Announcing the January Employees of the Month – Brenda Newman and Jessi Ruge! 

When OC Public Libraries formed an ad-hoc craft committee when library branches shut-down to the public due to the pandemic, Brenda and Jessi volunteered to be part of that committee. Little did they know they’d be asked to take the lead in creating online how-to craft content.  Since the committee’s inception they have directed a group of crafters in creating innovative, professional looking craft tutorials for library patrons of all ages. The craft videos and slides, which are posted on social media and the OCPL website, receive many positive engagements and comments from patrons such as “your craft videos are exemplary.”  By creating take home craft kits, the committee has further offered support for branch back to school nights, outreach events, the Lunch at the Library program and now system wide craft of the month kits, thereby helping OCPL serve the public with excellence.

Brenda and Jessi not only create their own craft videos, they also mentor other staff. They created tutorials and templates to help staff learn graphic software programs and to learn video editing best practices. Under their leadership the committee has been so successful that the ad hoc committee is still in place and quickly becoming an integral part of OCPL programming and outreach.

Brenda and Jessi graciously accepted the leadership role of the committee when asked, despite the large task before them. Though the scope of the committee has unexpectedly expanded, they continue to do a fantastic job with a positive, can-do attitude on top of their regular branch responsibilities.

Congratulations Brenda and Jessi!

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (January 13, 2021) – OC Public Libraries is recognizing a major milestone in 2021 as it reaches its 100th year of service. The OC Public Libraries centennial, to be commemorated with the tagline Celebrate the Past, Inspire the Future. 100 Years of Possibilities., was announced at yesterday’s Orange County(OC) Board of Supervisors meeting. The yearlong celebration will include virtual and safe programs highlighting the library’s commitment to the community over the last 100 years.

"For 100 years, OC Public Libraries has enriched the diverse communities of Orange County in meaningful ways," said Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. "I am extremely proud of the integral role our public libraries have played in the growth of Orange County and the work they have done to enrich the lives of those who call Orange County home.”

On August 1, 1921, Orange County Free Library began operations with a staff of three people headquartered at508 N. Main Street in Santa Ana in a rented room shared with the County Farm Advisor. This day marked the beginning of a 100-year history that has now expanded to 32 community branches throughout Orange County, with a collection of over 2.4 million items checked out over 6.8 million times each year by nearly a half-million library cardholders.

“Over the last 100 years, OC Public Libraries has supported residents and encouraged families to begin a habit ofreading that benefits their personal and professional lives,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth DistrictSupervisor.

OC Public Libraries will offer a year full of programming and activities that celebrate its centennial including a commemorative library card and logo in addition to providing print, audiovisual and digital resources, internet access, and skilled staff assistance. Special storytimes, take-home crafts, and reading programs will also highlight the library’s history and advocacy.

“OC Public Libraries is a County asset that inspires people of all ages to read, learn, and connect with the world around them. I encourage residents to utilize our extensive resources as it can enrich the quest for research and information,” said Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District.

Over its 100-year history, OC Public Libraries has instituted services and programs that directly respond to community needs and reflect the changing climate across Orange County. A virtual timeline detailing the history of OC Public Libraries will be available at ocpl.org/ocpltimeline.

“OC Public Libraries provides enduring connections to the past and future of our communities, County and State in a world undergoing constant change,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth OC Public Libraries continues to offerGrab & Go service, which allows patrons to use self-service checkout of requested and limited popular items, as well as contactless curbside pickup. Library buildings remain open with metered access for Grab & Go checkout, along with physically distanced single patron internet stations available by reservation for thirty-minute sessions.

Residents are invited to join the yearlong celebration on social media by following and tagging the hashtag#OCPL100. For more information about OC Public Libraries and the centennial, visit ocpl.org/centennial.

No matter what kind of day, Kim meets every patron with a smile and a cheerful energy that inspires her co-workers to do the same.  Her pluck and good humor is the glue that helps everyone work together as a staff and she sets an example not through words, but through the boundless energy she applies to her job every day. She has never been unwilling to help a colleague whenever they need it. Throughout the many ups and downs that we have experienced during the last few months, Kim has shown a flexibility with daily shift scheduling that has effectively adjusted to the changes in patron use of the library throughout every phase of reopening.

