Congratulations Employee of the Month Pavinee! 
We are thrilled to announce Pavinee from Dana Point as the Employee of the month! Pavinee is always a pleasure to work with. She has helped at many branches in our system and is highly requested for her excellent customer service and her willingness to help both staff and patrons. With a friendly smile, it is easy to understand why Pavinee is welcomed with open arms wherever she goes.

Thank you Pavinee for your dedication and teamwork!

ORANGE COUNTY, California. (September 29, 2025) – OC Public Libraries is thrilled to announce its annual Spooky Month celebration this October, offering a frightfully fun lineup of programs for all ages across its branches. From haunted crafts and eerie author talks to spooky storytimes and Halloween-themed activities, Spooky Month invites the community to embrace the season with creativity. 

Highlights include Crafty Adults – Spooky House at the Cypress Library, where participants will transform birdhouses into haunted hideaways; a Spiderweb Wreath Craft at Laguna Hills Technology Library; and an After School Spooky Craft at Westminster Library featuring optical illusions. Special events also include an author talk with Nikk Alcaraz, winner of HBO Max’s Craftopia, at San Juan Capistrano Library, and a fascinating discussion with Dr. Coltan Scrivner, a psychologist and expert on morbid curiosity, at Foothill Ranch Library.

For a full list of programs, please visit OCPL’s Spooky Month website at ocpl.org/spooky-month-2025

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, California. (September 12, 2025) – OC Public Libraries is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, 2025. This month recognizes the many contributions, diverse cultures, and rich histories of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Throughout the month, OCPL branches will host events for all ages, from Día de los Muertos crafts, Huichol yarn art, and flamenco dance and music, to bilingual storytimes, Lotería, and salsa-making demonstrations.

Special programs include an author talk with Dr. Ericka Verba, who will share a vivid portrait of Chilean musician and artist Violeta Parra (1917–1967), whose powerful songs gave voice to social justice in Latin America. Families can also enjoy a special bilingual storytime and craft with author and illustrator Heidi Moreno.

For a full list of programs, please visit OCPL’s Hispanic Heritage Month landing page Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 | OC Public Libraries 

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. (August 29, 2025) – There’s nothing more empowering than a library card – through access to books, ebooks, educational programs and free internet services, OCPL provides opportunities for our communities to pursue their dreams and passions. Get homework help, connect through a bookclub, help your child get ready for kindergarten, or visit a state park – all for free with an OC Public Libraries card. OCPL helps parents by providing free access to educational resources and services, from the Kindergarten Readiness Initiative and backpacks to storytimes, fun programs and activities to homework help and bilingual resources. A library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies! Reading helps brain development and provides a solid foundation for language and literacy skills. Opening a book encourages children to travel to faraway places and let their imagination soar. Getting a library card opens a world of endless possibilities we have fun and entertaining programs for kids, a great environment for after-school studies, language courses, and sewing machines, globes, telescopes, and gardening tools and seeds to borrow. Come check it out in person or go online and sign up for a card today at https://ocpl.org/cards 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

Congratulations employee of the month Gary!

We are thrilled to announce Gary from our Maintenance team as the Employee of the Month! 

Gary consistently prioritizes the interests of OCPL and safeguards taxpayer and OCPL funds. His expertise saves us both time and money, and his professionalism ensures our facilities operate smoothly. Gary's dedication helps us achieve our vision and mission every day. 

Tustin, Calif. (July 26, 2025) – OC Public Libraries is proud to present Self-Care Saturday featuring Cassidy Krug. This wellness series nourishes both mind and body by combining a stretch yoga class with an author talk. OC Public Libraries invites attendees to spend their Saturday at the library.

Cassidy Krug is a former Olympic diver, a writer, and a brand and innovation strategist based in Los Angeles. After dedicating her life to a single passion and pursuit, Krug had to figure out what to do next after she quit. In her new book, RESURFACE: A Guide to Navigating Life’s Biggest Transitions, Krug weaves her own story with research and interviews with individuals from all walks of life who are navigating major transitions. Cassidy Krug will be joined in conversation by Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis.

