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

Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.

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 June, with GRB denoting Grant R. Brimhall Library and NPL denoting Newbury Park Library. 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.

ALL AGES

Summer Reading Club 2025

Monday, June 16 – Sunday, August 3

Join Summer Reading Club (SRC) and earn rewards for reading! Complete SRC by reading 10 books or 10 hours to earn a completion reward and 1 entry into a Grand Prize Opportunity Drawing. Track your reading either on paper OR online. Get a head start on tracking your reading as preregistration opens on June 1st. Prizes include a Van Gogh LEGO set, L.A. Zoo family membership, and more! For all ages. Visit tolibrary.org/src or stop by the Library to learn more and join the fun!

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.

Pride Month

Sunday, June 1 – Monday, June 30

Patrons are invited to visit the Library and pick up their very own pronoun buttons, bookmarks, and a Beginner’s Guide to Pronouns information sheet. Explore, learn, and celebrate by exploring our catalog at Readers’ Corner.

Wildlife After the Woolsey Fire Exhibit: Research Images on Display

Sunday, June 1 – Monday, June 30 • Grant Brimhall Library

Monday, June 30 – Thursday, July 31 • Newbury Park Library

Discover stunning wildlife research images captured by the National Park Service and its partners as they monitor the Santa Monica Mountains' wildlife recovery after the Woolsey Fire. This special display highlights a powerful collaboration between the NPS, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, and dedicated volunteers, showcasing the region’s remarkable ecological resilience.

LibCon Kick-Off Book Sale

Saturday, June 7 • 10:00 am – 1:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

This special one-day event features a stellar selection of Science Fiction and Fantasy books for all ages! Browse current and vintage books—hardcovers for $1, paperbacks for 50¢, and children’s books 4 for $1—just in time for summer reading! Friends of the Library members get early access at 9:30 am! Not a member? Join at the sale or online at ftol.org/membership. Hosted by Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library.

Agents of Discovery: Conejo Valley Virtual Historical Tour

Monday, June 16 - Sunday, August 3

Explore local history and uncover community stories with the Agents of Discovery app—take the virtual tour anytime, from anywhere!

Gosh Yarn It

Friday, June 13 • 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+.

Wildlife After the Woolsey Fire Presentation

Sunday, June 22 • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Monday, June 30 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Join Miroslava Munguia Ramos, Wildlife and Volunteer Program Technician with the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, for an engaging presentation featuring powerful wildlife images used to monitor from long-term monitoring research after the Woolsey Fire. She’ll discuss the scope of the research, explore the collaborative efforts behind the scenes, and share insights into the inspiring recovery of the region’s diverse ecosystems.

Dungeons and Dragons Starter Kit

Grant R. Brimhall Library

The Thousand Oaks Library is adding a second Dungeons & Dragons Starter Kit! Each kit includes guides, handbooks, a 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!

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

Dog Days

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

Thursday, June 5 • 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.

PACT Light with First 5 Ventura County

Friday, June 13 • 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.

Parent & Child Class for Toddlers

Mondays, June 16, 23, & 30 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am & 11:00 am – 11:20 am • GRB Community Room

Enjoy 20 minutes of simple stories and songs. For ages 12-36 months. Registration required.

Best Bubble Party

Wednesday, June 18 • 11:00 am – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room

Wednesday, June 18 • 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Become entranced by the science and magic of bubbles. Recommended for ages 5+.

Music & Movement

Fridays, June 20 & 27 • 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.

Ventriloquist Marc Griffiths

Saturday, June 21 • 11:00 am – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room

Saturday, June 21 • 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Join the hilarious and inspirational ventriloquist and his cast of puppets! Recommended for ages 5+.

Enrichment Playtime

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

For babies (0-12 months): Tuesday, June 24 • GRB Community Room

For preschoolers (3-5 years): Thursday, June 26 • GRB Community Room

For NPL toddlers (12-36 months): Thursday, June 26 • NPL Meeting Room

Reading Buddies

Tuesday, June 24 • 3:00 – 3:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Wednesday, June 25 • 2:45 – 3:15 & 3:20 – 3:50 pm • GRB Community Room

A weekly program for students grades 1-4 to practice and gain confidence in their reading with the support of a volunteer. Registration required.

Michael Rayner Juggling Show

Wednesday, June 25 • 11:00 am – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room

Wednesday, June 25 • 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm • NPL Meeting Room

A combination of hilarious tricks and stunts with uproarious stand-up fun. Recommended for ages 5+.

