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 December 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 www.tolibrary.org/calendar.
NEW
Ghost Hunting Kit
The Thousand Oaks Library is excited to announce a spooky new addition to our Library of Things: a Ghost Hunting Kit. Patrons can now explore the world of paranormal investigation with tools designed to detect and document unusual activity. The kit includes an EMF magnetic field detector, a spirit box, a digital voice recorder, and a protective case. It’s everything you need to begin your ghost-hunting adventure. This unique offering invites curious minds to learn, investigate, and experience something a little out of the ordinary. Check out our catalog today to borrow a kit and start your ghost-hunting adventure!
ALL AGES
Board Game Club
Tuesday, December 2 • 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Teen Space
Love strategy board games but have a difficult time finding a consistent group to play with? Us too! Ages 14+ are invited to join us monthly to play games like Forbidden Island, Dungeon Mayhem, and Wingspan, or bring your own games to share with others!
Creating Comics: From Idea to Page with Jordan Morris
Saturday, December 6 • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm • GRB Community Room
Jordan Morris is a TV writer, podcaster, and author of the graphic novels Bubble and Youth Group. He's also written for Archie Comics, Marvel, and IDW's Godzilla. In this presentation, he'll explain how a comic book goes from idea to pitch to script to finished product! For ages 11+.
Gosh Yarn It
Friday, December 12 • 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+.
Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Concert
Wednesday, December 17 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Community Room
Flutist Ann Erwin and Pianist Christine DeKlotz will perform music from the era of the famed writer of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma.
Agents of Discovery: Power of the Card Missions
December • Both Libraries
Join us for a scavenger hunt to find out what you can do with your library card. To play, download the Agents of Discovery app, find the “Power of the Card” mission that corresponds to your library branch, and complete all eight challenges! For ages 11+.
KIDS
Homework Help
Mondays, December 1, 8, & 15 • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Tuesdays, December 2, 9, & 16 • 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Wednesdays & Thursdays, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, & 18 • 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. September 2025 – May 2026, closed on all CVUSD holidays & breaks. No session December 22-31.
Reading Buddies
Reading Buddies will be taking a cozy winter break, and we’ll resume in January. See you next year!
Dog Days
Tuesdays, December 2, 9, & 16 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room
Thursday, December 4 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting 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 Time with Mr. Michael
Thursday, December 4 • 10:15 am – 10:45 am & 11:15 am – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room
A fun-filled, interactive concert, where Mr. Michael creates a joyful atmosphere for kids and parents alike. Registration required.
Pinecone Pets with CReATE STUDIO
Saturday, December 13 • 10:15 am – 11:00 am • GRB Community Room
Make a cat, bird, sheep, or whatever animal you can imagine using a pinecone base! No experience necessary. This creation will make a great holiday gift or keepsake! For ages 5-11. All materials provided. While supplies last.
Children's Craft Table: Paper Snow Globe
Both Libraries • Saturday, December 20 – Sunday, January 4
Stop by either library to decorate a paper snow globe. While supplies last. For ages 3+.
TWEENS & TEENS
Financing and Preparing for College Workshops
Fridays, December 5 & 12 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room
Learn about budget and debt accumulation, spending, and saving wisely during college on December 5 during the Managing Debt Accumulation session. Take a realistic look at everyday expenses after college, loan management options, managing budget, and setting and achieving financial goals on December 12 during the Managing Debt After School session. Taught by Financial Beginnings. Recommended ages 15+ or families preparing for college. Registration required.
3D Pen Holiday Creations
Tuesday, December 9 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • NPL Tech Space
Tuesday, December 16 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Teen Space
Create your own custom holiday creations, such as gifts, ornaments, or décor, with a 3D pen. Registration required. Just for ages 11-18.
Reading Rocks Book Club
Tuesday, December 9 • 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 When You Trap A Tiger by Tae Keller for Rocks and Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee for Boulders. Registration required.
Books for Buttons, Boba, or Burgers
Come to 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 at a Boba or Burger gift card. Read more books for more chances to win. For ages 11-18.
ADULTS
Ask a Doula
Monday, December 1 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room
Ask a Doula provides an open and welcoming space where families can ask questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and infant sleep. Led by Sharon Cody, PhD, a former scientist turned certified doula, the session combines evidence-based information with practical, real-life support. For expectant parents, new parents, and caregivers of young children. Babies and little ones are welcome!
Conversations with Mom
Tuesdays, December 2, 9, 16, & 23 • 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.
Scheming Wives and High-Stakes Hilarity with Author Sue Hincenbergs
Tuesday, December 2 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online
Buckle up for a wild ride and join us as we sit down for an online chat with debut author Sue Hincenbergs to discuss her novel The Retirement Plan, in which murder is the name of the game. When the only thing standing between three best friends and a sunny beachfront retirement condo are their husbands, what ensues is a diabolical plan to collect on their spouses’ life insurance policies.
Many Voices Book Club
Wednesday, December 3 • 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 The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley. Walk-ins welcome. This will be the final meeting of the Many Voices Book Club.
Happily Ever After Book Club
Monday, December 8 • 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 The Nightmare Before Kissmass by Sara Raasch. Walk-ins welcome.
Spanish at Your Library
Wednesday, December 10 • 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm • 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.
Open Mic Poetry Nights
Wednesday, December 10 • 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm • NPL Meeting 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. No session on December 24.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation Group
Thursday, December 11 • 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.
Movie Matinées
Monday, December 15 • 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.
Crafternoon
Friday, December 19 • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm • 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 Painted Holiday Candles. Materials provided. Registration required. Starting January 2026, Crafternoon will only be happening once a month and will alternate locations between GRB and NPL.
ON THE REGULAR
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.
Dungeons and Dragons Starter Kit
Grant R. Brimhall Library
The Thousand Oaks Library offers Dungeons & Dragons Starter 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!
