Frequently Asked Questions

Effective March 1, 2022, the requirement that unvaccinated individuals mask in indoor public settings moved to a strong recommendation that all persons, regardless of vaccine status, continue indoor masking. Universal masking shall remain required in specified high-risk settings. Detailed information can be found on the OC Health Officer's Orders & Recommendations 

Visit https://ocpl.org/libraries and click on any of our branches to see hours of operation.

As of November 17, 2021, OC Public Libraries no longer charges overdue fines. See https://ocpl.org/nolatefines for more information. However, fees for lost items cannot be waived unless the item is returned.

You may cancel your hold at any time through the catalog at catalog.ocpl.org or by calling any library branch for assistance. 

You can return library materials in the book drop at any OC Public Libraries branch of your choice. 

OC Public Libraries has resumed all in-person services and programs. 

Curbside Service is available during regular operating branch hours.

1. Public Access Internet Terminals are available at all OCPL branches. 

2. You must have a valid OCPL library card to use the internet terminals at an OCPL branch  

3. You may make a reservation to log-on and use the computer at any one of the branches. You will be notified when only 5 minutes remain in your session.  

4. Branches are responsible for scheduling their workstations. Procedures vary from branch to branch. Please contact the branch to find out if reservations are needed.  

5. Children under the age of 18 who have a valid OCPL library card may use filtered Internet terminals in the children's area of the library without obtaining special permission to do so. "Filtered" terminals utilize software designed to minimize minors' access to inappropriate sites or materials. Children under the age of eighteen wishing to use the unfiltered Internet at OCPL libraries must first provide an OCPL Internet Parental Permission Agreement form signed by their parent or guardian, in which the responsible adult specifically states that they wish their child to use the unfiltered Internet. As in the case with other resources in the Library collection, a minor's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.  

6. Bring your own USB storage device if you wish to save files. WARNING: Software or a file downloaded from the internet may contain a virus. You need to have virus checking software loaded on your computer to avoid a virus  

7. Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in loss of your computer privileges.  

8. Public use will be self-service although staff will be available to help users with basic access as needed and as time permits. Library staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning the Internet or personal computer use. Staff may be able to offer searching suggestions or answer questions. Because of library scheduling, Internet trained staff may not always be available. 

Printing is available at .15 cents per page 

Study spaces and seating are now available in all branches. 

In-person and virtual programs are available, including storytimes, book clubs, crafting, food literacy and reading programs. Go to ocpl.org/events to see what is happening at a library near you. For online services visit Virtual Programs. 

See Borrowing Policies here.

You can reserve most titles in the online catalog found at catalog.ocpl.org. If you need assistance placing a hold, please call any library branch.  

If your library card is expired, please call any library branch for assistance.  

You will receive a notification when your hold(s) are available according to your selected preference: email, text, or phone. Please refer to your hold pickup notification for the deadline date to pick up your items. After that date, your item(s) will be placed back on the shelves.  

You may place 25 holds per library card. 

• You may check out a total of 50 items per library card.

• See our Borrowing Policies here 

Yes, see our InterLibrary Loan Services for more information. 

Any designee may pick up your holds; however, they must give staff your library card number to pick up your items. Staff will not release items to people without a library card number.  

Yes. Please wait until you receive notification.

For your convenience, most items will be automatically renewed on their due date if they are eligible for renewal up to five times. Items with holds, items renewed five times, Interlibrary Loan items, Hotspots, Chromebooks, Park Passes, Lucky Day books and Homebound patrons are not eligible for renewal. Please verify your due dates by checking your account online or call any library branch for assistance.  

OCPL accepts and returns materials to the following ten public libraries in Orange County: Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange (City) Public, Placentia, Santa Ana, and Yorba Linda. However, it might take much longer for them to be returned their library system and you are responsible for any fines you may incur at the corresponding library system during this time. 

Most Friends of the Library Bookstores are now open. Please contact your local branch for updates.  

This will vary by Friends of the Library locations. Please call your local branch to learn if they are accepting donations. 

Yes, we are accepting volunteers.

For information and updates related to COVID-19 in Orange County, please visit the OC Health Care Agency’s COVID-19 webpage at https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/  

Walk-Up Service is available. When you arrive, find the designated signage and waiting area for Walk-Up Service. Call or text the numbers listed on the sign, and give staff your library card number. Staff will retrieve your items and place your materials on the Curbside Pickup table. Do not approach the table to retrieve items until staff is back in the building.  

When you arrive, please call and let staff know you need assistance retrieving your holds.  

Before leaving your home, call your pickup branch and tell the staff you do not have a mobile phone. Read them your library card number, and give them an estimated arrival time. Staff will check out your items and place them on the Curbside Pickup table at the estimated arrival time given.