Writing Buddies

Thursday, June 26 • 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 required, walk-ins welcome if space allows.

Make & Take: Alma Thomas Inspired Art

Saturday, June 28 • 11:00 am – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room

Saturday, June 28 • 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Learn about the influential artist and create a painting inspired by her work. Recommended for ages 5+.

TWEENS & TEENS

Calling All Teens: Be a Summer Volunteer at the Library!

Volunteer shifts run from June 16 to August 3

Looking for a fun and rewarding way to earn volunteer hours this summer? We’re looking for enthusiastic and friendly teens, ages 14–18, to help with our Summer Reading Club and other exciting library programs and activities at the Newbury Park Library or Grant R. Brimhall Library. Orientation sessions start in May. Apply ASAP for the best choice of shifts! Go to www.tolibrary.org/teens for more information and application details.

Reading Rocks Book Club

Tuesday, June 10 • 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 The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart for Rocks and Seer of Shadows by Avi for Boulders. Registration required.

Create Your Own Coloring Page Contest

Monday, June 16 – Sunday, August 3

Create a “Color Our World” coloring page for a chance to be featured at the Library and win a $50 art supply gift card! Get details and entry forms at the Library. Just for tweens and teens grades 6-12.

Fabric Mache Bowls

Tuesday, June 17 • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm • GRB Teen Space

Create your own fabric mâché bowls taught by CReATE STUDIO. Just for tweens and teens grades 6-12. Registration required.

Wall Hangings

Tuesday, June 24 • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

CReATE STUDIO will show you how to create colorful wall hangings for decoration. Just for tweens and teens grades 6-12. Registration required.

Paint by Number

Tuesday, July 1 • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm • GRB Teen Space

Paint and color in a pre-printed design on canvas and follow the numbers to create a work of art! Just for tweens and teens grades 6-12. Registration required.

ADULTS

Summer Math Fun: Healthy Habits for Summer Math Growth

Monday, June 2 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Community Room

This interactive program will provide strategies for parents to strengthen math learning for their K-5 grade children over the summer with Educator Coach, Brian Matthews.

Conversations with Mom

Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, & 24 • 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.

Virtual Author Talk - Extinctopedia–A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About it with Smithsonian Scientists

Wednesday, June 4 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online

Extinctopedia tells a complex story, not just of those who are extinct but also of those in greatest peril, with explanations of what threatens their survival. It is also a story of hope—hopes for animals that have been rediscovered, hope in the form of newly-discovered animals, and hope that we might hear the warning call and act to preserve the amazing biodiversity of our fragile planet for future generations to come.

Using a PC: Windows 11

Wednesday, June 4 • 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

For those new to using a PC or want to build more confidence using the Windows 11 operating system. Registration required.

Many Voices Book Club

Wednesday, June 4 • 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 Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Walk-ins welcome.

Introduction to Hydroponics: Growing More in Less Space

Thursday, June 5 • 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Discover the basics of hydroponic gardening in this 90-minute class designed for beginners with limited growing space. Registration recommended.

Free Movie Matinées

Mondays, June 9 & 23 • 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.

Happily Ever After Book Club

Monday, June 9 • 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 Magpie Lord by KJ Charles. Walk-ins welcome.

Virtual Author Talk - Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell

Tuesday, June 10 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online

You’re invited to an exclusive preview event with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title Don’t Let Him In (Out June 24, 2025!). Along with an introduction to her newest bone-chilling, psychological thriller, Jewell will chat about her life as a writer and her critically-acclaimed body of work.

Spanish at Your Library

Wednesdays, June 11 & 25 • 5:30 pm – 6:30pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Advanced & intermediate learners can practice speaking Spanish under the guidance of a language-learning professional. Registration preferred. Walk-ins welcome if space is available.

Open Mic Poetry Nights

Wednesday, June 11 • 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Wednesday, June 25 • 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm • 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.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group

Thursday, June 12 • 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 recommended, walk-ins welcome.

Paint & Sip: Adult Take-Home Kit

Monday, June 16 – Sunday, August 3

Relax and get creative at home with a DIY watercolor bookmark kit, complete with summer drink mixes and a fun umbrella straw—available at both libraries while supplies last!

