 2024 to May 2025; closed on CVUSD holidays and breaks. No Homework Help May 22 through May 29.

Dog Days

Thursday, May 1 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Tuesdays • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room

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.

Music & Movement

Saturday, May 3 • 10:15 am – 10:45 am & 11:15 am – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room

Dance, clap, and sing along with Ms. Cheryl and her guitar during this fun, interactive program for ages 0-5 years. Registration required.

PACT Light with First 5 Ventura County

Fridays, May 9 &16 • 10:30 am – 11:15 am • NPL Meeting Room

Join First 5 Ventura County for a series of classes that mimic the Parent and Child Together (PACT) classes offered at Neighborhoods for Learning sites for children prenatal to 5 years. Classes include books, songs, music and movement, guided play with open-ended materials, and parent education.

Cardboard Explorations

Wednesday, May 14 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • Newbury Park Library

Engineer new creations from recycled materials with Makedo tools. For grades K-5.

Writing Buddies

Thursday, May 15 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Students in grades 2-5 are invited to share their creativity by writing a short story. Registration preferred. Walk-ins welcome if space is available.

Note: Reading Buddies is on pause but returns this summer! Stay tuned for registration details.

Craft Fun

Friday, May 23 • 10:15 am – 11:15 am • GRB Community Room

Use your imagination and provided materials to create! For grades K-5.

Spring Storytimes & Playtime

Doors for Storytimes close 5 minutes after the program starts, and latecomers will not be admitted.

Baby Storytime

Tuesday, May 6 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am • GRB Community Room

This is a lapsit storytime for babies 0-12 months.

Toddler Storytime

Wednesday, May 7 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am & 11:00 am – 11:20 am • GRB Community Room

This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. Registration required.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, May 1 & 8 • 10:15 am – 11:00 am • GRB Community Room

This is a preschool storytime & craft for ages 3-5 years.

Newbury Park Toddler Storytime

Thursdays, May 1 & 8 • 10:15 am - 10:35 am • NPL Community Room

This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months.

Bilingual Pajama Storytime

Monday, May 19 • 6:15 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Join us for a bilingual (English/Spanish) storytime and craft for ages 3-5. Walk-ins welcome!

Enrichment Playtime

Join us for 30 minutes of unstructured playtime from 10:15 am – 10:50 am.

For babies (0-12 months): Tuesday, May 13 • GRB Community Room

For toddlers (12-36 months): Wednesday, May 14 • GRB Community Room

For preschoolers (3-5 years): Thursday, May 15 • GRB Community Room

For NPL toddlers (12-36 months): Thursday, May 15 • NPL Meeting Room

TWEENS & TEENS

Study Kits for Tweens and Teens

Thursday, May 1 – Saturday, May 31

These study and mental wellness kits, created by our Thousand Oaks Teen Advisory League volunteers, are designed to support students during exams. We hope they help you succeed! Just for tweens and teens in grades 6-12. Available while supplies last.

Garland Flower Crowns & Bracelets

Friday, May 9 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Teen Space

Create flower, garland, laurel or nature crowns or bracelets. Great for Mothers Day, Prom or just to celebrate spring! Just for tweens and teens grades 6-12. Registration required.

Reading Rocks Book Club

Tuesday, May 13 • GRB Children’s Program Room

Rocks (Grades 4-5): 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Boulders (Grades 6-8): 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Join us monthly to discuss books with strong female characters. This month’s books are Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen for Rocks and Fish In a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt for Boulders. Registration required.

Books for Buttons and 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.

Summer Teen Volunteers Needed!

The Library needs friendly teen volunteers during the Summer to help with Summer Reading Club and Library programs and activities. Apply ASAP for first choice in Library volunteer shifts. Volunteer shifts available June 16 through August 3 and Orientation Training sessions available starting in May. Go to www.tolibrary.org/teens for more information and application details.

ADULTS

Free Movie Matinées

Mondays, May 5 & 19 • 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Enjoy free movie matinées at the Library! Check our online schedule to see what’s playing and make your next afternoon a movie day.

