ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (March 25, 2025) – OC Public Libraries is thrilled to announce its Earth Day 2025 Celebration, a remarkable opportunity to observe and share the library’s commitment to sustainability with the community. In partnership with OC Waste & Recycling, OC Public Libraries is hosting special programs and activities designed to inspire eco-friendly practices, build connections, and play a part in protecting our planet. To help families and individuals join in the festivities, Earth Day Kits will be available at all OCPL branches while supplies last. These kits are specially curated to promote green initiatives and environmental awareness.

Author Event

Programs during Earth Day 2025: 

For more programs and information about Earth Day 2025 visit Earth Day | OC Public Libraries

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (March 7, 2025) –OC Public Libraries invites the community to visit the Rancho Santa Margarita Library for an upcoming literary event featuring actor, restauranteur, and cookbook author Danny Trejo. 

Danny Trejo is the acclaimed author of Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A., a cookbook that pays homage to the vibrant culinary scene of Los Angeles. The book not only features delicious recipes but also highlights his favorite dining spots throughout the region, providing readers with a personal tour of the city's diverse food culture. In addition to his culinary pursuits, he is a renowned Hollywood actor, known for his iconic roles in films such as Machete, Desperado, and Heat. And furthermore, he is a successful restaurateur, with a growing empire of popular eateries, including Trejo's Tacos, Trejo's Cantina, and Trejo's Coffee & Donuts. 

This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.

Congratulations Employee of the month Annie!

As our budget analyst, Annie plays a vital role in supporting OC Public Libraries, guiding us in strategic and financial planning, assisting us with the preparation of OCPL’s annual budget, and providing guidance on purchases for branch operations. Annie’s expertise, problem-solving skills, and strategic approach keep us on track and aligned with our financial goals. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable resource, while her positive attitude and collaborative spirit foster a productive and solution-oriented work environment. We truly appreciate all that Annie does to support OCPL’s success!

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (February 27, 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.

Viet Thanh Nguyen is the author of The Committed, which continues the story of The Sympathizer, awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, alongside seven other prizes. He is a University Professor and the Aerol Arnold Professor of English and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California and the recipient of fellowships from the Guggenheim and MacArthur foundations.

OC Public Libraries’ One County, One Book community reading selection for 2025 is The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. From late January through early March, readers of all ages participated in shared reading experiences to celebrate the book. This included film screenings, cultural presentations, and book discussions, all leading up to a speaking engagement with Viet Thanh Nguyen on Thursday, March 6th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Norma Hertzog Community Center in Costa Mesa.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (February 14, 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.

Jenifer Lewis is one of Hollywood's most familiar faces, with more than 300 appearances in film and television. Her bestselling memoir, The Mother of Black Hollywood, was named "2018 Book of the Year" at the National Book Club Conference. Jenifer's accomplishments as an entertainer and community activist have been recognized by the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award in Theatre, the American Black Film Festival Career Achievement Award, and the Human Rights Campaign Ally Award.

   This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.

Congratulations Employee of the Month Tina!

Tina consistently goes above and beyond, bringing creativity, dedication, and positivity to the workplace. From leading engaging programs like Read to a Dog and Crafty Wednesday to providing outstanding customer service, she excels in everything she does. Tina's thoughtfulness and willingness to support colleagues, even while managing her own responsibilities, make her an invaluable part of the team.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (February 3, 2025) –OC Public Libraries is thrilled to honor Black History Month throughout the month of February. We are hosting an array of events and programs to commemorate this special time of year. We invite the community to join us in celebrating the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions of African Americans through a series of engaging events, including author talks, craft activities, storytimes, special programs, and more! 

Events during Black History Month 2025: 

Author Event

Storytimes, Crafts, and Film Screenings 

‘The Apollo’ Film Screening

Saturday, February 1st at 2:00pm

Rancho Santa Margarita Library

30902 La Promesa

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Storytime Michael McCarty African Folktale Show

Thursday, February 6th at 11:30am

Library of the Canyons

7531 E. Santiago Canyon Road

Silverado, CA 92676 92653

Black History Month Kente Cloth Inspired Craft

Tuesday, February 18th at 11:00am

Tustin Library

345 E. Main Street

Tustin, CA 92780

Black History Month Inspired Artwork

Saturday, February 22nd at 11:00am

San Juan Capistrano Library

31495 El Camino Real

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

For more information about our Black History Month events visit Black History Month 2025 | OC Public Libraries

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (January 29, 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.

Kevin Kwan is renowned for his novel, Crazy Rich Asians, which has been translated into 40 languages and was adapted into a blockbuster film, becoming Hollywood's highest-grossing romantic comedy in over a decade. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, Kevin Kwan's literary accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. Published in 2020, Sex and Vanity hit the New York Times bestseller list in its first week of release and is being adapted into a feature film by Sony Pictures. Kevin Kwan’s latest book, Lies and Weddings, is a New York Times bestseller and a most anticipated book of the year. 

   This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (January 22, 2025) – OC Public Libraries is pleased to announce One County, One Book – a community reading program centered around the book The Sympathizer by author Viet Thanh Nguyen. Through One County, One Book OC Public Libraries strives to unite our Orange County communities around a shared reading experience. 

From January through early March, readers of all ages are invited to celebrate The Sympathizer with a film screening, cooking demonstrations, cultural presentations, storytimes, and book club discussions, all culminating in a speaking engagement with Viet Thanh Nguyen on Thursday, March 6th at 6:30 pm at the Norma Hertzog Community Center in Costa Mesa. 

In addition, Viet Thanh Nguyen is the author of The Committed, which continues the story of The Sympathizer, awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, alongside seven other prizes. He is a University Professor and the Aerol Arnold Professor of English and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California and recipient of fellowships from the Guggenheim and MacArthur foundations.

One County, One Book is presented by OC Public Libraries in partnership with the Orange County Office on Aging. This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.

To participate in One County, One Book check out a copy of the book or place the book on hold at your local branch or by visiting ocpl.org. Borrow ebooks using the Libby app by OverDrive. 

Congratulations Employee of the Month Tony!

Tony plays an integral role in supporting library improvements by coordinating furniture and shelving movements for branch enhancements. He keeps the OCPL warehouse organized, making it easy to track inventory and efficiently move items where they’re needed. Always accommodating, even with last-minute requests, Tony’s hard work and positive attitude ensure everything runs smoothly.