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October Programs and Events at the Thousand Oaks 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.org; 805-449-2120
October Programs and Events at the Thousand Oaks Library
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., October 2, 2023- The following is a list of programs happening at the Thousand Oaks Library during the month of October:
ALL AGES
Authors featured in the Library’s Local Author Collection will be gathered in the community room to promote and sell their books as well as meet with other aspiring authors and avid readers in the Thousand Oaks community. This program will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
Live Piano Concert with Xiao Chen
Pianist Xiao Chen will perform a live piano concert. All ages welcome. This program will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
The Thousand Oaks Library presents its 2023 Fall Story Slam. Writers of all ages are invited to submit a short story either fiction or non-fiction that is 1200 words or less and can be read in 6 minutes. All stories must be submitted by Friday, November 3, 2023 at either the front desk of the Thousand Oaks Library or submitted via email at info@tolibrary.org. The top 8 stories will be read at the Story Slam on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 6:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room, where a winner will be selected and receive a gift card prize.
KIDS
Students in Grades 2-5 can practice cursive handwriting in a series of 30-minute workshops. This program will be held on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
Readers of all levels and abilities are invited to read to a certified therapy dog! Participants will sign up for a brief 10-minute session with a dog and their owner. This program will be held on Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Children’s Program Room, and the first & third Thursday of the month in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.
Students in Grades K-8 can get free homework help from volunteers at the Grant R. Brimhall Library and Newbury Park Library. The Homework Help Center is open at the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room on Mondays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Closed on all CVUSD holidays and breaks.
Children in Grades 1-4 are given the opportunity to read a book with an attentive volunteer with the goal of improving their reading confidence. Tuesday sessions are located in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesdays are from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. located in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required. No sessions on October 31, 2023 and November 1, 2023.
Exploring Our Senses with First 5 Ventura County
Join First 5 Ventura County for a variety of hands-on activities that encourage children 12-36 months to explore their senses (hearing, touching, smelling, seeing). This program will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room, and on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.
Eclipse Moon Phase Scavenger Hunt
Stop by either library and participate in a scavenger hunt! Participants will use a map to locate the various phases of the eclipse hidden around the library. Finish the scavenger hunt to receive a pair of eclipse glasses. While supplies last. Participants of any program may only receive one pair of glasses per person present. This is an all-ages scavenger hunt. This program will be held October 6-13, 2023 at the Grant R. Brimhall Library and Newbury Park Library.
Dance, clap and sing along with Ms. Cheryl and her guitar during this fun, interactive program for ages 0-5 years. This program will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
Decorate a mini pumpkin using acrylic paint markers. While supplies last. One pumpkin per person. Grades K-5. This program will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room, and on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room. Walk-ins welcome.
Future Einsteins: The Hands On Project
Explore a little about our skeletal systems and then build a working model of a hand with fun, hands-on experiments led by Riya A., an MHS honor student. Grades 1-5. This program will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
Students in Grades 2-5 are invited to create a short Halloween story! This activity engages students by providing elements of storytelling while simultaneously supporting skills such as brainstorming and creative writing. This program will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
Baby Storytime
Join us at the Grant R. Brimhall Library for 20 minutes of storytelling fun! This is a lap-sit storytime for babies 0-12 months. Tuesdays, October 3 through November 7, 2023 from 10:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Walk-ins welcome.
Toddler Storytime
Join us at the Grant R. Brimhall Library for 20 minutes of storytelling fun! This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. Wednesdays, October 4 through November 8, 2023, from 10:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Registration required.
Preschool Storytime
Join us at the Grant R. Brimhall Library for 30 minutes of storytelling fun and a small craft! This is a storytime for ages 3-5 years. Thursdays, October 5 through November 9, 2023, from 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Walk-ins welcome.
Bilingual Pajama Storytime
Join us at the Grant R. Brimhall Library for a bilingual (Spanish/English) storytime and craft for ages 3-5 years. This program will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Walk-ins welcome.
Enrichment Playtime
Join us for 30 minutes of unstructured playtime. For babies ages 0-12 months, the playtime sessions will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. For toddlers ages 12-36 months, the playtime sessions will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. For preschoolers aged 3-5 years, the playtime sessions will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023. All sessions will be from 10:15 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
TEENS
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available for teens throughout the year. Check the website regularly for new postings. Homework Help tutors, special events and programs, and Thousand Oaks Teen Advisory League (TOTAL) opportunities are available. Meetings alternate between Thousand Oaks Library, Newbury Park Library and Zoom. Registration required through CERVIS.
Come to the Library and pick-up a “Books for Buttons and Boba” form. Finish a book, get a button and enter for a chance for a Boba gift card. The more books you finish, the more chances to win. For tweens and teens in Grades 6-12. This program will be held at the Grant R. Brimhall Library and Newbury Park Library.
Eclipse, Astronomy, & Star Wars Spelling Bee
Come to our friendly space themed Spelling Bee in recognition of the annular solar eclipse. Ages 11+. All are welcome to watch! Eclipse glasses available while supplies last after the program. This program will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required for spelling participants.
