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.
The following is a list of programs happening at the Thousand Oaks Library during the month of October at Grant R. Brimhall Library (GRB) and Newbury Park Library (NPL). All Library programs are free and open to the public; some require registration, and all are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. For the latest information on Library events, please visit libcal.tolibrary.org/calendar.
ALL AGES
Board Game Club
Tuesday, October 6 • 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. • GRB Teen Space
Join us monthly to play games like Forbidden Island, Dungeon Mayhem, and Wingspan, or bring your own games to share! For ages 14+.
Gosh Yarn It! Crochet Club
Friday, October 9 • 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. • GRB Community Room
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+.
Maker Monday
Monday, October 19 • 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. • GRB Teen Space
Stop by and check out our ‘maker’ machines: Button maker, VR headset, and 3D printer. For ages 11+.
CelloGayageum
Wednesday, October 28 • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Grant R. Brimhall Library
CelloGayageum is a musical journey across continents, cultures, and centuries, bridging the depth of Western classical music with the mesmerizing elegance of Korean gugak (traditional music). Founded by Austrian cellist Sol Daniel Kim and Korean gayageum virtuoso Dayoung Yoon, the duo develops original compositions rooted in Korean folk melodies and infused with global sensibilities. Presented by TOArts and The City of Thousand Oaks Cultural and Community Services Department. This is a free event. Seating will be open and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Explore the Haunted History of Ventura County
Friday, October 30 • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Grant R. Brimhall Library
Join Richard Senate for an unforgettable evening delving into Ventura County’s haunted history, blending decades of investigative experience with rich local historical research. This program highlights stories connected to well-known sites throughout the region, including missions, theaters, historic buildings, and other landmarks long rumored to be haunted. Attendees will explore mysterious events, legendary tales, and enduring local lore in a presentation perfect for history lovers, ghost story enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the county’s most lasting mysteries.
Dog Man: The Musical - Opportunity Drawing
The Thousand Oaks Library and TOARTS are teaming up to celebrate YOU, our library card holders, with a special opportunity drawing! Enter for a chance to win free tickets to an unforgettable live performance of Dog Man: The Musical.
Prize: A family four-pack of tickets to the Thursday, November 5, 2026, 6 p.m. performance of Dog Man: The Musical at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
Who can enter: Anyone with a Thousand Oaks Library Card.
How to Enter: Visit the library and fill out a submission form.
Deadline: Submit your form by Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
CHILDREN
Dog Days
Thursday, October 1 • 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. • NPL Meeting Room
Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 • 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. • 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. Recommended for school-age.
Wild Watercolor
Friday, October 2 • 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. • GRB Children’s Program Room
Let your creativity run wild with an hour of watercolor painting. For ages 6-11. Registration required.
In-N-Out Cover to Cover Club
Saturday, October 3 – Saturday, November 14, 2026 • Both Libraries
Read 5 books or 300 minutes and earn a free hamburger or cheeseburger at In-N-Out. For ages 4-12 only. To sign up, please speak with a librarian at the library. While supplies last.
Homework Help
September 8, 2026 – May 26, 2027
Mondays • 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. • NPL Meeting Room
Tuesdays • 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. • NPL Meeting Room
Wednesdays & Thursdays • 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. • GRB Community Room
Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade with challenging school assignments can get support from our helpful volunteers. Closed on October 1 and all CVUSD holidays & breaks.
Reading Buddies
Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, & 27 • 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. • NPL Meeting Room
Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, & 28 • 3:10 – 3:40 p.m. or 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. • GRB Community Room
A weekly program for students in grades 1-4 to practice reading and build confidence with the support of a volunteer. Registration required.
3D Pens: Spooky Creature
Thursday, October 15 • 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. • NPL Meeting Room
Join us to learn the basics of using 3D pens and then create a spooky creature! For grades 2-5. Registration required.
Music Time with Mr. Michael
Saturday, October 17 • 10:15 –10:45 a.m. & 11:15 –11:45 a.m. • GRB Community Room
A fun-filled, interactive concert, Mr. Michael creates a joyful atmosphere for kids and parents alike. For families. Registration required.