Congratulations, Kim!

Take the internet home with your library card!

As part of the Internet Access Initiative, Wifi hotspots available at OC Public Libraries branches and Mobile Library.

(Subject to availability)

Checkout information:

• Must have a valid library card
• Limited to 1 hotspot checkout per card
• 3-Week checkout
• Hotspots are non-renewable

To find out more contact your local OCPL Branch.

Find out more about the Internet Access Initiative.

Andy is an exceptionally patient person and is always extremely courteous with the public. He has the ability handle a number of "issues" at the same time without getting stressed out. He also has a great understanding of diversity in the community and shows his appreciation for that, which is also an outstanding quality. He greatly adjusted and helped staff and patrons, as well, to embrace the changes due to the difficult times during the current pandemic. Andy displays great empathy, compassion and care, equally to all members of public. Andy is constantly showing marks of a true leader by actively listening and asking for input fairly from all of the staff. He actively collaborates with all of the staff and allows each staff member to shine at what they are good at performing. He also never hesitates to accommodate the needs of staff when he is able to. The degree of collaboration, communication, and responsibility Andy has been innovative. He is kind. He listens without showing judgement. He has made an unpleasant situation much more bearable for me and all of us. At the same time, he has the courage to set clear boundaries for the staff and patrons. Congratulations, Andres!

WiFi on Wheels pilot service is part of Internet Access Initiative: Bridging the Digital Divide, a project which will expand to include WiFi extension at libraries, and WiFi hotspots for check out. For the pilot, one vehicle will provide broadband for up to 150 users each within a 300-yard radius and will be parked at pre-designated locations each week. 

The WiFi on Wheels pilot program will visit Cypress, La Habra, La Palma, Lake Forest, Midway City, San Juan Capistrano, Stanton, and Westminster.

Click here for upcoming Wifi on Wheels Stops

OC PUBLIC LIBRARIES LAUNCHES WIFI ON WHEELS PILOT PROGRAM

TO BRING INTERNET ACCESS TO LOW BROADBAND COMMUNITIES

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (October 9, 2020) – In direct response to the digital divide augmented by the COVID-19 pandemic, OC Public Libraries is launching WiFi on Wheels, a new mobile internet pilot program that will increase internet access across Orange County communities.

WiFi on Wheels is part of the County’s Internet Access Initiative: Bridging the Digital Divide, a larger project which includes WiFi extensions at County libraries and WiFi hotspots for check out. With assistance from OC Information Technology, OC Public Libraries will expand access to job searching, online school learning, and leisure activities in an extraordinary way.

“Internet access, adoption, and training are essential to creating digital equity for Orange County’s diverse populations,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “Libraries are the backbone of society and this new service will benefit many residents who currently do not have access to WiFi from their homes, from children needing to do schoolwork to those searching for jobs.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven many essential and social activities online. According to a recent Pew Research Center Study, 53% of Americans say the Internet has been essential to them during the pandemic. Concerns over limited internet access are especially prevalent among parents with lower incomes. According to the same study, 43% of lower-income parents with children whose schools closed, reported their children having to do schoolwork on their cellphones.

The County’s commitment to technology access has been a long-lasting effort and response in bridging the digital divide Internet access is more important than ever for residents to stay updated on employment opportunities, learn the latest health and public safety information, and maintain community connections.

Through WiFi on Wheels, OC Public Libraries will identify and bring internet connectivity to low broadband neighborhoods throughout the County. Library staff will park a County vehicle with a branded WiFi on Wheels trailer at pre-designated locations each week to provide broadband for up to 150 users within a 300-yard radius. OC Public Libraries outreach staff will be present to answer questions, provide information about library services, and register patrons for library cards. Children and job search books will also be available from the vehicle in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

The WiFi on Wheels pilot program will launch with neighborhoods in Midway City and Westminster, and expand to Stanton, La Habra, La Palma, and San Juan Capistrano in the coming months.