Join us monthly to discuss books with strong female characters. Registration Required. For Grades 4-5, Rocks, the program will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For Grades 6-8, Boulders, the program will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All sessions will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the Grant R. Brimhall Library Children's Program Room.
Create Studio will guide students Grades 6-12 in making their own animation flipbook of the Eclipse. Eclipse glasses available while supplies last after the program. This program will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.
Comics, Manga and Graphic Novel Discussion Group
Read one Graphic Novel, Manga or Comic and share and discuss with other tweens and teens in Grades 6-12. Learn about new books. Have fun and make friends. This program will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Tech Training Room. Meetings monthly alternate between Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park Library. Registration required.
Re-Design a Book Cover – Goosebumps
Redesign a new different Goosebumps book cover and submit for a chance to win $50 Target gift card and have your art featured at the Library. For tweens and teens in Grades 6-12. Contest submissions are due October 20, 2023. Submission forms and details are available at Library.
Craft your own Monster Book of Monsters for the Halloween season. Ages 11+. While supplies last. This program will be held Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Teen Space. Registration Required.
Día De Los Muertos – Create a Mini Ofrenda
CReATE STUDIO will show us how to make your own mini ofrenda for Día De Los Muertos. This program will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room, and on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Teen Space.
ADULTS
We are looking for designs that showcase the value of the Thousand Oaks Library or what the library means to you. Your design can also illustrate; how books inspire you, how libraries inspire you, or how the Thousand Oaks Library makes your life better. Adults 18+ only. Entries must be submitted online or to a Check Out Desk at Grant R. Brimhall Library or the Newbury Park Library by Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. No late submissions will be accepted. Visit www.tolibrary.org/contest for more details.
One City, One Book – Community Vote
Exciting News for 2024! We're making sure you have a direct say in selecting our next title for One City, One Book. Vote for the book you're most excited to read and we'll unveil the winning title that YOU helped choose. This is your chance to shape our reading journey, connect with fellow readers, and dive into an amazing book that reflects our community's interests. Voting deadline ends on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Love strategy board games but have a difficult time finding a consistent group to play with? Us too! Adults 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!
This program will be held on Sunday, October 1 & 29, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
This free support group is for moms and their newborns to get together in a relaxed environment to express their joys and concerns. A safe place to ask questions and meet other new moms in the community. This program will be held on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Children's Program Room.
Learn the basics of 3D Printing as well as how to use Tinkercad, a free, easy-to-use web app for 3D modeling. This program will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Tech Space.
Space Planning Meeting at Newbury Park Library
Planning for the future of libraries is a thoughtful process rooted in community feedback. Help us better understand your needs and wants by getting engaged in the process. This meeting will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.
Unleash your creativity and discover the soothing power of art! Select from an array of relaxing art activities like coloring, dot-to-dot art, sticker-by-numbers, scratch art, and more. All materials provided. Walk-ins welcome. Adults only. This program will be held on Friday, October 8, 2023 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
Watch free movie matinées at the library! View the movie schedule online. This program will be held on Monday, October 9 & 23, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
Under the gentle guidance and support of a language-learning professional, you'll gain a better understanding of how to express yourself in Spanish. Free of charge! All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced. Registration preferred. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows. This program will be held on Wednesday, October 11 & 25, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Technology Training Room.
Come listen to local poets and share your own work! Poets include members of the Ventura County Poetry Project, local poets, and special guest readers. This program will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room. This program is a hybrid virtual and in person program. Registration is only required for virtual attendance. Virtual participants must download, read, and agree to the online code of conduct before attending the program.
Excel Basics: Working with Text
Learn some tips and tricks using Microsoft Excel that can help you with recording information and staying organized. This program will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Tech Space. Registration required.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group
Practice speaking English in an informal and friendly group setting. Adults and teens 14+. This program will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Tech Training Room. Registration preferred, walk-ins welcome.
Join us in reading and discussing books in a wide variety of genres by authors from a wide variety of cultures. Our book this month is Deadendia: The Watcher's Test by Hamish Steele. Registration required. This program will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Tech Training Room.
Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, including how to manipulate text, edit documents, and use menus and toolbars. This program will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Tech Space.
Let’s Do The Time Warp: After Hours Movie Screening & Singalong
Rocky Horror fans old and new are invited to join us for an after-hours screening with costumes, singalongs, and callbacks encouraged. Musical/Horror, Rated R. Adults 18+ only. This program will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
Excel Basics: Working with Numbers
Learn some tips and tricks using Microsoft Excel that can help you with budgeting, record-keeping or statistical reports. This program will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Tech Space.
Library of the Dead: After Hours Movie Screening & Costume Contest
Join us for a special after hours showing of Geroge. A, Romero’s classic horror film. Join us afterwards for a special Halloween costume contest with gift card prizes for the best three costumes. Horror, Rated R. This program will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.
Crafternoon: Pumpkin Wine Glass Candle Holders
Adults are invited to join us to socialize and make a different craft each month! All materials provided. This program will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.
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