Enrichment Playtime
Join us for 30 minutes of unstructured playtime in the GRB Community Room.
For babies (0-12 months) • Tuesday, October 20 • 10:15 – 10:50 a.m.
For toddlers (12-36 months) • Wednesday, October 21 • 10:15 – 10:50 a.m.
For preschoolers (ages 3-5 years) • Thursday, October 22 • 10:15 – 10:50 a.m.
Children's Craft Table: Black Cat Lantern
October 29 – 31 • Both Libraries
Stop by the library to decorate a paper black cat lantern. While supplies last. For ages 3+.
Music & Movement
Thursday, October 29 • 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. & 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. • GRB Community Room
Dance, clap, and sing along with Ms. Cheryl Lev during this fun, interactive program. For ages 0-5 years. Registration required.
Storytimes
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, October 1 & 8 • 10:15 – 11:00 a.m. • GRB Community Room
This is a storytime & craft for ages 3-5 years. Walk-ins welcome!
Bilingual Pajama Storytime
Monday, October 5 • 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. • GRB Community Room
A bilingual (English/Spanish) storytime & craft for ages 3-5 years. Walk-ins welcome!
Baby Storytime
Tuesdays, October 6 & 13 • 10:15 – 10:35 a.m. • GRB Community Room
A lap-sit storytime for babies 0-12 months. Walk-ins welcome!
Toddler Storytime
Wednesdays, October 7 & 14 • 10:15 – 10:35 a.m. • GRB Community Room
For ages 12-36 months. Walk-ins welcome!
Spooky Storytime
Friday, October 30 • 10:15 – 11:00 a.m. • GRB Community Room
Show off your costume and join us for 30 minutes of spooky storytelling fun followed by a craft. This storytime is for ages 3-5 years. Walk-ins welcome! This program is generously supported by the Leduc Gummeson Foundation for Learning, which will provide a free book for each child.
TWEENS & TEENS
Explorers Wanted: Hispanic Heritage Month
Tuesday, September 15 – Thursday, October 15 • Both Libraries
Put your search skills to the test! Explore the Library’s Teen Space and complete a Hispanic Heritage Month Explorer Form to discover books and virtual resources. Turn in your completed form to receive a fun charm or keychain! For ages 11-18 only. One per person, while supplies last.
Fiero Code – The Botter Challenge
Thursday, October 1 – Monday, November 30 • Online
Build a Frogger-style game for a chance to win cool prizes. Learn to code and participate in this challenge through the Fiero Code resource on the Virtual Library. Recommended for ages 11+.
Reading Rocks Book Club
Tuesday, October 13 • GRB Children’s Program Room
Rocks (Grades 4-5): 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Boulders (Grades 6-8): 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us monthly to discuss books with strong female characters. This month’s Rocks selection is Ferris by Kate DiCamillo. This month’s Boulder’s selection is Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse. Registration required.
Ghost Portraits
Wednesday, October 21 • 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. • GRB Teen Space
Create a family of ghost portraits to decorate your space for the spooky season. For ages 11-18. Registration required.
Books for Buttons, Boba, or Burgers
Visit the library and pick up a “Books for Buttons, Boba, or Burgers” form. Finish reading a book with more than 200 pages, submit to get a pin button, and enter for a chance to win a boba or burger gift card. Read more books for more chances to win. Just for ages 11-18.
ADULTS
Friendly Book Discussion Group
Thursday, October 1 • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. • GRB Technology Training Room
The Friendly Book Discussion Group meets on the first Thursday of every month. This month’s book is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Walk-ins welcome.
Paint-by-Numbers for Adults
Saturday, October 3 • 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • GRB Community Room
Unwind with a paint-by-numbers session. All supplies provided, and you can take your 8”x8” canvas home to finish. Registration required.
Conversations with Mom
Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, & 27 • 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • 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.
Using AI: Some Tips and Tricks
Tuesday, October 6 • 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. • GRB Technology Training Room
Wednesday, October 21 • 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. • NPL Meeting Room
Gain a greater understanding of what AI is while learning the power of prompts! Registration required.
