OC PUBLIC LIBRARIES PARTNERS WITH LIBROMOBILE TO LAUNCH INAUGURAL ORANGE COUNTY POET LAUREATE PROGRAMS

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (April 15, 2021) -- In conjunction with April’s National Poetry Month, OC Public Libraries is partnering with LibroMobile Arts Co-Op to launch the inaugural OC Poet Laureate (OC-PL) and OC Youth Poet Laureate (OCYPL) programs in Orange County. Aiming to reflect regional demographics including approximately 60% people of color, these programs are intended to inspire and promote cultural connections and community partnerships by celebrating local poets using their powerful voices to impact social change.

The goals of the OC-PL program are to inspire residents through transformative community engagement and the positive impact of poetry; provide opportunities to engage in literary arts and write or perform poetry; bring poetry to a variety of settings in the community; and ultimately support a civic and literary leader for generations to come.

In partnership with the National Youth Poet Laureate Program and Urban Word, the OCYPL program is a countywide literacy effort celebrating poetry and connecting young writers to far-reaching opportunities. Each year Orange County writers (ages 13-19) can apply to join a community of talented young poets. A Laureate is selected and earns an honorarium that can be applied as an educational scholarship or toward additional arts programming. All Finalists are invited to serve as ambassadors alongside the Laureate for literacy, arts, and youth expression with ongoing opportunities for performances, projects, and peer support.

One OC Poet Laureate and one OC Youth Poet Laureate will be selected for the 2021-2022 program year. Inaugural applications for the OC-PL and OCYPL programs will open on April 15, 2021 and be accepted through July 15, 2021. Announcement of the 2021-2022 OC Poet Laureate Appointments will be made on August 15, 2021.

For more information about the OC-PL and OCYPL literary programs including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit libromobile.com/ocpoetlaureates.

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OC Public Libraries is a network of 32 community libraries across Orange County, California. With over 100 years of commitment to its residents, OC Public Libraries offers millions of resources to contribute to the quality of life. The library aims to empower and enrich the community with access to books, eBooks, databases, literacy services, programming, and more. Learn more at ocpl.org.

LibroMobile is a literary project established in Santa Ana, California—it integrates literature, visual exhibits, year-round creative workshops, and live readings. LibroMobile Arts Co-Op is a collective of community organizers, cultural producers, and local artists working collaboratively to form a workers' cooperative. Learn more at libromobile.com.

The National Youth Poet Laureate Program was founded in 2008 and identifies and celebrates teen poets who exhibit a commitment to artistic excellence, civic engagement, youth leadership, and social justice. The National Youth Poet Laureate Program works with local youth literary arts organizations across the United States to identify and celebrate exceptional youth poets who use their voices to inspire change. Learn more at youthlaureate.org.

Urban Word is an award-winning youth literary arts and youth development organization that collaborates with local youth literary arts organizations across the country to provide uncensored platforms for youth voice. It is championed by the leading national literary organizations, including the President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities, the Academy of American Poets, Poetry Society of America, PEN Center USA, Cave Canem, and the Library of Congress. Learn more at urbanwordnyc.org.

OC PUBLIC LIBRARIES PARTNERS WITH LIBROMOBILE TO LAUNCH INAUGURAL ORANGE COUNTY POET LAUREATE PROGRAMS

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (April 15, 2021) -- In conjunction with April’s National Poetry Month, OC Public Libraries is partnering with LibroMobile Arts Co-Op to launch the inaugural OC Poet Laureate (OC-PL) and OC Youth Poet Laureate (OCYPL) programs in Orange County. Aiming to reflect regional demographics including approximately 60% people of color, these programs are intended to inspire and promote cultural connections and community partnerships by celebrating local poets using their powerful voices to impact social change.

The goals of the OC-PL program are to inspire residents through transformative community engagement and the positive impact of poetry; provide opportunities to engage in literary arts and write or perform poetry; bring poetry to a variety of settings in the community; and ultimately support a civic and literary leader for generations to come.

In partnership with the National Youth Poet Laureate Program and Urban Word, the OCYPL program is a countywide literacy effort celebrating poetry and connecting young writers to far-reaching opportunities. Each year Orange County writers (ages 13-19) can apply to join a community of talented young poets. A Laureate is selected and earns an honorarium that can be applied as an educational scholarship or toward additional arts programming. All Finalists are invited to serve as ambassadors alongside the Laureate for literacy, arts, and youth expression with ongoing opportunities for performances, projects, and peer support.

