April Events at the Thousand Oaks Library
March 31, 2026
The following is a list of programs happening at the Thousand Oaks Library during the month of April at Grant R. Brimhall Library (GRB) and Newbury Park Library (NPL).
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 31, 2026 — The following is a list of programs happening at the Thousand Oaks Library during the month of April at Grant R. Brimhall Library (GRB) and Newbury Park Library (NPL). 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 libcal.tolibrary.org/calendar.
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHT
National Library Week (Month-Long) Celebration
We're celebrating all month long, and we want YOU to be part of it! Get your new library card in April and choose between a prize from our prize box or an opportunity drawing ticket for a chance to win one of five gift cards: Amazon, Trader Joe’s, Best Buy, Target, or Dick’s Sporting Goods. New This Year: Renewing your library card in April also makes you eligible! Renew your library card and receive a prize from our prize box or one opportunity drawing ticket for a chance to win one of our five gift cards—our way of saying, "We've missed you!" Your next great read, your next favorite film, your next exciting discovery is waiting. Come in and Find Your Joy today!
ALL AGES
Sunday, March 1 – Thursday, April 30
Let your creativity shine in our Bookmark Design Contest! Pick up an official contest form from the library and design a unique bookmark inspired by the 2026 Summer Reading theme: Plant a Seed, Read! Open to all ages, from kindergarten to adults, entries must be submitted on the official form by April 30, 2026. Check the form for rules and details, then grab your supplies and start designing!
Tuesday, April 7 • 5:30 – 7:30 pm • GRB Teen Space
Ages 14+ are invited to join us monthly to play games like Forbidden Island, Dungeon Mayhem, and Wingspan, or bring your own games to share with others!
Gosh Yarn It! Crochet Club*New Time*
Friday, April 10 • 2:30 – 4:00 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, April 18th, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm•Thousand Oaks Community Center Park
Join us for the City’s annual Arbor Earth Day Celebration at Thousand Oaks Community Center Park, located at 2525 N. Moorpark Road, next to T.O. High School. This springtime community tradition is a free, family-friendly event that will include electric vehicles on display, kids’ activities, live music, food vendors, a plant giveaway, and free compost. There will be giveaways, raffles, and more!
Monday, April 20 • 4:30 – 6:00 pm • GRB Teen Space
Stop by and choose a design/experience using one or all of our ‘maker’ machines: Button maker, VR headset, 3D printer, and Cricut machine. For ages 11+.
CHILDREN
Mondays • 3:00 – 5:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Tuesdays • 2:30 – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Wednesdays & Thursdays • 3:00 – 5:00 pm • GRB Community Room
Struggling with school assignments? Our friendly volunteers are here to help students in kindergarten through 8th grade succeed! September 2025 – May 2026, closed on all CVUSD holidays & breaks. No sessions Thursday, April 2 through Thursday, April 9.
Tuesdays • 3:30 – 4:30 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room
Thursday, April 2 • 3:30 – 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. No session Tuesday, April 7.
Wild Watercolor*New Program*
Friday, April 3 • 4:30 – 5:30 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room
Let your creativity run wild for an hour of watercolor painting. For ages 6-11.
Spring Break Craft: Doorhanger
Saturday, April 4 – Sunday, April 12 • Both Libraries
Stop by and color your own cardstock doorhanger. While supplies last. For ages 4+.
Saturday, April 4 • 10:15 – 10:45 am & 11:15 – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room
Dance, clap, and sing along with Ms. Cheryl Lev during this fun, interactive program. For ages 0-5. Registration required.
Tuesdays, April 14, 21, & 28 • 4:00 – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room
Wednesdays, April 15, 22, & 29 • 3:10 – 3:40 pm or 3:45 pm – 4:15 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.
Thursday, April 30 • 10:15 – 10:45 am & 11:15 – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room
In this fun-filled, interactive concert, Mr. Michael creates a joyful atmosphere for kids and parents alike. For families. Registration required.
STORYTIMES & PLAYTIMES
Tuesday, April 14 • 10:15 – 10:35 am • GRB Community Room
A lapsit storytime for babies 0-12 months. Walk-ins welcome!
Wednesday, April 15 • 10:15 – 10:35 am • GRB Community Room
A storytime for ages 12-36 months. Walk-ins welcome!
Thursday, April 16 • 10:15 – 11:00 am • GRB Community Room
This is a storytime & craft for ages 3-5 years. Walk-ins welcome!
Celebrate Día: Bilingual Pajama Storytime (See Día flyer for details)
Monday, April 27 • 6:00 – 6:45 pm • GRB Community Room
Join us for a special bilingual (English/Spanish) Día Storytime and craft for ages 3-5, celebrating children, families, and reading! Walk-ins welcome, pajamas optional!
For babies (0-12 months) • Tuesday, April 21 • 10:15 – 10:50 am
For toddlers (12-36 months) • Wednesday, April 22 • 10:15 – 10:50 am
For preschoolers (ages 3-5 years) • Thursday, April 23 • 10:15 – 10:50 am
Join us for 30 minutes of unstructured playtime in the GRB Community Room.
