Q. What is the history of the library and its support organizations? Also, can you provide some general library information?

Grant R. Brimhall Library

Thousand Oaks is proud to have a City-owned library system which is funded by an assessment from homeowners. The Thousand Oaks Library is comprised of one main facility, The Grant R. Brimhall Library, located at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks, and one branch library, the Newbury Park Branch, located at 2331 Borchard Road in Newbury Park. The Library collection includes over 350,000 items and friendly staff to provide assistance.

The Thousand Oaks Library was opened in 1982. The 62,000 square foot building was expanded an additional 22,000 square feet to accommodate an improved Children's Services area, quiet study rooms, and additional seating and shelving capacity in 2006. A new 3,600 gallon salt-water aquarium donated by the Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library enhances the walkway between the adult and children's services areas. The aquarium is 18 feet wide and 5 feet tall and is home to a variety of different species of fish from all over the world. The reef is man-made and painted to represent coral from various oceans.

Newbury Park Branch Library

Opened in 1991, the Newbury Park facility houses both the Newbury Park Branch Library and the Library System's Technical Services Department. The building also houses the Thousand Oaks Community Gallery, where local artists can showcase their work.

For more information call the Grant R. Brimhall Library at (805) 449-2660 or email Library@toaks.org or call the Newbury Park Branch at (805) 498-2139.

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