Select a language:

Employee of the Month Dixie

Employee of the Month - Dixie

Dixie has been an invaluable asset to OC Public Libraries for two years, consistently demonstrating a positive attitude, flexibility, and creativity. Dixie provides excellent customer service and is passionate about Reader's Advisory, as reflected in her thorough Rita Recommends submission replies. Her dedication and passion for library programming have significantly contributed to our branch programs, including leading an Adult Book Club, teen programs, and volunteer orientations and coordinating an author talk with Chris Epting and Joey Spiotto for the Comic Orange committee. Dixie's creative and innovative ideas, such as Croc Charms, Neon Signs, and Disco Ball Art, have greatly enriched our teen programs. Her social media posts, such as "2023 Libby Checkouts" and "Taylor Swift's New Album Song Read-A-likes," have received praise from both patrons and staff. Additionally, she consistently goes the extra mile to create unique and original decorations for our branch programs, further enhancing the experience for our patrons. Dixie's exceptional service, support for staff, and outstanding creativity make her an indispensable member of our team.

Employee of the Month Neha

June EOM HP

Congratulations Neha on being named OC Public Libraries' Employee of the Month! We appreciate everything you do for the Rancho Santa Margarita community. Your professionalism, exceptional customer service, and positive attitude make a significant impact, and we’re grateful for all your contributions. Additionally, your support for OCPL’s system-wide initiatives is invaluable. Your hard work and enthusiasm play a crucial role in helping OCPL fulfill our mission to serve the community.

OC Public Libraries Presents a Children’s Author Series

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (June 5, 2024) – OC Public Libraries is proud to present a children’s author series featuring award winning and bestselling children’s book authors. This program series runs throughout the summer and celebrates literacy while showcasing multicultural books and the authors who write them. Attending an author event is a magical experience which allows readers to connect with the authors whose words have empowered, inspired, and entertained them.  Representation is crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and understanding, and through these diverse voices, children can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. By bringing this program series to life, OC Public Libraries hopes to spark a love of reading in our community and connect children and families to literature in a meaningful way. 

 

OC Public Libraries’ children’s author series will feature author talks along with audience Q&A sessions, which allow children and attendees to ask beloved authors questions, and book signings. To become strong readers, children require access to books; to help build home libraries, complimentary copies of the books will be available at the author events, while supplies last.

 

WHO: 

Mrs & Mr. Macleod – Monday, June 10 at 2pm at the El Toro Library 

Mrs & Mr. Macleod are the creators of the critically acclaimed picture book, How to Eat a Book, a Barnes & Noble Picture Book of the Year. 

El Toro Library 

24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630

 

Sarah Mlynowski – Tuesday, June 18 at 11am at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library

Sarah Mlynowski is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and coauthor of over fifty books for teens, tweens, kids, and adults, including the Whatever After series. 

Rancho Santa Margarita Library

30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

 

Matt de la Peña – Thursday, June 20 at 1pm at the San Juan Capistrano Library 

Matt de la Peña is the New York Times bestselling, Newbery Medal-winning author of seven young adult novels and six picture books. His picture books, Last Stop on Market Street, was awarded the 2016 Newbery Medal. 

San Juan Capistrano Library 

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

 

Pablo Cartaya – Monday, June 24 at 11am at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library

Pablo Cartaya is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning author, screenwriter, speaker, and educator. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, NBC, and on Oprah’s Booklist. His book, The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora, is an American Library Association Pura Belpré Honor Book. 

Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library 

1855 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

Ernesto Cisneros – Tuesday, June 25 at 2pm at the El Toro Library 

Ernesto Cisneros is the nationally acclaimed author of the novel, Efrén Divided, winner of the prestigious Pura Belpré Medal and two International Latino Book Awards, as well as an SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. As an author, he believes in providing today’s youth with an honest depiction of characters with whom they can identify.

El Toro Library 

24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630

 

Minh Le – Tuesday, July 2 at 1pm at the Garden Grove Chapman Library 

and Tuesday, July 9 at 1:00 pm at the Garden Grove Main Library 

Minh Lê is the award-winning author of picture books including Drawn Together, winner of the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, and the Eisner-nominated Lift, and graphic novels such as Green Lantern: Legacy and Enlighten Me. In addition to writing books, he serves on the board of We Need Diverse Books and has been a contributor to a variety of national publications, including NPR, HuffPost, and the New York Times.

Garden Grove Chapman Library 

9182 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841

 

Garden Grove Main Library 

11200 Stanford Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840

 

Lucky Diaz – Monday, July 8 at 1pm at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library 

Lucky Diaz is a bilingual, multi-Latin Grammy Award-winning, Grammy-nominated and six-time Emmy-nominated musician, children's television personality, and author. His work has been praised by NPR, Billboard, People, and the New York Times. He is a Parent's Choice Gold Award and NAPPA Award winner. In 2020, his album Buenos Diaz was named an official selection of notable works for children by the American Library Association. Lucky's debut picture book, Paletero Man, has been celebrated with starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and ALA Booklist.

Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library 

1855 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

Mac Barnett – Wednesday, July 10 at 11am at the Tustin Library 

Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author of stories for children. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. Mac’s books have won many prizes, including two Caldecott Honors, three New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Awards, three E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award.

Tustin Library 

345 E. Main Steet, Tustin, CA 92780

 

Gordon Korman – Tuesday, July 16 at 1pm at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library 

And Wednesday, July 17 at 11am at the Tustin Library 

Gordon Korman the author of more than 100 children's and young adult fiction books. His books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on the New York Times best seller list. 

Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library 

1855 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

Tustin Library 

345 E. Main Steet, Tustin, CA 92780

 

Isabel Quintero – Tuesday, July 23 at 2pm at the El Toro Library 

Isabel Quintero is an award-winning author. Her young adult novel, Gabi, A Girl in Pieces, was the recipient of multiple awards including the Tomas Rivera Award, California Book Award Gold Medal, and the Morris Award for Debut YA Novel. Her picture book, My Papi Has a Motorcycle, earned the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association Award, Pura Belpré Illustration Honor Award, the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, and many other recognitions. Her books have garnered many starred reviews and have been included in multiple best of lists including NPR’s yearly Book Concierge List, NYPL’s best of list, and the New York Times Best Books list.

El Toro Library 

24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630

 

Sajni Patel – Thursday, August 1 at 1pm at the Tustin Library 

Sajni Patel is an award-winning author of women's fiction and young adult books. Her new book for young adults, A Drop of Venom, is a retelling of the Medusa myth steeped in Indian mythology and has received starred Publishers Weekly and Kirkus reviews. 

Tustin Library 

345 E. Main Steet, Tustin, CA 92780

 

WHY: 

OC Public Libraries’ mission is to provide access to information and promote literacy at all ages. Access to world-class authors inspires reading communities to connect with diverse and powerful role models in the literary world. 

 

REGISTRATION: 

No registration required. Early arrival is suggested. 

 

OTHER LINKS: 

OC Public Libraries Summer Reading site - https://ocpl.org/summer-reading-2024

 

OC Public Libraries Welcomes Money Expert and Bestselling Author, Tori Dunlap

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (May 31, 2024) – OC Public Libraries is proud to present Financial Literacy with Tori Dunlap.  

 

Tori Dunlap is an internationally recognized money and career expert, and podcast host. She is the founder and CEO of “Her First $100K” a financial education company aimed at supporting young women. Her book, Financial Feminist, was an instant New York Times bestseller and she has more than two million followers on social media. Through her social media platforms, book, and speaking engagements Tori Dunlap strives to make financial education accessible to everyone. Her First $100K’s mission is to enable curiosity, foster empathy, act boldly, and demand accessibility for marginalized communities.

 

OC Public Libraries is taking the lead in promoting financial literacy within the community, emphasizing the education of young people as part of our commitment to support all types of literacy. Understanding personal financial management, budgeting, and investing provides the essential foundation for making informed decisions. When individuals are financially literate, they are less vulnerable to financial fraud and better equipped to achieve their life goals, whether it’s saving for education, planning for retirement, or running a business. 

 

This program is funded by support from the Samueli Foundation.

 

 

WHO:  

Tori Dunlap is a trailblazer in the world of financial literacy. As an author and advocate she empowers individuals to take control of their finances. Her mission is to break down barriers and help people build a strong foundation for financial success.

 

 

WHEN:  

Tori Dunlap – Saturday, June 8th at 5:00 p.m. 

  

WHERE: 

Tori Dunlap – Tustin Library – 345 E. Main St. Tustin, CA 92780 

  

WHY:  

OC Public Libraries’ mission is to provide access to information and promote literacy at all ages. OCPL is committed to supporting the well-being of young adults and providing skills to empower them and our communities through financial literacy.

   

REGISTRATION:  

No registration required. Early arrival is suggested. Complimentary books are available while supplies last. 

 

OTHER LINKS:  

Author Tori Dunlap - https://ocpl.org/author-tori-dunlap

 

Employee of the Month Briana

May EOM HP

Congratulations to Briana, OC Public Libraries’ Employee of the Month!

Briana’s dedication and enthusiasm for teen services is clear. She has been instrumental in creating numerous engaging programs, including orchestrating OCPL's first-ever winter formal! As co-chair of the Teen Committee, she has been pivotal in bringing exciting and innovative programming to teens throughout the system. Beyond her work in program development, Briana consistently provides outstanding customer service to all our patrons. Her passion for programming and people makes her an invaluable asset to OCPL.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COUNTY OF ORANGE

APPROVAL OF 15081 JACKSON IN MIDWAY CITY 

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Orange County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to consider the approval of the development of 15081 Jackson Apartments, a 65-unit affordable housing development in Midway City, located in unincorporated Orange County. 

