Applicant must be a California resident. You can visit your local OCPL branch or apply online. At the branch present a photo ID to show your identity and give proof of your current address. A California Driver's License, DMV ID card, Mexican Consular Identification card, Passport or Military ID are all acceptable forms of ID. Please provide proof of your current address such as a recent utility bill, lease, car registration or checks with your address and your name on it. If you are under eighteen, you must have your parent/legal guardian sign your library application and include their driver's license number. If you are unable to provide proof of your current address, you can apply for an Internet Only card. Internet Only library cards allow you to use the Internet, but do not allow you to borrow material.
How do I apply for a Library Card online?
Use the Online Library Card Application link https://web.ocpl.org/n/LibraryCardApplication/ and complete the application. Select a library you would like to pick-up your library card. Your Library Card will be ready in 48 hours. Be prepared to provide proper photo ID and proof of your current address (listed above).
How do I replace my Library Card?
Visit your local OCPL branch and present a photo ID to show your identity. A Driver's License, DMV ID card, Mexican Consular Identification card, Military ID or Passport are all acceptable forms of ID. There is a $2.00 fee to replace your Library Card.
Most items check out for 3 weeks; however some only check out for one week. Your check-out slip lists the items you have and when they are due. Please see Borrowing Policies for further details.
How do I know how much my overdue fine is?
Your fine increases by 25 cents each day the item is overdue, even when the library is closed. To return items as soon as possible, put them in the book drop at your local branch. You can also renew your items through the catalog on this website. Click on "My iBistro", and then click on "My Account" and then click on "Renew My Materials". If you lose an item, you will be charged for the price of the item plus a non-refundable $5.00 processing fee, plus any fines on the item. Please see Borrowing Policies for further details.
How do I know how many items I can check out?
A patron can check out a total of fifty items.
How do I know when the library is open?
OCPL has branch libraries throughout Orange County. Each library has different hours. Please see Branches for individual branch hours.
Find a list of the library’s holiday schedule?
HOLIDAY
2012
2013
New Years Day
Monday, January 2*
Tuesday, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 16
Monday, January 21
Lincoln's Birthday
Monday, February 13
Tuesday, February 12
President's Day
Monday, February 20
Monday, February 18
Memorial Day
Monday, May 28
Monday, May 27
Independence Day
Wednesday, July 4
Thursday, July 4
Labor Day
Monday, September 3
Monday, September 2
Columbus Day
Monday, October 8
Monday, October 14
Veterans' Day
Monday, November 12
Monday, November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 22
Thursday, November 28
Friday after Thanksgiving
Friday, November 23
Friday, November 29
Christmas
Tuesday, December 25
Wednesday, December 25
* Indicates the observed date differs from the actual date of the holiday.
How do I find a branch that is open on Sundays?
Please visit our hours and locations page to se what branches are open on Sundays.
How do I return an OCPL item to another OCPL library?
Just drop the item off at any of our Branches. Materials checked out from any of our branches can be returned to any other OCPL branch.
How do I return an OCPL item to a library outside of the OCPL system?
You can return items to libraries that are not part of OCPL. However, it might take much longer for them to be returned to one of our branches and you are responsible for any fines that occur during this time.
What is eLibrary ?
eLibrary is the catalog of all materials owned by OCPL. "My eLibrary" is your personal portion of the catalog. Log into "My eLibrary" to see your account. You can check your account, change your PIN and renew items.
How do I log on to eLibrary and why is it important?
To log into "My eLibrary" click on the "Catalog" link on OCPL's web site. The "My eLibrary" login box is in top right corner of the screen. Your User ID is your library card barcode. Your PIN is the password you created when you got your library card. If you've forgotten your PIN you must go to your local branch with photo ID to get it. If you need help using eLibrary, contact any branch.
How do I use the Catalog (eLibrary)?
Click here for instructions on the use of eLibrary.
How do I check to see what I have checked out from my home computer?