One OC Poet Laureate and one OC Youth Poet Laureate will be selected for the 2021-2022 program year. Inaugural applications for the OC-PL and OCYPL programs will open on April 15, 2021 and be accepted through July 15, 2021. Announcement of the 2021-2022 OC Poet Laureate Appointments will be made on August 15, 2021.

For more information about the OC-PL and OCYPL literary programs including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit libromobile.com/ocpoetlaureates.

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OC Public Libraries is a network of 32 community libraries across Orange County, California. With over 100 years of commitment to its residents, OC Public Libraries offers millions of resources to contribute to the quality of life. The library aims to empower and enrich the community with access to books, eBooks, databases, literacy services, programming, and more. Learn more at ocpl.org.

LibroMobile is a literary project established in Santa Ana, California—it integrates literature, visual exhibits, year-round creative workshops, and live readings. LibroMobile Arts Co-Op is a collective of community organizers, cultural producers, and local artists working collaboratively to form a workers' cooperative. Learn more at libromobile.com.

The National Youth Poet Laureate Program was founded in 2008 and identifies and celebrates teen poets who exhibit a commitment to artistic excellence, civic engagement, youth leadership, and social justice. The National Youth Poet Laureate Program works with local youth literary arts organizations across the United States to identify and celebrate exceptional youth poets who use their voices to inspire change. Learn more at youthlaureate.org.

Urban Word is an award-winning youth literary arts and youth development organization that collaborates with local youth literary arts organizations across the country to provide uncensored platforms for youth voice. It is championed by the leading national literary organizations, including the President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities, the Academy of American Poets, Poetry Society of America, PEN Center USA, Cave Canem, and the Library of Congress. Learn more at urbanwordnyc.org.

Every day, Barbara exemplifies OCPL’s vision for open doors, free access, and community, and delivers our mission to empower and enrich our community. There’s good reason patrons ask for Barbara by name. For one, Barbara has made a point of knowing their names. Barbara does everything in her power to make our community members feel welcome when they visit or contact the library.

Barbara is a valued member of our team. She is well respected and always ready to help her coworkers. She is an excellent teacher and is the ‘go-to’ person when there are circulation issues. 

Barbara is 100% committed to the satisfaction of our patrons, to her job, to the success of our branch and the Library as a whole. She has been making a difference in people’s lives for last 20 years and is a dedicated loyal employee worthy of being recognized for her efforts. 

Tim:

Tim has organized and staffed the WiFi on Wheels project since October, which has brought WiFi, library services and staff to neighborhoods throughout Orange County. He has scheduled staff, manned the vehicles, and acted as a lead throughout the process. He has been a reliable contributor and supervisor of the whole process. Tim helped get the operation off the ground as it was envisioned into existence. He offered insight and ideas of how to make it better, while providing practical assistance every day. He completely got on board with the idea and the process and guided it to success. Tim also hosted Chairman Do when we launched the project and has been extremely agreeable and flexible about taking on the responsibilities, in the midst of also closing his branch to the public and packing up. He is always positive and does his best, with a spirit of service to both staff and the public.

Jenn:

Jennifer took on helping launch the WiFi on Wheels project. From the beginning, she offered suggestions and offered solutions for staffing, supplies, collections and documentation. Her documentation process has kept the whole project organized and running smoothly. She took on duties and offered solutions for the WiFi on Wheels which helped train staff, staff the vehicles, add supplies and collections and keep us on track. She was invaluable to her supervisor and to staff in keeping the project running smoothly. Jennifer finds solutions to problems and has used many innovative ways for us to stay in touch and keep the project moving along successfully. She thought of solutions to problems quickly and is easy to collaborate with and work with. Jennifer brings a positive attitude to everything she does, and acts in service to both library staff and to the public. She brings fresh ideas to her work every day.

Congratulations Tim and Jenn!

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What Do I Read Next? Spring and Summer Preview

Zoom Virtual Event

March 17th @ 6:30pm

Spring and Summer book previews and recommendations with Penguin Random House!

Penguin Random House representatives Steve Atinsky, Liz Camfiord, and Wade Lucas will share some spring and summer titles to add to your to-read list. There will be plenty of book recommendations!

To register for this event, email: beatriz.preciado@occr.ocgov.com

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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!