ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (March 26, 2026) – OC Public Libraries is pleased to announce One County, One Book, a community reading program centered around the book James by author Percival Everett. Everett's acclaimed 2024 novel James, a reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, won the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction and the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. 

Through One County, One Book, OC Public Libraries strives to unite our Orange County communities around a shared reading experience. From April through June, readers of all ages are invited to celebrate James through an exciting lineup of author talks, engaging cultural presentations, and lively book club discussions, all culminating in a speaking engagement with Percival Everett on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 pm at the Laguna Hills Community Center. 

One County, One Book is presented by OC Public Libraries in partnership with the Orange County Office on Aging. This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.

OC Public Libraries (OCPL)

OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (March 25, 2026) – OC Public Libraries is excited to announce Earth Day 2026, offering a chance for the community to join in celebrating the library’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. This event provides an opportunity for everyone to come together and share ways to protect our environment. In partnership with OC Waste & Recycling, OC Public Libraries is hosting special programs and activities designed to inspire eco-friendly practices, build connections, and play a part in protecting our planet. 

OC Waste & Recycling Getting’ Wiggly with Composting Presentations: 

Film Screenings

Join OC Public Libraries in celebrating Earth Month with an engaging film screening series. Each screening features an impactful film followed by insights from subject experts and an audience discussion. These events combine entertainment and education to spark meaningful conversations about our planet and our future.

Storytimes for Earth Day 2026: 

For more programs and information about Earth Day 2026 visit https://ocpl.org/earthday

OC Public Libraries (OCPL)

OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (March 2, 2026) – OC Public Libraries is excited to introduce Regulation Station: All Aboard for Sensory Play, a new initiative designed to support neurodiverse children and their families through inclusive library programming.

This program series includes storytimes for children ages 2–8, sensory play experiences, and author talks for parents that support families with children on the autism spectrum. As part of the launch, OC Public Libraries will host an author talk featuring Katie Rose Guest Pryal, J.D., Ph.D., a nationally recognized voice in neurodiversity and mental health. Her book, Your Kid Belongs Here, provides a compassionate and comprehensive guide for families raising neurodivergent children and reinforces the initiative’s focus on empowerment and belonging.

Limited complimentary books available, while supplies last. No registration required. Early arrival suggested.

This program is funded by support from the Samueli Foundation.

OC Public Libraries (OCPL)

OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.

More information at https://ocpl.org/regulation-station

Congratulations Employee of the Month Jessica!
Please join us in celebrating Jessica from San Clemente, our Employee of the Month! Jessica is exceptional when it comes to serving our patrons. She treats everyone with respect and goes above and beyond to meet their needs, building especially wonderful connections with our youngest visitors. Whether she’s leading Bilingual Storytime or dancing along with the littles during Happy Feet: Music and Movement, Jessica creates a safe, joyful space where children can learn, grow, and express themselves. Her creativity and initiative truly shine from planning engaging programs like tortilla making with the Charlie Cart to bringing families together through fun-filled bingo nights. Jessica is also a fantastic team player, always ready to pitch in, support her colleagues, and share her knowledge. With an eye for innovation, she has improved displays, reorganized cluttered areas, and even revamped the branch calendar to make it more user-friendly and accessible for patrons. 

We thank her for her dedication, creativity, and positive energy. 

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (February 3, 2026) – OC Public Libraries is proud to honor Black History Month this February with a special author event featuring Jason Reynolds in conversation with Nic Stone. This event invites the community to reflect on the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions of African Americans through an evening of powerful storytelling and dialogue with two of today’s most influential voices in literature.

Limited complimentary books available, while supplies last. Admission does not guarantee a free copy. No registration required. Early arrival suggested.

This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.

OC Public Libraries (OCPL)

OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.

More information at https://ocpl.org/

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (January 16, 2026) – OC Public Libraries is proud to present A Slice of Literary Orange, a series featuring keynote speakers throughout the year, in celebration of literacy. 

Ruth Reichl is recognized as one of the most discerning voices in the food world, with accolades as a bestselling author, revered restaurant critic, and culinary industry influencer. Her icon status stems from groundbreaking roles in food journalism, including lead restaurant critic at the New York Times and Editor-in-Chief at Gourmet magazine. She is the New York Times bestselling author of five memoirs, the cookbook My Kitchen Year, and two novels including The Paris Novel. She has been honored with six James Beard awards. In 2024, she received the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award.