 

DATE OF HEARING:                 Tuesday, June 25, 2024

TIME OF HEARING:                  9:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as possible

LOCATION OF HEARING:        County Administration North

Board Hearing Room, First Floor

400 W. Civic Center Drive 

Santa Ana, CA 92701

 

American Family Housing (Developer) is proposing to develop 15081 Jackson Apartments, a 65-unit affordable rental housing development serving low-income and homeless and/or formerly homeless households located at 15081 Jackson, 15072 and 15082 Adams Street in Midway City, in unincorporated Orange County.

 

This notice hereby provides the public a minimum 10-day review period beginning May 30, 2024 to submit their concerns and comments.  All persons are invited to present their views regarding the 15081 Jackson Apartments project in writing or before the Board of Supervisors.  Please submit comments to Sherluna Vien via email at Sherluna.Vien@occr.ocgov.com or mail to OC Housing and Community Development, 1501 E. St. Andrew Place, First Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92705, Attn: Sherluna Vien. Copies of the site plan are available online at https://www.ochcd.org/community-development, and at the OC Housing and Community Development office upon request to Sherluna Vien.  All written comments received prior to the scheduled public hearing will be considered by Orange County.  For further information email Sherluna.Vien@occr.ocgov.com or call Sherluna Vien at (714) 480-2936.

 

To view a live Internet broadcast of the meeting visit: https://board.ocgov.com/meetings-agendas.To send comments for the upcoming Board meeting, send an email to: response@ocgov.com. Comments submitted before the start of Board meetings will be part of the public record and distributed to the Board members for their consideration. Please include the Board meeting date and topic in your comment.

 

Published: May 30, 2024 in the OC Register

 

 

OC PUBLIC LIBRARIES LAUNCH A BILINGUAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN THIS SUMMER? ¡OH SÍ!

SANTA ANA, Calif. (May 21, 2024) - OC Public Libraries launches a bilingual English/Spanish marketing campaign this summer to raise awareness about all the library has to offer. The pilot marketing program, funded by a Samueli Foundation grant, targets Spanish speakers and connects them with library cards and free programming. 

The campaign’s title, ¡Oh Sí!, is an easy to understand phrase that lets the community know OC Public Libraries begins at yes! The materials and messaging of the campaign provide a resounding ¡Oh Sí! to the most popular questions asked about library services, including:

  • Can a library be more than a place to check out books? ¡Oh Sí!
  • Can my kids’ summer be filled with stories, discoveries, and tasty, free lunches? ¡Oh Sí!
  • Can a book unlock worlds of adventure for me this summer? ¡Oh Sí!
  • Can summer fun prepare my child for kindergarten? ¡Oh Sí!

Libraries offer necessary services and resources to all community members. For example, the Lunch at the Library program feeds thousands of children each summer. Weekdays in June and July, any person under the age of 18 can receive a free, healthy meal at select libraries and participate in exciting cooking workshops, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities and more. Other free library services include online tutoring, internet access, stay and play activities, and summer reading programs. This marketing campaign is designed to spread the word about the free programs offered at OC Public Libraries.

The ¡Oh Sí! marketing campaign runs June through September and begins with a summer programming kick-off celebration on June 3rd at the Tustin Library. Ads will appear on OCTA buses, social media, and beyond. A customized website in English and Spanish has also been created to provide information about library services. 

 

Lunch at the Library is available at:

Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library

1855 Park Avenue 

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

El Toro Library

24672 Raymond Way

Lake Forest, CA 92630

 

Garden Grove Chapman Library

9182 Chapman Avenue 

Garden Grove, CA 92841

 

Garden Grove Main Library

11200 Stanford Avenue

Garden Grove, CA 92840

 

San Juan Capistrano Library

31495 El Camino Real

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

                                             

Tustin Library

345 E. Main Street

Tustin, CA 92780

 

For more information about ¡Oh Sí! and all the possibilities, visit ohsilibraries.com

OC Public Libraries Presents Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (April 30, 2024) – OC Public Libraries is thrilled to commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May. This month-long celebration honors the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. We invite the community to join us for a series of engaging events, including author talks, dual language storytimes, and crafts.

 

 

Events during Asian American and Pacific Islander Month 2024: 

 

Author Events

 

WHO:  

Jet Tila is a chef, culinary anthropologist, entrepreneur, and Food Network star. Jet has roots deeply embedded in the industry and ones that significantly establish him firmly in the artform he is most passionate about: storytelling through food. 

 

 

Julie Abe writes magical adventures for readers of all ages, including Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, which was listed as a Best Middle Grade Book by Kirkus Reviews, NYPL, Bank Street, and Book Riot; Alliana, Girl of Dragons.