Writer’s Club
Wednesday, October 7 • 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. • GRB Technology Training Room
On the first Wednesday of every month, local writers and authors are invited to share and discuss their current projects and get feedback from their fellow writers.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation Group
Thursday, October 8 • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. • GRB Technology Training Room
Practice speaking English in an informal, friendly group setting; open to all non-native speakers. Registration recommended; walk-ins welcome.
History Book Discussion Group
Thursday, October 8 • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Goebel Adult Community Center
The History Book Discussion Group meets on the second Thursday of every month. This month’s book is Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World by John Vaillant. Walk-ins welcome.
Movie Matinée
Monday, October 12 • 1:00 – 2:45 p.m. • 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.
Happily Ever After Book Club
Monday, October 12 • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. • GRB Technology Training Room
The Happily Ever After Book Club meets on the second Monday of every month to talk about our favorite romance novels. This month’s book is Your Knife, My Heart by K.M. Moronova. Walk-ins welcome.
Excel Basics 1: Working with Text
Wednesday, October 14 • 12:30 – 2:15 p.m. • NPL Tech Space
New to Excel or want to brush up on the basics? Learn how workbooks, cells, formatting, sorting, filtering, and other tools can help you record information and stay organized. Registration required.
Open Mic Poetry
Wednesday, October 14 • 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. • NPL Meeting Room
Wednesday, October 28 • 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. • GRB Community Room
Come listen to local poets and share your own work every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, in collaboration with The Ventura County Poetry Project.
Crafternoon
Friday, October 16 • 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. • GRB Community Room
Adults are invited to join us at the Library to socialize and make a different craft each month! This month, we will be making a pumpkin book fold. Materials provided. Registration required.
Spanish at Your Library
Wednesday, October 21 • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. • GRB Technology Training Room
Advanced & intermediate learners are invited to join our informal Spanish conversation group to practice and improve with fellow language lovers, guided by a native speaker! Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome.
Repair after Rupture
Wednesday, October 21 • 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. • GRB Community Room
Parent Educator Danielle Middleton will teach how to repair and strengthen relationships with children through meaningful apologies and communication.
Bird Friendly Gardens
Saturday, October 24 • 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. • NPL Meeting Room
Create an outdoor space that attracts, supports, and nurtures local bird populations. Transform your yard or garden into a vibrant bird-friendly ecosystem. Taught by certified Master Gardener Kat Baker. Registration recommended.
Microsoft Word Basics
Tuesday, October 27 • 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. • GRB Technology Training Room
Learn the essential skills needed to begin writing books, essays, resumes, invoices, and other documents in Microsoft Word. Registration required.
Excel Basics 2: Working with Numbers
Wednesday, October 28 • 12:30 – 2:15 p.m. • NPL Tech Space
New to Excel or want to brush up on the basics? Learn how cells, formulas, and charts can be used for budgets, record-keeping, and statistical reports. Registration required.
Genealogy Basics
Thursday, October 29 • 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. • GRB Technology Training Room
Interested in genealogy but unsure where to start? Get started using Thousand Oaks Library’s genealogy resources, including the basics of Ancestry Library Edition, Family Search, and more! Registration required.
Local Author Fair
Saturday, October 31 • 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • GRB Community Room
Adult and YA Local Authors who have contributed to the Local Author Collection between 2025 and 2026 will be selling, signing, and speaking about their books and journeys as authors.
ON THE REGULAR
LevelUp Lounge
Fridays • 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. • 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 & Newbury Park Library
Game night just got even better! Our expanded board game collection will be available to check out and take home. From family favorites to strategy games, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Stop by either library location and pick out your next game today!
Dungeons and Dragons Kit
Grant R. Brimhall Library
The Thousand Oaks Library offers Dungeons & Dragons Kits, each packed with guides, handbooks, a game master screen, dice sets, and more for D&D 5th Edition. Find them alongside the Book Club in a Box collection. Perfect for your next adventure!
Stay & Switch
Newbury Park Library
Level up your visit with the Nintendo Switch Lite, available to borrow with your library card at the Newbury Park Library Information Desk. Loaded with fun digital games, the Switch Lite is perfect for in-library play. Come check it out and enjoy some gaming time!
