Since 2007, the Thousand Oaks Library’s Thousand Oaks Reads: One City One Book program has served as the community’s signature literary event.  Annually, staff would choose a title and in October, offer a month of programs related to the book. Although Thousand Oaks Reads: One City One Book enjoys a loyal following, the committee is changing a few elements in the hope of encouraging more participation while creating a more inclusive event:n.

• Expanding partnerships and community connections - This year our planning committee includes staff from California Lutheran University, New West Symphony and other community members.In the months leading up to our author and title announcement, we will actively engage our core participants -- avid readers, book club members and past program attendees. We anticipate lively discussions and a wider range of perspectives by making this very important change.

• Changing the program format - Historically, Thousand Oaks Reads: One City One Book has been a four-week celebration in the month of October. This schedule competes with community events, holidays and limits the Library’s ability to include the school district in our planning and participation.

This year, we are announcing our theme in May, and October will mark the kickoff of the program with the reveal of the chosen title. Book club discussions, musical presentations, lectures and other related programming will take place leading up to the author event in April, 2019 - the finale of National Library Week. This change provides the community with multiple opportunities to participate throughout the seven months.

The committee is pleased to announce our theme for this year’s Thousand Oaks Reads: One City One Book is Space, in honor of the 50^th Anniversary of the Apollo moon landing.  We hope you will continue to support this program and look forward to revealing our Thousand Oaks Reads: One City One Book main title this October, 2018.