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. (July 16, 2025) – OC Public Libraries (OCPL) has been awarded two NACo Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in recognition of innovative county government programs. NACo’s annual Achievement Awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

NACo Best in Category Winner - Nourishing Connections: How Food Literacy Fosters Stronger Communities 

OC Public Libraries (OCPL) continually looks for ways to foster stronger communities and promote meaningful social connections. Food literacy offers a unique and engaging way to bring people together. Utilizing the Charlie Cart, a fully stocked kitchen on wheels, OCPL offers free hands-on immersive cooking experiences that blend food, literacy, and culture. With professional chefs leading interactive classes, participants of all ages learn cooking skills, explore new cuisines, and engage in meaningful social interactions. Events featuring renowned cookbook authors who emphasize the cultural and health benefits of food literacy and gives library staff an opportunity to connect with attendees about library services. These programs support not only culinary education but also improve literacy, foster community engagement, and contribute to individual and community well-being. By integrating food literacy into library services, OCPL helps build healthier, more connected communities.

Orange County Public Libraries Collection Redistribution Program 

The Orange County Public Libraries (OCPL) Collection Redistribution Program highlights OCPL’s efforts to optimize library resource distribution while libraries are closed for renovations ensuring minimal disruption for patrons while maintaining efficient library operations. By leveraging technology such as the Integrated Library System (ILS), computer software used to manage library operations including circulating and tracking library materials, and the automated materials handler (AMHS), OCPL has increased efficiency and reduced errors and administrative workload. The project involved redistributing sections of the closed library’s collections, updating records in the ILS, and coordinating the physical transfer of materials by using the AMHS to sort items to send to other libraries. The goal was to minimize service disruption by redistributing valuable resources and ensuring they were available at other locations. The project successfully redistributed 86,000 books, leading to enhanced patron satisfaction due to improved access to materials and more efficient use of library resources.

More information about the NACo awards at https://www.naco.org/news/announcing-2025-naco-achievement-award-winners

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/

Tustin, Calif. (July 12, 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.

Daniel Silva has been called his generation's finest writer of international intrigue and one of the greatest American spy novelists ever. Compelling, passionate, haunting, brilliant: these are the words that have been used to describe the work of award-winning #1 New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva. He is best known for his long-running thriller series starring spy and art restorer Gabriel Allon. Silva's books are critically acclaimed bestsellers around the world and have been translated into more than thirty languages.

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. (July 8, 2025) – OC Public Libraries (OCPL) is excited to announce the launch of its new Seed Library pilot program, designed to promote community gardening and sustainable living. Thanks to a generous grant from the California State Library, this initiative is here to inspire community gardening and sustainable living, one seed at a time. Seed libraries help create habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators essential for healthy ecosystems and food production. By giving our communities free access to seeds, OCPL helps families grow their own fresh produce, helping to foster environmental stewardship by reducing reliance on industrial agriculture, cutting down on packaging waste, and encouraging eco-friendly practices like composting and water conservation.

Here’s how it works:

• Adult patrons can borrow up to three seed varieties per month. 

• One checkout per seed variety each month to keep things fair and accessible. 

• Seeds are available while supplies last. 

While we are not collecting seeds back, we encourage participants to let us know how things grow! Your tips, success stories, and suggestions for new varieties will help us keep blooming and evolving this program.

Seed Libraries are available now at six branches: Brea, Costa Mesa, El Toro, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Westminster.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Join us for gardening workshops and garden inspired summer programs:

Program: Grow Your Own Garden – Tasty Herbs 

When: Thursday July 10, 2025, 1:00-2:00 pm

Where: Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library

Program: UC Master Gardeners of California – Grow Food Anywhere

When: Thursday July 10, 2025, 4:00-5:00 pm

Where: Garden Grove Tibor Rubin Library

Program: Garden Bugs – Start Your Own Vegetable/Herb Garden

When: Thursday July 17, 2025, 4:00-5:00 pm

Where: Fountain Valley Library

Program: UC Master Gardeners of California – Herbs

When: Saturday July 19, 2025, 11:00-12:00 pm

Where: Laguna Beach Library

Program: UC Master Gardeners of California – Salad Bowl Garden

When: Thursday July 24, 2025, 4:00-5:00 pm

Where: Garden Grove Tibor Rubin Library

Program: UC Master Gardeners of California – Succulents

When: Saturday July 26, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm

Where: El Toro Library

This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Congratulations employee of the month Ana!

Ana has quickly become an integral part of the Chapman team, approaching every day with enthusiasm and a genuine passion for serving the community. In just her first year, Ana has mastered hosting her own programs, including adult crafts, storytimes, Read to a Dog, and much more. Her creativity and commitment shine through in each program she leads. Beyond her impressive programming skills, Ana excels at creating meaningful connections with families and patrons. She greets everyone with a warm smile and goes above and beyond to ensure they feel welcomed and supported. Her dedication extends to her colleagues as well—Ana is frequently ready to step in and lend a helping hand whenever needed. Ana’s unwavering hard work and positive attitude have made a lasting impact on the library and the community.