One City, One Book 2025
March 11, 2025
Join the Thousand Oaks Library community in reading this year’s One City, One Book selection, Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb.
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 10, 2025: 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 literature 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.
Brendan Slocumb's novelSymphony of Secretsexplores themes of musical genius, historical injustice, and hidden truths. It follows a musicologist who uncovers a long-buried secret about a legendary composer, revealing a story of exploitation, lost voices, and the power of art. Books are available in paperback, eBook, and eAudiobook.
An Afternoon with Brendan Slocumb
Sunday, April 27 • 2:00 pm • Bank of America Performing Arts Center - Fred Kavli Theater
Join us for an inspiring conversation with bestselling author and musician Brendan Slocumb. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear him discuss his journey from musician to novelist, the power of music in storytelling, and the inspirations behind his work. This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served. Have a question for Brendan Slocumb? Now’s your chance to ask! Whether you're curious about his writing process or the inspiration behindSymphony of Secrets, submit your questions online, and we’ll cover as many as time allows during the live event.For more details, visit www.tolibrary.org/ocob.One City, One Book is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library.
Themed events leading up to One City, One Book
Little Phat Band: After-Hours Concert
Saturday, March 22 • 7:00 pm • Grant R. Brimhall Library
Kick off this year’s One City, One Book with Gordon Goodwin’s Little Phat Band, featuring nine of L.A.’s finest musicians. This ensemble delivers the dynamic energy of its internationally acclaimed counterpart, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Enjoy an after-hours concert at the library featuring a range of styles, from swing to funk to Latin to pop. This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Saturday, April 5 • 2:00 pm • Grant R. Brimhall Library
Join Fundi Legohn, Director of the Ventura College Jazz Band, and his students for a dynamic performance of classic jazz from different eras. They’ll explore the musical styles and social influences of each period, while also adding modern day rhythmic twists to engage younger listeners. This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Saturday, April 12 • 2:00 pm • Grant R. Brimhall Library
Enjoy an afternoon of live jazz with the Cal Lutheran Jazz Combo, featuring Vivian Meyer, Noah Christensen, and Jonathan Cejoco. This talented group of musicians from California Lutheran University will perform jazz standards in an alto saxophone, piano, and drum trio. This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Cal Lutheran Faculty Discussion
Thursday, April 17 • 7:00 pm • California Lutheran University - Lundring Events Center
Professors explore unique perspectives and offer thoughtful responses to the many themes and issues presented inSymphony of Secretsby Brendan Slocumb. This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Friday, April 18 • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm • Newbury Park Library
Friday, April 25 • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm • Grant R. Brimhall Library
Adults are invited to join us at the Library to socialize and make a craft! Materials provided. Seating is limited. Registration required.
Saturday, April 19 • 2:00 pm • Grant R. Brimhall Library
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled singalong of classics and other favorites, featuring live piano accompaniment and singers from Los Robles Children's Choir.
Wednesday, April 23 • 1:00 pm • Grant R. Brimhall Library
Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul. (Rated PG, 1h 40m, Disney Pixar, 2020.)
Qello & Create: DIY Album Cover Art
Saturday, April 26 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm • Newbury Park Library - Art Gallery
Express your creativity! We'll provide all the art supplies for you to collage a recycled CD and create a DIY custom album cover with your own Polaroid picture. Stop by for a fun afternoon with light refreshments and live music streamed from Qello Concerts by Stingray! Space is limited. Registration required.
Friday, April 25 • 7:00 pm • Grant R. Brimhall Library
Calling All Storytellers! Get ready for the Thousand Oaks Library Story Slam! Writers 18+ are invited to submit a story inspired by music, family history, discovery, or secrets — what tale will you tell? The top 8 storytellers will take the stage on Friday, April 25 for a live reading! Audience favorite will win a $50 gift card.
Submission guidelines: Stories must be able to be read in under seven minutes and be between 1,000-2000 words. Story content must be library-appropriate. Email entries to info@tolibrary.org with the subject heading “Story Slam.” Print entries submit in-person at the Information Desk. Entries must include your name and contact information. Submission Deadline: April 11, 2025. Selected authors will be notified on April 18, 2025.
Have a question for Brendan Slocumb? Now’s your chance to ask!
Whether you're curious about his writing process or the inspiration behindSymphony of Secrets, submit your questions online, and we’ll cover as many as time allows during the live event.