Conversations with Mom

Tuesdays, May 6, 13, 20, & 27 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • GRB Community Room

This free support group is for moms and their newborns to get together, express their joys and concerns, and meet other new moms in the community. Other caregivers including fathers and grandparents are welcome to attend the program on the last Tuesday of the month.

Tomato Time: Secrets of Growing Perfect Tomatoes

Tuesday, May 6 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Join us to discover why Ventura County's Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect place to grow tomatoes. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome.

Virtual Author Talk - How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin

Wednesday, May 7 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online

In this enlightening online webinar, you will learn how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting, connected to others, and resilient. Author of Thriving with Anxiety, Dr. Rosmarin’s constructive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach will not make you less anxious. Instead, it will empower you to use anxiety to thrive.

Music, Movies, and More

Wednesday, May 7 • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Learn about three free resources you can access from anywhere with your library card and an internet connection: Freegal Music, Kanopy and Consumer Reports. Registration required.

Many Voices Book Club

Wednesday, May 7 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Join us in reading and discussing books in a wide variety of genres by authors from a wide variety of cultures. This month’s book is Real Americans by Rachel Khong. Walk-ins welcome.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group

Thursday, May 8 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Practice speaking English in an informal and friendly group setting, open to all non-native speakers. Registration preferred. Walk-ins welcome!

Discover, Define, Develop: A Career Workshop for All Stages

Saturday, May 10 • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Whether you're exploring new opportunities or redefining your path, discover your potential with our introductory career development workshop hosted by Career Coach Deanna Gurrola. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome.

Happily Ever After Book Club

Monday, May 12 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

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 Recipe for Persuasion

Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Malcom McDowell at the Museum of Ventura County on Saturday, March 25th

Join us at the Museum of Ventura County on Saturday, March 25, 2023 @ 6:30PM—8PM for the next installment of Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal. Returning, this time in-person, is legendary actor and raconteur extraordinaire Malcolm McDowell, winner of Ojai Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

McDowell’s impressive career puts him in the pantheon of the all-time great British-born actors from Laurence Olivier to Michael Caine to Anthony Hopkins. McDowell’s dazzling career has spanned more than 50 years, where he has starred in scores of movies, including Stanley Kubrick’s iconic “Clockwork Orange,” Lindsay Anderson’s “O Lucky Man!,” “Caligula,” “Bombshell,” “Time After Time,” and “The Artist.” His vast television credits include “Entourage,” the animated series “South Park” and “Mozart in the Jungle.”

MVC Members can attend in-person or tune-in on Zoom for free. Non-Members can purchase in-person tickets for $10 or $5 for Zoom tickets.

The Museum is located at 100 E Main Street in Ventura.

Purchase tickets at www.venturamuseum.org/event/ivor-davis-up-close-and-personal-with-malcom-mcdowell

Moorpark College and Ventura County Astronomical Society Present "Total Solar Eclipse" Presentation on Friday, March 17th

Moorpark College and the Ventura County Astronomical Society present a stargazers event, “Total Solar Eclipse,” on Friday, March 17th at 7:30 p.m.

On April 8, 2024, the moon’s shadow will sweep across Mexico and the United States, bringing the most spectacular nature’s event close to us. Where will you be in the 4+ minutes of totality? Professor Hal Jandorf will present an exciting illustrated lecture about past total solar eclipses and how to plan, observe and photograph this coming one. He has observed and photographed eight total solar eclipses around the world.

This is a free event at the Moorpark College Forum, 7075 Campus Road, AA building, room #147. RSVP to mcfoundation@vcccd.edu.

MoorparkCollege.edu/Give 805-553-4761

Moorpark College and Ventura County Astronomical Society Presents "A Trip to Mars" Presentation on February 24th

Moorpark College Astronomy Department in Partnership with the Moorpark College Foundation and Ventura County Astronomical Society (VCAS) presents Dr. Brian Moncelli of JPL/NASA on Friday February 24, 2023 at 7:30 PM at the Moorpark College Forum, 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark.

Dr. Brian Moncelli will discuss the recent Rover Perseverance and SHERLOC and Watson. These instruments will investigate past micro-bionic life in Martian geology. This will be an exciting and fact filled slide show/lecture!

