Frequently asked questions about the Orange County Public Library
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
  1. How do I get an Orange County Public Library Card?

  2. Why doesn’t my library card number work when I use it in the catalog?

  3. Why doesn’t my library card number work when I try to access your databases?

  4. How many items can I check out and for how long?

  5. What if I am late returning materials or lose materials?

  6. Where is my nearest library?

  7. What are the hours of your branch libraries?

  8. Are any of your branch libraries open on Sunday?

  9. Who can check out videos?

  10. Can I return materials checked out from one OCPL branch at another OCPL branch?

  11. Can I return materials checked out from another library system to an OCPL branch and or return OCPL items to another library?

  12. How do I log on to iBistro and why is it important?

  13. How do I use the Catalog (iBistro)?

  14. How do I renew my library materials?

  1. Can I check to see what I have checked out from my home computer?

  2. How can I reserve materials?

  3. I know the book I want, but your library doesn't have it. What do I do?

  4. Do you have Internet access in any of the branch libraries?

  5. Do any of the branch libraries provide training on how to use the Internet?

  6. Do any of the branch libraries have wireless access?

  7. How much does it cost to print?

  8. Do your libraries have photocopy machines or microfilm machines?

  9. Do any of the branch libraries provide computers for writing resumes and other documents?

  10. The Internet is so confusing. How do I find what I need?

  11. What is a PIN? How do I find out what my PIN is?

  12. I received a collection notice. What do I do?

  13. What are the Friends of the Library Bookstore hours?

  14. I am interested in working in a library. How do I get a job?

  15. Where is OCPL's Administration/ Headquarters?

  16. How do I contact OCPL 's Technical Support?
  1. How do I get an Orange County Public Library Card?
    Visit your local OCPL branch library and present a picture ID to prove identity and your current California address. Acceptable forms of ID include a California driver's License, DMV ID card, Military ID or ID with address verification. If you are a minor, you must have your parent/legal guardian's signature and their driver's license on the application.         Back to questions

  2. Why doesn’t my library card number work when I use it in the catalog (iBistro)?
    Some of the library card numbers that are printed on the cards start with the letter D. When you are asked to enter your library card number please use a 2 in place of the D.        Back to questions

  3. Why doesn’t my library card number work when I try to access your databases?
    Some of the library card numbers that are printed on the cards start with the letter D. When you are asked to enter your library card number please use a 2 in place of the D.        Back to questions

  4. How many items can I check out and for how long?
    A new library cardholder may have a total of three items checked out at a time for the first 30 days. A regular library cardholder may check out a total of 50 items at any one time. Most items check out for 3 weeks, however some are only 1-week items. Please see     Borrowing Privileges for further details.     Back to questions

  5. What if I am late returning materials or lose materials?
    Fines accumulate daily, including days the library is closed. Book drops are available at each library when the library is closed. You also have the option of renewing your items through the catalog on this website. Fines are 25 cents per day per item. If you lose material, you will be charged for the price of the material plus a non-refundable $5.00. Please see     Borrowing Privileges for further details.     Back to questions

  6. Where is my nearest library?
    Please click on     Branches button and discover from the map, which is your closest library. We have more than 30 branches to choose from.     Back to questions

  7. What are the hours of your branch libraries?
    OCPL has branch libraries throughout Orange County. Each library has a different set of hours. Please see     Branches for individual branch hours.     Back to questions

  8. Are any of your branch libraries open on Sunday?
    12 OCPL branch libraries are open on Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. They are:         Back to questions

  9. Who can check out videos?
    Persons 18 years or older can check out videos.         Back to questions

  10. Can I return materials checked out from one OCPL branch at another OCPL branch?
    Materials checked out from any of the Orange County Public Library branches can be returned to another OCPL branch.         Back to questions

  11. Can I return materials checked out from another library system to an OCPL branch and or return OCPL items to another library?
    There are some limitations if you return materials from these libraries:
    • Any school district library
    • Anaheim
    • Buena Park
    • Fullerton
    • Huntington Beach
    • Mission Viejo
    • Newport Beach
    • Orange
    • Placentia
    • Santa Ana
    • Yorba Linda
    • any other non-OCPL library.

    They are not part of the Orange County Public Library System and items will take longer to return to their respective libraries.