Books available for purchase, courtesy of Lido Village Books. No registration required, all ages welcome. Early arrival suggested.

This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.

OC Public Libraries (OCPL)

OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.

More information at https://ocpl.org/

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (December 3, 2025) – OC Public Libraries is teaming up with the Anaheim Ducks to bring families a season of reading, hockey, and community fun with Wild Wing’s Winter Reading Challenge. From December 8, 2025, through January 31, 2026, children ages 14 and under are invited to read, log their minutes on Beanstack, our online reading tracker, and earn exciting Anaheim Ducks themed prizes. Readers who complete 300 minutes will earn a bookmark, those who reach 600 minutes will earn a pair of sunglasses, and those who achieve 1,000 minutes will be rewarded with a free skating pass and skate rental at any Rinks facility. Participants who register will also be entered to win four tickets to an Anaheim Ducks game at Honda Center.

Anaheim Ducks Faceoff Events

To kick off the Winter Reading Challenge, OC Public Libraries and the Anaheim Ducks will host two special Faceoff Events filled with hockey-themed fun and community activities. Families can enjoy the Ducks Gaming Lounge, an outdoor hockey rink, Slapshot Lanes, games, music, crafts, and while supplies last, a limited-edition Anaheim Ducks library cards. Guests will also have the chance to attend author and illustrator talks, register for the Winter Reading Challenge, and meet Wild Wing in person.

Author Events

Congratulations Employee of the Month Jenny! 
We are thrilled to announce Jenny from Rancho Santa Margarita as the Employee of the month! Jenny’s creativity and dedication shine through in the programs she brings to her branch. From the Kids’ Car Wash activity to the heartwarming Stuffed Dog Adoption program, her innovative ideas delight children, caregivers, and families throughout the year. She also creates monthly guessing games that patrons look forward to at each visit, and her commitment to weekly storytimes, without breaks, shows how deeply she understands the importance of routine and connection for families. Jenny is not only a standout programmer but also a flexible and collaborative team member. Families and staff truly appreciate Jenny’s enthusiasm, creativity, and exceptional service.

Thank you Jenny for your dedication and teamwork!

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (October 22, 2025) – OC Public Libraries is proud to present A Slice of Literary Orange, a series featuring keynote speakers throughout the year, in celebration of literacy. 

Mitch Albom is an internationally renowned and best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster and musician. His books have collectively sold 42 million copies worldwide; have been published in 51 territories and in 48 languages around the world; and have been made into Emmy Award-winning and critically acclaimed television movies.

While supplies last, complimentary books available. Books are also available for purchase, courtesy of Mysterious Galaxy. No registration required; all ages welcome. Early arrival suggested.

This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.

OC Public Libraries (OCPL)

OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.

More information at https://ocpl.org/

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (October 3, 2025) – OC Public Libraries is pleased to present TeenFest 2025. This year’s annual event celebrating teens will be hosted on Tuesday, October 14 from 3:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. at the Tustin Library. Teens ages 12-18 can enjoy free activities, a career panel, and more. The event will conclude with a moderated author talk featuring award winning graphic novelist, AJ Dungo. Activities include phone charm crafts, perler bead crafts, and a waffle bar, while supplies last. No registration is required but early arrival is suggested.

Presentations during TeenFest 2025:

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Therapy Fluffies

Teens are invited to decompress at the library after a long day at school with a pawesome time presented by OC Animal Allies. OC Animal Allies will bring trained therapy dogs for the teens to interact with and read to. 

5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. | Cookie Decorating with Butter and Cream Bakery

Get creative with cookies! Teens are invited to decorate adorable Labubu-themed cookies in this fun, hands-on session sponsored by Butter + Cream Bakery. All supplies will be provided. Just bring your imagination and sweet tooth. Participation is limited to the first 50 teen attendees. 

6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. | Author Talk: AJ Dungo

AJ Dungo is an illustrator based in Los Angeles. He has worked with great people at Nike, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Bleacher Report, The Wall Street Journal, Nobrow, and more. His work has been recognized by American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, France Inter, and AD&D. He is the author of the award-winning graphic novel, In Waves.

Where: Tustin Library 

 345 E. Main Street, 

 Tustin, CA 92780.

For more information about TeenFest visit ocpl.org/teenfest

OC Public Libraries (OCPL)

OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.

More information at https://ocpl.org/