Dr. Moncelli is a Principal Optical Engineer and Technical Group Supervisor at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He was part of the team that assembled, aligned, integrated and tested SherLOC.

RSVP to mcfoundation@vcccd.edu

Last meeting was standing room only.

Please arrive early to make sure you find a seat.

MoorparkCollege.edu/Give www.moorparkcollege.edu/events/join-dr-brian-moncelli-nasajpl

Please RSVP to mcfoundation@vcccd.edu. More info at 805-553-4761

CSU Channel Islands Presents Black Scholars on Black Lives Virtual Presentations in Feb/Mar

CSUCI Broome Library presents Black educators across the nation for “Black Scholars on Black Lives” virtual presentations

Imagine analyzing the horrors aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad which was used to transport enslaved Africans to Cuba in 1839, or touring the Underground Railroad Museum in Kentucky—without ever leaving your home or classroom.

That’s the revolutionary teaching technique used by Morehouse University Assistant Professor of History Ovell Hamilton, who uses virtual reality in his “Metaversity,” which has proven so successful, that other departments are now using virtual reality for other disciplines at Morehouse such as biology, nursing, sociology and journalism, to name a few.

Hamilton will detail his use of virtual reality to teach Black History on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 9 to 10 a.m. with “The history of the African Diaspora in the Metaverse,” one of several online presentations in the “Black Scholars on Black Lives” lecture series, coordinated by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s John Spoor Broome Library.

The “Black Scholars on Black Lives” lecture series will be held periodically throughout the year, but there will be weekly lectures throughout the month of February in honor of Black History Month.

“We know Black scholars don’t get their works published as much as white scholars,” explained Library Head of Instruction, Engagement and Assessment Colleen Harris. “Their research methods are not as valued—especially because much of their research is community-based, which bears the consequence of not valuing Black communities. This was an effort to shine a spotlight on Black scholarship.”

Harris began putting together the online library lecture series during the pandemic as a means to keep students engaged while learning remotely. They were so popular, that she has continued to search for and arrange for Black scholars across the nation to speak to CSUCI students and the public.

“The lectures are free and open to the public, and because it’s virtual, we can invite Black Scholars from around the world to speak,” Harris said.

University of California Merced Associate Professor of Sociology Whitney Pirtle will present “I Didn’t Know What Anti-Blackness Was Until I Got Here: Exploring the Unmet Needs of Black Students at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI)s” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Many universities, including CSUCI, have received the federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution because of a number of factors including the percentage of Hispanic students and specific programs designed to support their success.

But how well do HSIs serve Black students? That’s the question Pirtle has explored with research she has conducted indicating that a significant number of Black students’ perceptions are that they feel underserved and experienced a sense of anti-Blackness on an institutional, organizational and interpersonal level.

And finally, on Thursday, March 2, from 4 to 5 p.m., University of California Santa Barbara Assistant Professor of Race and Higher Education Antar A. Tichavakunda will present “Black Joy and Why it Matters in Higher Education.”

Tichavakunda’s presentation will address the experiences Black students have at predominately white colleges and universities, and more broadly, take a look at the sociology of race and higher education.

“He’s going to be talking about how Black students build ‘worlds’ to protect and nurture themselves as they move through an environment that was never built for them and has been actively hostile toward them,” Harris said. “He will show how we can build a sense of community for our Black students.”

Five CSUCI students who attend the lecture will win a copy of Tichavakunda’s book “Black Campus Life: The Worlds Black Students Make at a Historically White Institution,” which is about the intersection of a limited number of college graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, and the state of race relations in higher education.

The presentations are free and open to the public. Registration for each session is available online:

Feb. 15, Whitney Pirtle - "I Didn't Know What Anti-Blackness Was Until I Got Here": Exploring the Unmet Needs of Black Students at HSIs. Register at https://csuci.libcal.com/event/10161991

Feb. 21, Ovell Hamilton - "The History of the African Diaspora in the Metaverse" https://csuci.libcal.com/event/10162666

March 2, Antar Tichavakunda - "Black Joy and Why it Matters for Higher Education" https://csuci.libcal.com/event/10052724

Additional information is available at https://libguides.csuci.edu/events/black-scholars-series.

