Thousand Oaks Reads is a citywide literary event encouraging community members to read and discuss the same book. A celebration of the selected book includes discussion groups and special events inspired by the themes in the book. The goals are to celebrate reading and literature; engage a wide spectrum of the community in thoughtful exchange of ideas and perspectives; provide a multi-faceted array of programs related to literature and the arts; foster a sense of community. A driving notion of the program is: When we open a book together, we close it in greater harmony.

Thousand Oaks Reads is sponsored by the Thousand Oaks Library and Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library and receives generous support from local businesses and organizations.

The Thousand Oaks Reads Committee is comprised of Thousand Oaks Library staff and supporters. The committee searches for a book that meets the following criteria:

• High Literary Quality - Reviews, analysis, commentary, and commendations from the publishing industry, librarians, journalists and educators
• Universal themes that appeal to a wide range of readers.
• Available in multiple formats, including paperback and audio
• A "discussable" book likely to spark provocative discussions
• Lends itself to creative public programming related to the book
• Author availability and willingness to participate in an author event

 

The 2024 selection is The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi.

Previous Years

• 2023 - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Search the catalog.
• 2022 - Crossing the Line by Kareem Rosser. Search the catalog.
• 2020-21 - The Honey Bus by Meredith May. Search the catalog.
• 2018 - Rocket Men by Robert Kurson Search the catalog. 
• 2017 - News of the World by Paulette Jiles Search the catalog.
• 2016 - Grandma Gatewood's Walk by Ben Montgomery  Search the catalog.
• 2015 - The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez  Search the catalog.
• 2014 - Mary Coin by Marisa Silver. Search the catalog.
  
• 2013 - The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. Search the catalog.
• 2012 - When the Killing's Done by T. C. Boyle. Search the catalog.
• 2011- Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Search the catalog.
• 2010- Sweeping Up Glass by Carolyn Wall. Search the catalog.
• 2009- The Soloist by Steve Lopez. Search the catalog.
• 2008- What Is the What by Dave Eggers. Search the catalog.
• 2007- Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. Search the catalog.

To find all the Thousand Oaks Reads titles, including this year's selection, please search the library's catalog by keyword, either "OCOB" or "One City, One Book", or by subject: "OCOB."

eBook versions are also available on OverDrive and most have downloadable audio available on OverDrive.