Not done with your library books? No problem!

There are no overdue fines at OC Public Libraries until further notice! Regular loan periods are in place, but overdues will not be charged.

For the safety of staff and library users, all materials will be checked in after 96 hours of being returned.

Orange County to Read and Celebrate Lab Girl in the Spring of 2021

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (June 25, 2020) — OC Public Libraries has been one of two Orange County organizations chosen to receive a grant of $15,000 to host the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read. Lab Girl by Hope Jahren was selected to be the focal read for Orange County, and activities will take place in Spring of 2021.

“The County is grateful to be chosen again for the NEA Big Read grant and looks forward to OC Public Libraries providing quality programs with this year’s award,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor.

The NEA Big Read offers a range of titles reflecting many different voices and perspectives, with an aim to inspire conversation and discovery. OC Public Libraries selected Lab Girl for its focus on the sciences.[1]  Program offerings will include Science Technology Engineering Arts Math (S.T.E.A.M.) activities, guest speakers, and other engaging offerings that keep library users connected with Lab Girl.

“Libraries are a vital resource to our communities. This award aligns with the county’s goal of extending and promoting equal access to every community, including in the arts,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor.

In partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read is an Arts Endowment initiative aiming to broaden the public’s understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. The purpose of the NEA Big Read grant is to help institutions connect readers to their communities by selecting a book and exploring its theme, topics, and common threads.

“We are grateful for the award, which will further supports connecting our community,” said Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District.

Since 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 1,600 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $22 million to organizations nationwide. More than 5.7 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event, approximately 91,000 volunteers have participated at the local level, and 39,000 community organizations have partnered to make NEA Big Read activities possible.

“Through this grant, the County can further OC Public Libraries’ mission of building lifelong learners while inviting curiosity, discovery, and exploration,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District.

 “The County looks forward to bringing a community reading program that supports arts learning and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District.

For more information on Orange County’s NEA Big Read program or for updates on OC Public Libraries, visit ocpl.org.

For more information about the NEA Big Read, including book and author information, podcasts, and videos, visit arts.gov/neabigread.

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more.

Arts Midwest promotes creativity, nurtures cultural leadership, and engages people in meaningful arts experiences, bringing vitality to Midwest communities and enriching people’s lives. Based in Minneapolis, Arts Midwest connects the arts to audiences throughout the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. One of six non-profit regional arts organizations in the United States, Arts Midwest’s history spans more than 35 years. For more information, please visit artsmidwest.org.

Contact: David Lopez

Public Information Officer / OC Public Libraries

David.Lopez@occr.ocgov.com

 [1]

SANTA ANA, Calif. (June 16, 2020) 

OC Public Libraries Launches Contactless Curb-side Pick-Up

Beginning today, library patrons can now pick up their holds thanks to OC Public Libraries new contactless Curbside Pick-up service. This announcement follows the reopening of book drops on June 9 as OC Public Libraries continues to follow State and County guidelines.

This service is available today at all County library branches with the exception of Costa Mesa Donald Dungan library, which will launch contactless Curbside Pick-Up on June 20.

Contactless Curbside Pick-Up will be available Tuesday through Friday from 12-6 p.m. and Sat-urday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours for contactless Curbside Pick-up vary at the Laguna Hills Technology library and Laguna Woods library. Please contact those locations directly for curb-side service availability.

Library users who wish to pick-up new library books through contactless Curbside Pick-Up can do so in six easy steps:

1. Place items on hold online at catalog.ocpl.org.

2. After receiving notice via email or phone that the item is ready, drive to the library.

3. Call the number on the sign upon arrival.

4. Wait for staff to place items on the outside table and return inside.

5. Once staff returns inside, retrieve the items.

6. Enjoy your reading, and return items to the book drops when done!

OC Public Libraries continues to provide a wide variety of virtual programs, including Virtual Sto-rytimes, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) crafting projects, food literacy demonstrations, teen gaming, fun activities, and more. These can all be accessed at ocpl.org/virtualprograms.

Additionally, the library has curated a dynamic list of resources that can be used for at-home learning for all ages available at ocpl.org/elib/elearning. Book donations are not being accepted at any library location until further notice.

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

Contact:

David Lopez

Public Information Officer | OC Public Libraries

David.Lopez@occr.ocgov.com

SANTA ANA, Calif. (June 9, 2020) – OC Public Libraries is pleased to announce that library book drops will reopen beginning today. This is the first step in reopening for OC Public Libraries as it continues to follow State and County guidelines. The book drops were previously closed to protect the health and wellness of staff and patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic. Library users who currently have library books checked out will be able to return their materials to the OC Public Libraries branch of their choice with the exception of Costa Mesa Donald Dungan library. Book drops at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan library will reopen on June 20, 2020. All overdue fines will be waived, and current material due dates have been extended to July 1, 2020. Contactless curbside pick-up services will be the next step. OC Public Libraries continues to provide a wide variety of virtual programs, including Virtual Storytimes, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) crafting projects, food literacy demonstrations, teen gaming, fun activities, and more. These can all be accessed at ocpl.org/ virtualprograms. Additionally, the library has curated a dynamic list of resources that can be used for at-home learning for all ages available at ocpl.org/elib/elearning. Book donations are not being accepted at any library location until further notice. For more information about OC Public Libraries and updates on service expansion, visit ocpl.org. 

Contact:

David Lopez

Public Information Officer | OC Public Libraries

David.Lopez@occr.ocgov.com

Ask us a question—we're online!

Monday - Thursday from 12pm-6pm and Friday-Saturday from 10am-4pm

How can we help? We now have chat assistance on our website:
-Reference assistance
-Service hours
-Collection help
-Program info
-Frequently Asked Questions

Nadine took charge in helping Meals on Wheels for Orange County residents in response to COVID-19. Not only did she help on site distributing meals, but by helping organize schedules of County staff. She has also been very helpful by sending out weekly emails with updates of schedules and if coverage is needed on short notice. She took on a role and has handled it with grace and professionalism. Nadine is a positive person and easy to work with. Being helpful is her middle name. She is friendly and helpful to her colleagues. She steps up to help coworkers by offering to collaborate in projects, actively solving problems, mentoring new employees, showing a strong work ethic and communicating clearly. Nadine is always looking for ways to improve services to library patrons and the workspace for colleagues.

Congratulations Nadine!

Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge!  
Collect badges, earn points for reading, and complete library challenges at home for chances to win!

https://www.ocpl.org/kids/srp

To Our Patrons and Community:

The health and wellness of our OC Public Libraries’ staff and customers is our main concern. Based on recommendations from the County of Orange and in concurrence with guidelines issued by the Governor of the state of California to limit the number of people in a public building and to help curtail further spread of COVID-19 in our communities.