One City, One Book 2026
March 17, 2026
Join the Thousand Oaks Library community in celebrating this year’s One City, One Book selection, The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo!
CONTACT: Charlotte Burrows, Public Services Division Manager,
cburrows@tolibrary.org; 805-381-7338
Alexandra South, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs,
asouth@toaks.gov; 805-449-2120
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 17, 2026 — Join the Thousand Oaks Library community in celebrating this year’s One City, One Book selection, The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo!
One City, One Book (OCOB) is a community-wide literary celebration that brings residents together through a shared reading experience. This program highlights the power of books to connect people, ignite thought-provoking discussions, and strengthen our sense of community. Each year, it reaffirms the library’s role as a dynamic center for culture and conversation, showcasing how storytelling can inspire, unite, and enrich our collective experience.
New York Times bestselling author Yangsze Choo brilliantly explores a world of mortals and spirits, humans and beasts, and their dazzling intersection. Blending historical fiction with folklore, The Fox Wife follows a detective investigating the death of a courtesan and a mysterious servant named Snow — a fox spirit seeking vengeance for her lost child — on a journey through China and Japan. Books are available in paperback, eBook, and eAudiobook.
An Afternoon with Yangsze Choo
Sunday, April 26, 2026 • 2:00 pm • Bank of America Performing Arts Center - Fred Kavli Theater
Join us for an inspiring conversation with bestselling author Yangsze Choo. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her talk about the shape-shifting foxes of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean literature, the cult of the fox in northern China/Manchuria, and the inspirations behind her work.
This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Have a question for Yangsze Choo?
Now’s your chance to ask! Whether you're curious about her writing process or the inspiration behind The Fox Wife, submit your questions, and we’ll cover as many as time allows during the live event.
For more details, visit www.tolibrary.org. One City, One Book is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library.
After-Hours Concert: Guzheng with Bei Bei
Saturday, March 28 • 7:00 – 8:00 pm • Grant R. Brimhall Library
Experience the enchanting music of the guzheng, performed by an internationally acclaimed and award-winning artist, Beibei Monter. The Guzheng (pronounced goo-jung) is a 21-string traditional Chinese zither with a history of over 2,500 years. Joined by guitarist Jon Monter, the duo will present an evening of contemporary fusion works. Seating will be open and available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a FREE event being held at the Grant R. Brimhall Library.
Friendly Book Discussion Group (Hybrid)
Thursday, April 2 • 6:30 - 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room or Online
The Friendly Book Discussion Group meets on the first Thursday of every month. This month’s book is The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo. Walk-ins welcome.
Saturday, April 4 • 1:00 – 2:30 pm • GRB Community Room
Discover the classic Chinese tile game “Mahjong”! This beginner-friendly program introduces Hong Kong–style Mahjong, one of the most popular versions of the game worldwide. Participants will learn the tiles, basic rules, and gameplay, then enjoy guided play in a relaxed, social setting. No experience required, all materials provided. For ages 18+. Registration required.
Tuesday, April 7 • 6:00 – 8:00 pm • GRB Community Room
Ready to take better portraits, even with just your phone? Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn simple techniques to instantly improve your photos. We’ll cover lighting basics, natural vs. studio light, posing tips, clean backgrounds, and composition tricks like the rule of thirds. Perfect for anyone who wants to photograph friends, family, or clients with more confidence. Learn from photographer Maia Rose Landau, whose work has collaborated with brands like Tom Ford Beauty, Chanel, Victoria Beckham Beauty, and more.
Sunday, April 12 • 2:00 – 3:00 pm • GRB Community Room
Join certified kimono instructor and dresser Akane Mashimo for a fascinating look at kimono styles and cultural significance. Select participants will get to experience obi tying over their everyday clothes—and if you own a yukata set, bring it along and join in!
Friday, April 17 • 2:30 – 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 Fox Portraits. Materials provided. Registration required.
Saturday, April 18 • 2:00 – 3:00 pm • NPL Art Gallery
Chinese Calligraphy is a traditional art form with over 5,000 years of history. In this hands-on workshop with Emmy Lam, participants will learn how to write 24 Chinese characters and take home their finished piece. For ages 18+. Registration required.
Sunday, April 19 • 2:00 - 4:00 pm • GRB Community Room
Inspired by the novel, join us for a special paint-by-numbers session as we bring the fox spirit to life — one brushstroke at a time. All supplies provided. For ages 18+. Spots are limited. Register to claim your canvas!
Call for Photographers: Portrait Photography Showcase
Inspired by The Fox Wife, the library invites photographers of all skill levels to submit portrait photography for a special showcase as part of the One City, One Book 2026 celebration. Submissions may include traditional portraits, self-portraits, or styled portraits that incorporate mixed media—such as collage, illustration, or digital art—as long as photography is the primary element. Selected photographs will be printed and displayed at the Grant R. Brimhall Library. All submissions must be uploaded online; the library will not accept hard-copy artwork at the front desk. Submission period: March 11 – April 17. Exhibition: April 22 – May 31. Submit one original photograph (JPG or PNG, max 20 MB, minimum 300 DPI). Minor edits are allowed, but AI may not be used for major image manipulation. Bonus: All participants will be entered into an opportunity drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.