Tiny Art Show

Monday, June 16 – Sunday, August 3

Pick up a kit from the library – includes a 4” x 4” canvas, acrylic paint, and a paintbrush, while supplies last. All artists will be entered into an opportunity drawing to win a $50 Michaels gift card. Visit tolibrary.org/tinyartshow for entry rules & guidelines.

Microsoft Word Basics

Tuesday, June 17 • 11:00 am – 12:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Gain confidence using Microsoft Word to write resumes, lists, stories, etc. by learning the basics. Registration required.

Canva Basics

Wednesday, June 18 • 11:00 am – 12:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Perfect for beginners, this course will guide you through the essentials of Canva, a free web-based graphic design software. Registration required.

Virtual Author Talk - Living the Otter Life with Katherine Applegate (3rd-6th Grade)

Tuesday, June 24 • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm • Online

Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder.

Paint by Numbers for Adults

Wednesday, June 25 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Unwind with a paint-by-numbers session. All supplies provided, and you can take your 8”x8” canvas home to finish. Registration required.

Paint Workshop with Art Trek

Saturday, June 28 • 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm • NPL Art Gallery

Join Art Trek for a guided painting workshop just for adults—no experience needed! All supplies provided. Space is limited. Registration required.

Celebrate America's Birthday at the Stagecoach Inn Museum Newbury Park on Wednesday, July 2, 2025

America's 249th birthday is Friday, July 4, 2025, but the Stagecoach Inn invites you to a fun celebration with children’s old-time games, crafts, music, prizes and more on Wednesday, July 2nd from 1 to 4PM in celebration of Independence Day and the historical opening of the Grand Union Hotel (aka Stagecoach Inn) in July 1876.

Enjoy free ice cream (while supplies last), craft making and live music while cooling your heels exploring the museum complex both indoors and out.

Visit Timber School and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with children rewarded with a prize, and then follow the dusty trail to Pioneer House and children who can identify one or more traditional 4th of July foods will also win something to take home.

Costumed docents will be demonstrating tools, machinery, gadgets and various “modern conveniences” that households and businesses enjoyed in the mid-late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Some of the items that may be demonstrated include a sausage stuffer, butter churner, miniature sewing machine for travel, iron and laundry equipment, woodworking tools and working blacksmith forge.

“Can you Spot” items will be placed around the property for the kids to find.

The Stagecoach Inn Museum welcomes visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00-4:00 pm. Regular admission is $10 per person; $5 for children 5 to 12. Children under 5 and Conejo Valley Historical Society Members (with membership card) are free.

2025 Pioneer Jamboree at Stagecoach Inn Newbury Park on Saturday, June 7th

The Stagecoach Inn Museum hosts its Annual Pioneer Jamboree from 10am to 4 pm, Saturday, June 7, 2025, on the museum’s grounds at 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park.

Bring the whole family to pan for gold, lasso like a cowgirl or cowboy, see a blacksmith fire-up the forge, and play pioneer games. Wear your western costumes (optional) and join the fun!

Activities include storytelling; cursive writing; fossil digging; rock painting; giant bubble making, and more! You can even try your hand at using a washboard… for laundry or for making music!

There are two parking locations- one next to the Museum on Ventu Park Road and one behind the Museum on Susan Drive.

General admission is $10. Children age 5 to 12 are $5 and under 5 are free. Conejo Valley Historical Society Members are free. Annual CVHS Family Memberships can be purchased online or at the door for as little as $50.  

For further information, call the museum at (805) 498-9441 or visit www.stagecoachinnmuseum.org.

2nd Annual Spring Arts, Crafts & Antiques Festival at the Stagecoach Inn Newbury Park on April 5, 2025

2nd Annual Spring Arts, Crafts & Antiques Festival, April 5th 10AM - 4PM

Join us for the 2nd ANNUAL SPRING ARTS, CRAFTS & ANTIQUES FESTIVAL. Entrance is free for this one-day event, which includes an open house at the Stagecoach Inn Museum Complex (there will be a $5 charge to tour the Inn, free to tour out buildings). Enjoy music while shopping at the booths of local artisans in a beautiful setting.

If you would like to participate as a vendor or exhibitor, you may check the website or call the museum for the application. Applications are due prior to March 15, or a late fee will be charged.

The festival takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., April 5th at the Stagecoach Inn Museum at 51 S. Ventu Park Rd. in Newbury Park. This event is sponsored by the Conejo Valley Historical Society. www.stagecoachinnmuseum.com

Spring "Conejo" Hunt at the Stagecoach Inn Museum Newbury Park on Saturday, April 19, 2025

Spring “Conejo & Easter” Hunt & Festival on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 1-4PM.

