2023 Thousand Oaks Reads: One City One Book Citywide Book Club Programs

New York Times Bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt will present an author talk and sign copies of her novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures, on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Fred Kavli Theatre.

A luminous debut novel about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at the local aquarium—and the truths she finally uncovers about her son’s disappearance 30 years ago.

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in the Puget Sound over 30 years ago.

As she works, Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine, but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight tentacles for his human captors—until he forms an unlikely friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. As his affection for Tova grows, Marcellus must use every trick his old, invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.

Charming, compulsively readable, and full of wit, Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a beautiful exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope–a reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

A Q&A session moderated by KCLU General Manager Mary Olson, and a book signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available for purchase. Cash and checks accepted. Tickets are required and will be available for free at both the Grant R. Brimhall and Newbury Park Libraries starting Saturday, February 25, 2023. Seating for the event is on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the Friends of the Library will be given early admission prior to the event. To participate in One City, One Book, pick up a copy of “Remarkably Bright Creatures” from the library. Books are available in hardback, downloadable audio, and eBook.

Thousand Oaks Library’s annual One City, One Book community reads program is a citywide literary event which encourages community members to read and discuss the same book. The library celebrates the selected book with special events inspired by the themes in the book. The goals of the program are to engage a wide spectrum of the community in thoughtful exchange of ideas and perspectives; provide a multi-faceted array of programs related to literature and the arts; and foster a sense of community. A driving notion of the program is: When we open a book together, we close it in greater harmony. One City, One Book is made possible by the generous support of The Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library.

Visit www.tolibrary.org/ocob to discover concerts, crafts, movies, lectures, & other engaging programs inspired by the themes and topics of the book.

Kickoff featuring Aquarium on Wheels

Kick off this year's One City, One Book with sea-themed crafts by CReaTE Studios, "underwater" virtual reality, button making, and a special visit from the Aquarium of the Pacific's Aquarium on Wheels. The Aquarium on Wheels can typically serve 20 - 25 guests every 15 minutes with a limit of 200 total visitors. First come, first served. This program will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room and parking lot.

Virtual Underwater Photography

A virtual lecture with underwater photographer Josh Musselwhite. This program will be live streamed on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room or available to watch via Zoom.

Cal Lutheran Faculty Discussion Panel

Professors explore unique perspectives and offer thoughtful responses to many of the themes and issues presented in Remarkably Bright Creatures. This program will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, from 7:00 – 8:30pm at the California Lutheran University Lundring Events Center.

Crafternoon for Adults: Sticker-By-Numbers

Keep your brain engaged while creating fun, beautiful art with Sticker by Number. Like paint-by-number, each design is divided into dozens of spaces. Each space has number that corresponds to a sticker. Find the sticker, peel it, and place it in the right space. Watch as a full colored image emerges from the original unfinished illustration. Walk-ins welcome. This program will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 1:00-2:30 pm at the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

Coloring for Adults: Ocean & Marine Theme

Relax with friends and other coloring enthusiasts. Materials provided. Walk-ins welcome. This program will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 1:30 – 3:00 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

CReAte Studio - Sea Crafts

Sea-themed family crafts will be led by Jemma Wildermuth of CReATE Studio. Drop in to create a fun craft project using recycled material. All materials will be provided while supplies last. For school ages and up. Adults are welcome to join. This program will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 1:30 – 3:00 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Morrison Drive Concert: Sea Shanties

Morrison Drive is a primarily acoustic group that plays regularly in Ventura County. Join them for a fun afternoon of “sea shanties” as they recount the adventure, tragedy and romance of life at sea. This program will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Community Book Discussions

Free and open to the public. No registration is required.

    Grant R. Brimhall Library

Tuesday, March 14 | 6:30-7:30pm

    Goebel Adult Center

Hosted by the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging and Friends of the Library

Tuesday, March 28 | 6:30 – 7:30 pm

    Newbury Park Library

Wednesday, March 29 | 6:30-7:30pm

Genealogy Workshop

Get started using Thousand Oaks Library’s Genealogy Resources, including the basics of Ancestry Library Edition, Family Search, and finding obituaries and more in newspaper indexes: Los Angeles Times (1881- current). This program will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 6:00 –7:30 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Open Mic Poetry

A joint program between the Thousand Oaks Library and The Ventura County Poetry Project.

Listen to local poets present their work inspired by the themes of Remarkably Bright Creatures. This program will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 6:00 –7:30 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

The Process of Life Review as We Age. How Reminiscence Can Be Used to Re-tell Our Own Story

Martha Shapiro is the Director of Programs for Senior Concerns. Join her for a discussion on reminiscence – or the recall of past experiences and facts – and how it can be used as an effective tool in understanding the process of living as we age. In partnership with the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging. This program will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 1:00-2:00pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Crafternoon for Adults: Oyster Shell Trinket Dishes

Adults are invited to join us at the Library to socialize and make a different craft each month! Materials provided. Registration required. This program will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023, from 3:30 – 5:00 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Get That Job! Job Search Strategies for Older Adults and People with Disabilities

This workshop is designed to provide helpful information for older adults and people with disabilities seeking employment in today’s job market. Come learn up-to-date job search strategies. The workshop will be led by Monique Nowlin, Deputy Director of Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) and Dr. Karen Gorback, Chair of the Advisory Council of the VCAAA. In partnership with the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging. This program will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 3:30 – 4:30 pm at the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

3D Printed Octopus for Tweens & Teens

Learn about the basics of 3D printing! Bring your own laptop and connect to the Library's wifi to learn how to design a 3D printable octopus using TinkerCAD. Recommended ages 11+ This program will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Teen Space.

Creative Writing workshop

Remarkably Bright Creatures was inspired by a prompt in a creative writing workshop! Dr. Linda Rader Overman is a professor of English at California State University, Northridge and will be leading a creative workshop for beginning and aspiring writers. Pen & paper will be provided or bring your laptop. Teens 16+ are welcome to join. This program will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 3:00 – 4:30 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Wonders of the Aquarium

Join Brian Hoover and staff from Aquatic Contractors for a special presentation about the Library’s 3,600-gallon saltwater aquarium. This program will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023, from 4:00 – 4:45 pm at the Grant R. Brimhall Library.

Story Slam!

As part of One City, One Book the Thousand Oaks Library will be hosting a spring Story Slam. Inspired by Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, writers of all ages are invited to submit a story based on the themes of the ocean, animal companions, aging, loss, family, self-discovery, and found family. Join us for an after-hours reading of selected stories read on stage by the authors. Audience favorite will win a prize. Interested in submitting a story?

    Theme: Submit a story based on the themes of the ocean, animal companions, aging, loss, family, self-discovery, and found family.

    Word Count: Maximum 1,200 words or 8-9 minutes.

    Submission: Any service counter at the library or emailed to info@tolibrary.org with the subject heading “Story Slam.” Entries must be autobiographical, true stories, and rated PG. Please include your name and contact information in your submission.

    Deadline: March 27, 2023- Selected storytellers will be notified by April 1, 2023. They will read their stories on April 14, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room

Cinema & Cephalopods

My Octopus Teacher

Friday, March 17, 2023

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world. Join us for an after-hours screening of this Oscar winning documentary. Light refreshments will be served. This program will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Finding Dory

April 12, 2023

10:30 AM

Grant R. Brimhall Library

Bring the whole family for a spring break movie at the library! Rated PG, min. 2016, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures. This program will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.