 

 

E.P. Tuazon is a Filipino American writer from Los Angeles. They have worked in several publications such as The Rumpus, Lunch Ticket, Peatsmoke, and Five South. Their work was chosen as the winner of the 2022 AWP Grace Paley Prize. 

 

 

Stacey Lee is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of historical and contemporary young adult fiction, including The Downstairs Girl, a Reese's Book Club pick. She is a founding member of the We Need Diverse Books movement.

 

 

WHEN:  

Jet Tila – Saturday, May 11th at 11:00 a.m. 

Julie Abe – Wednesday, May 15th at 4:00 p.m.  

E.P. Tuazon – Thursday, May 23rd at 6:00 p.m.  

Stacey Lee – Tuesday, May28th at 5:00 p.m. 

 

 

  

WHERE: 

Jet Tila – Clifton C. Miller Community Center – 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780 

Julie Abe – Tustin Library – 345 E. Main Street, Tustin, CA 92780 

E.P. Tuazon – Costa Mesa-Donald Dungan Library – 1855 Park Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Stacey Lee – Cypress Library – 5331 Orange Ave Cypress, CA 90630

 

 

  

 

Storytimes and Crafts

               

               Japanese Storytime and Craft

Saturday, May 4th at 10:00am

La Palma Library

7842 Walker Street

La Palma, CA 90623

 

Japanese Storytime

Tuesday, May 7th and 21st at 10:30am

Laguna Hills Technology Library

25555 Alicia Parkway

Laguna Hills CA, 92653

 

DIY Dumpling Craft

Wednesday, May 8th at 5:00pm

Garden Grove Chapman Library

9182 Chapman Avenue 

Garden Grove, CA 92841

 

Japanese Storytime and Craft

Wednesday, May 8th and 22nd at 11:00am

Irvine University Park Library

4512 Sandburg Way

Irvine, CA 92612

 

Chinese Bilingual Storytime

Monday May 20th at 4:30pm

Irvine University Park Library

4512 Sandburg Way

Irvine, CA 92612

 

Filipino Cultural History and Craft

Wednesday May 29th at 4:30pm

Irvine University Park Library

4512 Sandburg Way

Irvine, CA 92612

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about our Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month events visit https://ocpl.org/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month

OC Public Libraries Presents Comic Orange 2024

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (April 4, 2024) – – OC Public Libraries is pleased to present Comic Orange 2024. This year’s annual event is on Saturday April 13th from 11:00am-3:00pm at the Tustin Library. Comic Orange is a celebration of libraries, cosplay, animation, graphic novels and more! This year will feature an artist talk with Dora Wang, creator of the Pocket Peaches series, at 1:00pm and an author talk with Joey Spiotto, author of the Grumpy Unicorn series, at 2:00pm. In addition, there will be an artist alley, fan groups, storytime, DJ booth, and a special limited edition library card for all guests. No registration is required.

 

 

Presentations during Comic Orange 2024: 

 

1:00 p.m. | Artist Talk: Dora Wang 

Meet creator of the Pocket Peaches graphic novel series and learn how to draw Peaches followed by a Q&A. 

 

2:00 p.m. | Author Talk: Joey Spiotto 

Meet New York Times best-selling illustrator and author of several books including the hit graphic novel series Grumpy Unicorn followed by a Q&A. 

 

The Tustin Library is located at 345 E Main St,  Tustin , CA 92780

 

For more information about Comic Orange 2024 visit https://ocpl.org/comicorange

OC Public Libraries Presents Earth Day

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (April 4, 2024) – OC Public Libraries is thrilled to announce its renewed partnership with OC Waste & Recycling to bring a series of Earth Day-themed composting programs to our branches in Costa Mesa, La Habra, and San Juan Capistrano during the month of April. We are also offering a variety of fun and informative programs at our library branches throughout the county including eclipse programs, upcycled crafts, Master Gardener’s presentations, conversations about “fast fashion” and its environmental impact, Earth Day inspired storytimes, and more. These engaging events aim to educate and inspire our community about environmental conservation and sustainability. In addition, special earth day kits will be available at all library branches while supplies last.

 

 

Programs during Earth Day 2024: 

 

 

Gettin’ Wiggly with Composting and Build a Mix Trail Mix  

 

Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library – Thursday, April 18th at 5:30 p.m. 

1855 Park Ave

Costa Mesa, 92627

 

La Habra Library – Monday, April 22nd at 5:30 p.m.

221 East La Habra Blvd 

La Habra, CA 90631

 

San Juan Capistrano Library – Tuesday, April 23rd at 5:30 p.m.

31495 El Camino Real

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 

  

 

For more programs and information about Earth Day 2024 visit https://ocpl.org/earthday2024

Subscribe to