Hop on over to the Stagecoach Inn Museum and bring the kids and grandchildren to hunt for “conejos,” while the whole family enjoys exploring historic structures and interacting with costumed docents. A map is included with admission for marking bunny sightings to be turned in for a prize in this frolicking outdoor hunt around the beautiful museum grounds.

Our Conejo Hunt this year will send “kids” of all ages hunting for several numbered metal art “Conejos” made by blacksmith Bobby Mensinger and there will be new baby animals to look for this Spring to add to the fun... ducklings, chicks, and of course, baby bunnies.

Have your picture taken with our resident Easter Bunny and we’ll have crafts and “bunny” sack races and frolicking about to the sweet sounds of a local live band.

Regular admission is $10 per person; children 5 to 12 are $5 Children under 5 and Conejo Valley Historical Society Members are free. Annual CVHS Family Memberships can be purchased online or at the door for as little as $50. stagecoachinnmuseum.com

Free Comic Book Day Planned for Saturday, May 3, 2025

Free Comic Book Day takes place annually on the first Saturday in May, which is May 3, 2025 this year. On Free Comic Book Day, participating comic book stores around the world give away designated comic books to anyone visiting their stores.

Visit www.freecomicbookday.com to learn more. Participating stores in the local Ventura County area this year include:

Chanukah Celebration in Newbury Park on Thursday, December 26, 2024

Chabad of Newbury Park's annual Chanukah Celebration will take place on Thursday, December 26, at The Village at Dos Vientos, 350 Via Las Brisas, Newbury Park, from 5:00- 6:30 p.m.

The event will feature the carving and lighting of a 6 foot ice menorah, snow for the kids, live musical performance, latkes and donuts, Chanukah crafts, and the great gelt drop.Free admission, all are welcome. For more information, visit chabadnewburypark.org

38th Annual Spring Art & Crafts Festival in Newbury Park on March 1, 2025

The Conejo Recreation & Park District hosts its 38th Annual Art & Crafts Festival on March 1, 2025 at the Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park. The free event runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm and will take place rain or shine.

More than 30 artisans and craft persons present their unique artistry at the event. 

For further information about becoming a vendor, call 805-381-2791 or email boc@crpd.org.

www.crpd.org/events/spring-art-crafts-festival

2024 Holidays at the Inn at the Stagecoach Inn Museum Newbury Park December 6, 7 & 8

Holidays at the Inn 2024 is planned at the Stagecoach Inn Museum December 6, 7 and 8. In 1954, Perry Como made “(Oh, There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” a hit. The Stagecoach Inn Museum adopts this theme. Volunteers and docents have roamed all over the world, “but you can’t beat home sweet home” Join in the holiday fun as they share their traditions and celebrations with our guests who come from all over the world! From menorah lighting to tree decorations to favorite family recipes to ugly holiday sweaters and much more, you will “pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze.”

Dining Room Extravaganza: The Inn’s dining room will be adorned with 8 holiday table settings, each beautifully crafted by volunteers and docents. These settings will showcase a variety of holiday traditions from different time periods, offering a glimpse into the diverse ways our community celebrates.

The Inn’s three nighttime celebrations will be lit up and the daytime event brings activities. The Museum complex will boast of the sights and sounds of the holidays. Of course, don’t miss Santa and his reindeer!

Holiday at the Inn Nightlife
12/6, 7, 8 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Ages 14+ $15, ages 5-13 $5, under 5 free
 
Holiday at the Inn
Saturday, 12/7 1-4 pm
Ages 14+ $15, ages 5-13 $5, under 5 free

Stagecoach Inn Museum, 51 S. Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park  
805.498.9441 www.stagecoachinnmuseum.com

2nd Annual Festival de los Muertos Event at Borchard Community Center in Newbury Park on Friday, November 1, 2024

Scene from inaugural event in 2023.

Conejo Recreation & Park District (CRPD) announces its 2nd Annual Festival de los Muertos event, a vibrant celebration of the cherished Mexican tradition, will be taking place on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 4-9PM at the Borchard Community Center, located at 190 N. Reino Rd, Newbury Park.

Enjoy crafts, live music, vendors, food vendors and more. The event will be open to the public, and admission is free. Families and individuals of all ages are encouraged to attend and join in the festivities.

For more information and event updates, visit www.crpd.org/muertos