Upcoming Events and Activities at the Camarillo Public Library

The City of Camarillo Public Library is located at 4101 Las Posas Road and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm and Friday through Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. It can be reached at 805.388.5222. The library hosts year-round free activities and programs for the general public at www.camarillolibrary.org.

Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area Programs in Ventura County

Free events and programs at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area locations in Ventura County and adjacent areas are highlighted below! (updated periodically to remove past activities). For additional details and other event locations, visit samofund.org/calendar.

Most activities subject to cancellation if there's significant rain.

7/24 8:30-10:30pm: The Moon in Action program at Paramount Ranch - Much like the sun during the day, the Moon is the dominant bright gem of the night sky. Join us at Paramount Ranch to learn about the surface features of the Moon and the influence it has on the Earth.

The program will start with a demonstration on how the Moon reflects sunlight and why we see the different phases. The demonstration will be followed by telescope and binocular viewings of the surface of the Moon, including interactive activities for children and families to learn about the surface features.

Sat TBA 8:30-10am - Birds of the Santa Monica Mountains Walk at King Gillette Ranch - Bring your binoculars, bird guide, and/or camera and join us for an easy bird walk around the grounds of King Gillette Ranch. This area attracts many songbirds, water birds, woodpeckers, and raptors and we are always treated to something interesting. Kids are welcome and the walk is less than a mile at a very easy pace as we stop often to observe the birds. We leave promptly at 8:30 from the flagpole. Heavy rain cancels (but I will be there for anyone who wants to walk in it!). See you there!

Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center in Calabasas

King Gillette Ranch - View from near Inspiration Point

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center in Newbury Park

Directions to various locations

Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons: Ventura Fwy (101) to Chesebro Rd exit. Turn north on Palo Comado Canyon Rd then right on Chesebro Rd. Go north 1 mile to park entrance. Turn right and follow road to parking lot.

Circle X Ranch: Pacific Coast Hwy to Yerba Buena Rd. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.

Sandstone Peak Trailhead: 1 mile north of Circle X Ranch contact station on Yerba Buena Rd. Parking lot is on left.

Mishe Mokwa Trailhead: 1.75 miles north of the Circle X contact station along Yerba Buena Road. Parking lot is on right.

King Gillette Ranch: Ventura Fwy (101) Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Hwy. Park entrance is 0.1 mile on right.

Malibu Creek State Park: Ventura Fwy (101) Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Park entrance is 0.25 mile south of the intersection on Las Virgenes Rd. From Pacific Coast Hwy: north on Malibu Canyon Rd to park entrance on left.

Paramount Ranch: Ventura Fwy (101) to Kanan Rd exit. South on Kanan 0.5 mile. Left on Cornell Way and veer to right. South 2.5 miles, entrance is on right side of the road.

Peter Strauss Ranch is located at 30000 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills.

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa: Ventura Fwy (101) to Lynn Rd exit. South on Lynn Rd 5.25 miles to Via Goleta. Park entrance is on the left at Via Goleta. Continue all the way to a parking lot where the road ends. To get to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, walk 0.3 mile up gravel road from the parking area to brown wooden building. 

Wendy Trailhead: Ventura Fwy (101) to Wendy Dr. exit. South on Wendy Dr to dirt pullout at intersection with Potrero Rd.

Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch: From Ventura Fwy (101): Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Hwy. Go 0.1 mile and turn right into entrance of King Gillette Ranch. The visitor center is the first building on your right. 26867 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.

19th Annual YMCA Prayer Breakfast at Cal Lutheran on Thursday, May 3, 2018

Join us for the 19th Annual YMCA Prayer Breakfast with keynote speaker, Cody Jones, USA Paralympian and California Lutheran University graduate. Our goal is to bring people of all faiths together to pray for the nation and reflect on, discuss and celebrate our many blessings.

Last year’s Prayer Breakfast was attended by nearly 400 community members, and we expect another great turnout this year with an inspiring program and theme: Pray for America - UNITY.

Participants will include spiritual and community leaders from Agoura Hills, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village.

We hope you will join us for this special event. To reserve your seat on May 3, please visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/ymca-prayer-breakfast-2018-tickets-41479427083