            Back to questions

  12. How do I log on to iBistro and why is it important?
    iBistro is the library's catalog of books, videos, and all other materials owned by OCPL. iBistro is the personalized portion of the catalog. Logging on to iBistro allows you to access your account information as well as magazine and newspaper articles, company profiles, and other research tools available to OCPL cardholders. To log on to iBistro, access the library's catalog. Then locate the iBistro log in box at the top of the screen. Your user ID is your library card's barcode. Your PIN is the password you identified when receiving your library card. If you've forgotten your PIN or need assistance with iBistro, call any OCPL branch.     Back to questions

  13. How do I use the Catalog (iBistro)?
    Click here for instructions on the use of iBistro.     Back to questions

  14. How do I renew my library materials?
    There are 3 ways to renew library materials: in person at any OCPL library, by calling your local OCPL branch library or by accessing the library catalog 24 hours a day via the Internet at     www.ocpl.org and click on the Catalog. Follow the renewal procedures. Three-week loan period items may be renewed twice if there are no holds on those items. Items with one-week loan period may NOT be renewed.     Back to questions

  15. Can I check to see what I have checked out from my home computer?
    Yes, go to     www.ocpl.org and click on the Catalog button. You will have to type in your library card number and your personal identification number (PIN).     Back to questions

  16. How can I reserve materials?
    Holds can be placed in person, by phone or via the     www.ocpl.org . When you pickup your hold, there will be a 25 cents charge.     Back to questions

  17. I know the book I want, but your library doesn't have it. What do I do?
    You may be able to make use of our Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL). Please go to     About Us - Interlibrary Loan Services for more information.     Back to questions

  18. Do you have Internet access in any of the branch libraries?
    All OCPL branch libraries have Internet access available to the public. Please see     Branches for further details.     Back to questions

  19. Do any of the branch libraries provide training on how to use the Internet?
    Many of our branch libraries do provide training on how to use the Internet. Please click on the     Events button to find our current offerings.     Back to questions

  20. Do any of the branch libraries have wireless access??
    All Orange County Public Libraries have free high speed wireless internet access.     Please click here for more information:     Back to questions

  21. How much does it cost to print?
    The first 5 pages you print each day are free. After that the cost is 15 cents per page. You will need to ask the branch staff to help you to put funds in your printing account.         Back to questions

  22. Do your libraries have photocopy machines or microfilm machines?
    All of our branch libraries have photocopy machines. The copy cost is 15 cents per page. Microfilm/microfiche machines are available at numerous libraries.         Back to questions

  23. Do any of the branch libraries provide computers for writing resumes and other documents?
    There are branch libraries that provide computers for writing resumes and other documents.         Back to questions

  24. The Internet is so confusing. How do I find what I need?
    Check out the     Research/Resources page for help.     Back to questions

  25. What is a PIN? How do I find out what my PIN is?
    A PIN is a Personal Identification Number that is between 3-10 digits/letters. When you signed up for a library card you chose a PIN. If you do not remember it, ask the library staff for help.
    You must present your library card if you would like to change your PIN. Another option is to check the library catalog website     (iBistro) and "Go to My Account".     Back to questions

  26. I received a collection notice. What do I do?
    Please call your     local branch library to resolve this fine/fee.     Back to questions

  27. What are the Friends of the Library Bookstore hours?
    Many of our libraries have Friends of the Library Bookstores. Hours vary from branch to branch. Please call your     local branch for more information. Bargains are found at Friends of the Library Used Bookstores and used book sales. Revenue from used book sales supports local branches. Visit one of the many used bookstores for hardbacks, paperbacks and other items.     Back to questions

  28. I am interested in working in a library. How do I get a job?
    Please check out     Employment Opportunities or the County of Orange Human Resources web page at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oc/ .     Back to questions

  29. Where is OCPL's Administration/ Headquarters?
    OCPL's Administration/ Headquarters is located at 1501 E. St. Andrews Place, Santa Ana, 92705. The telephone number is (714) 566-3000.     Back to questions

  30. How do I contact OCPL 's Technical Support?
    You can contact OCPL 's Technical Support by emailing them at:     techsupport@ocpl.org     Back to questions
[ Home ]  [ Catalog ]  [ Branches ]  [ Events ]  [ Research / Resources ]  [ Children's Services ]  [ Everything Teen ]  [ About Us ]  [ FAQ ]