TWEENS & TEENS
Looking for a fun way to give back this summer? The Thousand Oaks Library is seeking enthusiastic, friendly teens to help make the Summer Reading Club (SRC) a huge success. With flexible shifts throughout the summer, it’s a great opportunity to support your library and community while building customer service and teamwork skills. For teens ages 14-17. Details online. Apply ASAP!
Schedule a study session at the Library and check out AP exam prep books, flashcards, and resources. Go online to access BrainFuse HelpNow and Learning Express Library for tutorials, games, and practice exams.
Wednesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 30
Relax in our Library's Teen Spaces and create blackout poetry and art. Submit for a chance to win a $50 gift card from a local art supply store. For ages 11-18.
Tuesday, April 14 • GRB Children’s Program Room
Rocks (Grades 4-5): 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Boulders (Grades 6-8): 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Join us monthly to discuss books with strong female characters. This month’s Rocks selection is The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat. This month’s Boulder’s selection is The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg. Registration required.
Making Miniatures Cozy Bookshelf Edition
Thursday April 30 • 4:00 – 5:00 pm • GRB Teen Space
Make miniature bookshelves and books to display on a tiny shelf. Only for ages 11-18. Registration required.
Books for Buttons, Boba, or Burgers
Visit the Library and pick up a “Books for Buttons, Boba, or Burgers” form. Finish reading a book with more than 200 pages, submit to get a pin button, and enter for a chance for a boba or burger gift card. Read more books for more chances to win. For ages 11-18.
ADULTS
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 artistic 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.
On a Mission: The History of US Women Astronauts with Smithsonian Curator Emerita Valerie Neal
Thursday, April 2 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online
Join us for an exhilarating journey through the history of US women astronauts with Valerie Neal, an emerita curator at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and an expert on human spaceflight.
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.
Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, & 28 • 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.
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.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation Group
Thursday, April 9 • 6:00 – 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.
Thursday, April 9 • 7:00 – 8:00 pm • Goebel Adult Community Center
The History Book Discussion Group meets on the second Thursday of every month. This month’s book is Why Taiwan Matters by Kerry Brown. Walk-ins welcome.
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!
Monday, April 13 • 1:00 – 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.
Monday, April 13 • 6:30 – 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room
The Happily Ever After Book Club meets on the second Monday of every month to talk about our favorite romance novels. This month’s book is Single Player by Tara Tai. Walk-ins welcome.
On Writing Action-Packed and Suspenseful Spycraft with Brad Taylor
Tuesday, April 14 • 4:00 – 5:00 pm • Online
Join us in conversation with acclaimed author Brad Taylor on his latest work, Shadow Strike, book 20 (yes, you read that right!) of the bestselling Pike Logan series.
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!
Lush Lyricism and Intimate Confessions with Miranda Cowley Heller
Wednesday, April 22 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • Online
Award-winning and bestselling author Miranda Cowley Heller takes us on an intimate journey through the life stages of a woman in her new poetry collection, What the Deep Water Knows. Delicate, yet exceedingly raw, these poems will transport you as vividly as any work of fiction.
Wednesday, April 22 • 5:30 – 6:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room
Advanced & intermediate learners are invited to join our informal Spanish conversation group to practice and improve with fellow language lovers, guided by a native speaker! Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome.
Demystifying Bulbs, Tubers, and Rhizomes
Thursday, April 23 • 6:00 – 7:00 pm • GRB Community Room
Learn how to grow beautiful blooms without the guesswork. Taught by certified Master Gardener Rose Li. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome.
Saturday, April 25 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • GRB Children's Program Room
Ask a Doula provides an open and welcoming space where families can ask questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and infant sleep. For expectant parents, new parents, and caregivers of young children. Babies and little ones are welcome!
An Afternoon with Yangsze Choo
Sunday, April 26, 2026 • 2:00 pm • BAPAC 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.
Memory Lab*New Program*
Tuesday, April 28 • 3:00 – 4:00 pm • GRB Tech Training Room
The Memory Lab is a space for free, do-it-yourself digitization of video, sound recordings and other media. Join us for an information session on how the Memory Lab works! Registration required.
Thursday, April 30 • 4:00 – 5:00 pm • Online
Join us in an online conversation with bestselling author Jason Reynolds as we discuss his latest work, Coach, the fifth and last entry in the highly popular Track series. Following the immersive stories of Ghost, Lu, Patina, and Sunny, it’s finally time for Coach to shine in his own book as we discover: Who was Coach before he became an inspiring leader?
ON THE REGULAR
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.
Grant R. Brimhall Library
The Thousand Oaks Library offers Dungeons & Dragons Kits, each packed with guides, handbooks, a game master 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!
Newbury Park Library
Level up your visit with the Nintendo Switch Lite, available to borrow with your library card at the Newbury Park Library Information Desk. Loaded with fun digital games, the Switch Lite is perfect for in-library play. Come check it out and enjoy some gaming time!
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