A kick-off event will take place at the Westminster Library located at 8180 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683 on Tuesday, October 20, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Westminster Library is the first branch of OC Public Libraries to extend WiFi beyond library walls and check out wireless hotspots for library cardholders. Families are encouraged to stop by and check out digital library services, take a photo with Rita the Zebra, and other giveaways, while supplies last. Social distance and safety guidelines will be followed.

OC Public Libraries’ WiFi on Wheels will officially hit the road starting on Tuesday, October 27, and be available near the following locations[1]:

• DeMille Elementary
  • Address: 15400 Van Buren Street, Midway City, CA 92655
  • Date: Tuesday, October 27
  • Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Fryberger Elementary
  • Address: 6952 Hood Drive, Westminster, CA 92683
  • Date: Wednesday, October 28
  • Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Schmitt Elementary
  • Address: 7200 Trask Avenue, Westminster, CA 92683
  • Date: Thursday, October 29
  • Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Willmore Elementary
  • Address: 7122 Maple Street, Westminster, CA 92683
  • Date: Friday, October 30
  • Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Sid Goldstein Freedom Park
  • Address: 14180 All American Way, Westminster, CA 92683
  • Date: Saturday, October 31
  • Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

For more information about the WiFi on Wheels program and updates on OC Public Libraries’ services, visit ocpl.org.

[1] Times and locations subject to change. For most current program information please visit us at OCPL.org.

Stella is all about the public she serves. She has been especially helpful to her ESL patrons and has more than a few thriving Conversation groups. She herself, provides all the adult programming at her branch including multiple bookclubs and a monthly Writer's retreat. Stella was also instrumental in bringing Genealogy programming to OCPL and offered many of the programs herself.

Stella's creativity and sense of innovation, is best described in her efforts to keep the ESL classes going strong at her branch. Stella recognized the growing need for ESL in Lake Forest, as well as the need to keep the momentum going with the existing students. As soon as virtual book groups became available, she had her ESL classes Zooming away!

When bookclubs had to stop meeting due to COVID, Stella maintained communication with those members for whom the bookclub was the highlight of their month. One member who was so sad to move out of state, has now rejoined the group via Zoom. Simply put, Stella is an empathic, committed professional who is passionate about librarianship.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (September 18, 2020) -- With school looking different this year, OC Public Libraries’ literacy program, OC READ / Families for Literacy (OC READ), will be launching a series of Back-to-School events to support distance learning.  
 

“The County understands the need for literacy and family engagement are important in building a foundation for learning,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor. “The goal of the Back-to-School events is to help support the community and encourage a culture of reading and learning for the entire family.”

OC READ offers literacy assistance to adults and their families, and the Back-to-School events are aimed to promote literacy and help create “home libraries” to support student learning.
 

“Distance learning has been challenging for many parents and students,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “Now more than ever, it is important that we provide essential support services to our communities through our local county libraries.”

The Back-to-School events will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot at the following library locations and dates:

•             Westminster Library: Tuesday, September 22

•             La Palma Library: Wednesday, September 23

•             Stanton Library: Thursday, September 24

•             Garden Grove Main Library: Tuesday, September 29

•             Garden Grove Chapman Library: Wednesday, September 30

•             La Habra Library: Thursday, October 1
 

“These Back-to-School events are part of the creative community outreach efforts OC Public Libraries is initiating to ensure they stay connected with their users,” said Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District.

The Back-to-School events will include free books and crafts provided by OC Public Libraries staff to families while they remain safely in their vehicles. Families may also catch a glimpse of the libraries’ mascot, Rita Book the zebra, who will be making special appearances throughout. A video demonstration of the take-home craft as well as a variety of virtual programs will be available for families to enjoy through the OC Public Libraries’ website and social media networks.
 

“These programs will enable families to understand and learn how to engage in and benefit from distance learning,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District.

Additionally, the Orange County community is invited to visit the library during each event to learn more about curbside pickup, virtual resources and other library resources that support families with distance learning.

“These events are a great opportunity for families to stay engaged with their local libraries and celebrate the importance of education,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett,  Fifth District.

The Back-to-School events will begin the same week OC Public Libraries reopen for Grab & Go service and public computer use.

For more information about OC Public Libraries and service updates, visit ocpl.org