May Programs and Events at the Thousand Oaks Library
April 29, 2025
The following is a list of programs happening at the Thousand Oaks Library during the month of May, with GRB denoting Grant R. Brimhall Library and NPL denoting Newbury Park Library.
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., April 29, 2025 -The following is a list of programs happening at the Thousand Oaks Library during the month of May, 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 visitwww.tolibrary.org/calendar.
The Grant R. Brimhall Library will be closed on Sunday, May 4, due to events at Conejo Creek North Park; however, the Newbury Park Library will be open from 12 pm to 5 pm. Both libraries will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Our Virtual Library is open 24/7!
ALL AGES
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.
Friday, May 9 • 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+.
Saturday, May 17 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Form a team of up to 4 people and race against other teams and the clock to complete a 500-piece puzzle in 2 hours. Registration required, one per team.
Monday, May 19 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Teen Space
Discover the Cricut Maker 3—drop in, get inspired, and craft something cool! For ages 11+.
Taiko Drumming with Togen Daiko
Sunday May 25 • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm • GRB Community Room
Experience and learn about the Japanese art of Taiko Drumming from the performers of Togen Daiko.
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!
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.
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
Mondays • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Tuesdays • 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Wednesdays & Thursdays • 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. Runs September 2024 to May 2025; closed on CVUSD holidays and breaks. No Homework Help May 22 through May 29.
Thursday, May 1 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Tuesdays • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Children’s Program 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.
Saturday, May 3 • 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.
PACT Light with First 5 Ventura County
Fridays, May 9 &16 • 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.
Wednesday, May 14 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • Newbury Park Library
Engineer new creations from recycled materials with Makedo tools. For grades K-5.
Thursday, May 15 • 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 preferred. Walk-ins welcome if space is available. Note: Reading Buddies is on pause but returns this summer! Stay tuned for registration details.
Friday, May 23 • 10:15 am – 11:15 am • GRB Community Room
Use your imagination and provided materials to create! For grades K-5.
Spring Storytimes & Playtime
Doors for Storytimes close 5 minutes after the program starts, and latecomers will not be admitted.
Tuesday, May 6 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am • GRB Community Room
This is a lapsit storytime for babies 0-12 months.
Wednesday, May 7 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am & 11:00 am – 11:20 am • GRB Community Room
This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. Registration required.
Thursdays, May 1 & 8 • 10:15 am – 11:00 am • GRB Community Room
This is a preschool storytime & craft for ages 3-5 years.
Newbury Park Toddler Storytime
Thursdays, May 1 & 8 • 10:15 am - 10:35 am • NPL Community Room
This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months.
Monday, May 19 • 6:15 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Community Room
Join us for a bilingual (English/Spanish) storytime and craft for ages 3-5. Walk-ins welcome!
Join us for 30 minutes of unstructured playtime from 10:15 am – 10:50 am.
For babies (0-12 months): Tuesday, May 13 • GRB Community Room
For toddlers (12-36 months): Wednesday, May 14 • GRB Community Room
For preschoolers (3-5 years): Thursday, May 15 • GRB Community Room
For NPL toddlers (12-36 months): Thursday, May 15 • NPL Meeting Room
TWEENS & TEENS
Study Kits for Tweens and Teens
Thursday, May 1 – Saturday, May 31
These study and mental wellness kits, created by our Thousand Oaks Teen Advisory League volunteers, are designed to support students during exams. We hope they help you succeed! Just for tweens and teens in grades 6-12. Available while supplies last.
Garland Flower Crowns & Bracelets
Friday, May 9 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Teen Space
Create flower, garland, laurel or nature crowns or bracelets. Great for Mothers Day, Prom or just to celebrate spring! Just for tweens and teens grades 6-12. Registration required.
Tuesday, May 13 • 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 Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen for Rocks and Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt for Boulders. Registration required.
Come to the Library and pick-up a “Books for Buttons and Boba” form. Finish a book with more than 200 pages, get a button and enter for a chance for a Boba gift card. For grades 6-12.
Summer Teen Volunteers Needed!
The Library needs friendly teen volunteers during the Summer to help with Summer Reading Club and Library programs and activities. Apply ASAP for first choice in Library volunteer shifts. Volunteer shifts available June 16 through August 3 and Orientation Training sessions available starting in May. Go to www.tolibrary.org/teens for more information and application details.
ADULTS
Mondays, May 5 & 19 • 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.
Tuesdays, May 6, 13, 20, & 27 • 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.
Tomato Time: Secrets of Growing Perfect Tomatoes
Tuesday, May 6 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Community Room
Join us to discover why Ventura County's Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect place to grow tomatoes. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome.
Virtual Author Talk - How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin
Wednesday, May 7 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online
In this enlightening online webinar, you will learn how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting, connected to others, and resilient. Author of Thriving with Anxiety, Dr. Rosmarin’s constructive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach will not make you less anxious. Instead, it will empower you to use anxiety to thrive.
Wednesday, May 7 • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Learn about three free resources you can access from anywhere with your library card and an internet connection: Freegal Music, Kanopy and Consumer Reports. Registration required.
Wednesday, May 7 • 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 Real Americans by Rachel Khong. Walk-ins welcome.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group
Thursday, May 8 • 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!
Discover, Define, Develop: A Career Workshop for All Stages
Saturday, May 10 • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm • GRB Community Room
Whether you're exploring new opportunities or redefining your path, discover your potential with our introductory career development workshop hosted by Career Coach Deanna Gurrola. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome.
Monday, May 12 • 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 Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev. Walk-ins welcome.
Tuesday, May 13 • 11:00 am – 12:30 pm • GRB Tech Training Room
Learn how to access eBooks, comics, movies, music, and more using the library's digital offerings and apps. Registration required.
Excel Basics 1: Working with Text
Wednesday, May 14 • 12:30 pm – 2:15 pm • NPL Tech Space
Tap into the organizational powers of Microsoft Excel and learn about tools that can help you stay organized. Registration required.
Virtual Author Talk - On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang
Wednesday, May 14 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • Online
Grab your popcorn, grab your friend, and join us for a propulsive online conversation with author Liann Zhang as she chats with us about her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead.
Wednesdays, May 14 & 28 • 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.
Wednesday, May 14 & 28 • 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.
Using AI: Some Tips and Tricks
Thursday, May 15 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • GRB Tech Training Room
Gain confidence with AI by exploring a selection of artificial intelligence tools. Registration required.
Friday, May 16 • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Friday, May 23 • 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 Crepe Paper Flower Bouquets. Materials provided. Registration required. Note: Crafternoon will be taking a break June through August, it will return in September.
Virtual Author Talk - How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us with Author Rachelle Bergstein
Wednesday, May 21 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online
You’re invited to an online intimate conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. This book takes an expansive look at Judy Blume’s life, work, and cultural impact, focusing on her most iconic—and controversial—young adult novels, fromAre You There God? It’s Me, MargarettoBlubber.
Thursday, May 22 • 11:00 am – 12:30 pm • GRB Tech Training Room
Learn the basics of 3D printing as well as how to use Tinkercad, a free web application for 3D modelling. Registration required.
Excel Basics 2: Working with Numbers
Wednesday, May 28 • 12:30 pm – 2:15 pm • NPL Tech Space
Tap into the organizational powers of Microsoft Excel and learn about tools that can help you stay organized. Registration required.
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