Earth Month 2026

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

Observing Earth Day helps share our sustainability initiative with the community!

In celebration of Earth Day, OCPL is excited to partner with OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) to bring programs to Orange County and build connections while doing our part to protect the planet.

Take home Earth Day Giveaways for kids available at all branches, starting April 7, while supplies last.

Free Events

Gettin' Wiggly with Composting Presentations

Make a treat with "Build a Mix, Trail Mix" presented by OCPL's Charlie Cart/Food Literacy Committee, while supplies last.

Tuesday, April 7 at 5:30-7:00 PM
Rancho Santa Margarita Library
30902 La Promesa
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Thursday, April 9 at 5:30-7:00 PM
Tustin Library
345 E Main St
Tustin, CA 92780

Tuesday, April 14 at 5:30-7:00 PM
Stanton Library
7850 Katella Ave
Stanton, CA 90680

Tuesday, April 21 at 5:30-7:00 PM
Aliso Viejo Library
1 Journey
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Thursday, April 23 at 5:30-7:00 PM
Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library
12700 Montecito
Seal Beach, CA 90740

Cookbook Author
Valentine Thomas

Friday, April 17, 2026 at 6:00pm

Born in Montreal, Valentine Thomas was trained as a lawyer in Canada and worked in finance in London for six years before completely changing her career path, becoming a world record professional spearfisherwoman and freediver and an ambassador for ocean sustainability worldwide. She is a two-time TEDx speaker, Forbes Changemaker, and book author of Good Catch: A Guide to Sustainable Fish and Seafood with Recipes from the World’s Oceans. Among her many areas of expertise, Thomas is on a mission to educate people to make good seafood choices while fostering a sense of community to create a leading change in seafood consumption. As someone who catches one fish at a time, she has a deep respect and understanding of the ocean and the need to help create a sustainable seafood system. She is an advocate for The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Ocean Wise, organizations that certify commercial fisheries for sustainability and social well being.

Limited complimentary books available, while supplies last. No registration required, all ages welcome. Early arrival suggested.

Tustin Library
345 E. Main Street
Tustin, CA 92780

For more information, call 714-544-7725 or email ocpl.tustin@occr.ocgov.com

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.

Join OC Public Libraries in celebrating Earth Month with an engaging film screening series that highlights environmental stories and real-world impact. Each screening features an impactful film followed by insights from subject experts and an audience discussion. These events combine entertainment and education to spark meaningful conversations about our planet and our future.
No registration required. All ages welcome.

My Octopus Teacher

Sunday, April 19 at 2:00pm
Tustin Library

2020, 1hr 25 mins, TV-G
A filmmaker forms an unlikely bond with a wild octopus while free diving in a South African kelp forest. Through patience and observation, the relationship becomes a gentle lesson in attention, respect, and coexistence with the natural world.

The Last Forest

Sunday, April 26 at 2:00pm
Tustin Library

2021, 1hr 17mins, Documentary
Immersing viewers in the daily life and spiritual worldview of the Yanomami people, the film presents the Amazon rainforest as a living, interconnected entity. As modern encroachment threatens their way of life, Indigenous stewardship emerges as a vital form of ecological wisdom.

For more information, call 714-566-3072 or email ocpl.programs@occr.ocgov.com

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.

Saturday, April 4 at 11:00am
San Juan Capistrano Library
Crafty Saturday: DIY Board Games
Create a customized board game using recycled materials! Suggested ages: 4-12. No registration required.

Tuesday, April 7 at 5:00pm
El Toro Library
Fun with Grandparents: Bee Hotels
Help make a friendly habitat for native pollinators.

Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00am
San Juan Capistrano Library
Plant Bingo
Join us in celebrating Earth Month by participating in Plant Bingo. Play with bingo cards featuring a variety of plant species, test your luck, and compete for plant-themed prizes while supplies last. No registration required. This is a program for adults.

Wednesday, April 8 & 15 at 3:30pm
Ladera Ranch Library
Upcycled Art Lab
Participants of all ages can create art projects using recycled materials combined with elements of nature!

Saturday, April 11 at 11:00am
San Juan Capistrano Library
Crafty Saturday: Chia Seed Terrariums
Join us for a fun gardening program where you can decorate your own pot and plant some seeds! Suggested ages: 4-12. No registration required.

Saturday, April 11 at 2:00pm
Ladera Ranch Library
Tiny Floating Terrariums
Adults and teens can create tiny floating terrariums with living plants!

Monday, April 13 at 11:00am
Tustin Library
Adult Enrichment Gardening Hour: Stop and Smell the Hyacinths
Join us for a creative and inclusive experience at our Adult Enrichment Gardening Hour, designed for adults with unique needs. This Gardening Hour will feature the opportunity to learn about planting and caring for your own hyacinth bulb that will bloom into a fragrant and vibrant addition to the home. All materials will be provided and available on a first come first serve basis.

Monday, April 13 at 11:45am
El Toro Library
Fun with Grandparents: Butterfly Puddlers
Encourage butterflies and other pollinators to visit your garden with a colorful bee and butterfly watering station!

Thursday, April 16 at 3:30pm
Seal Beach Mary Wilson Library
Composting 101
What happens to leaves and dirt when you add a dash of time, some worms, kitchen scraps and a healthy splash of moisture? Perfect soil for a garden! Come create your own mini composter with us! All ages welcome. Younger participants may require parent/guardian assistance.

Thursday, April 16 at 4:00pm
Los Alamitos Rossmoor Library
Vermiculture: Presented by UC Master Gardeners of Orange County
Learn how to set up the vermiculture system, maintain proper temperature and harvest. If you want to break down kitchen scraps into valuable, rich compost for your garden, join us for this presentation!

Thursday, April 16 at 4:00pm
Stanton Library
STEAM Time - Growing Lima Beans
Learn about the life cycle of plants and start your own plant observation. We will be planting lima beans in a bag! This program is suggested for children ages 4 and up. All materials will be provided and available while supplies last.

Saturday, April 18 at 2:00pm
Rancho Santa Margarita Library
Matinee Movie: The Lorax
Join us for a fun-filled family-friendly film on the big screen! In celebration of Earth Day, we will be showing The Lorax (2012, PG).

Monday April 20 at 11:00am
Stanton Library
Sun Print Magnets
Celebrate Earth Day by making art with the sun! Join us to create beautiful cyanotype magnets using natural botanicals and light-sensitive paper.

Monday, April 20 at 5:00pm
Garden Grove Chapman Library
Eco-Craft: Turn Tees into Totes
Celebrate Earth Day by getting crafty and giving an old T shirt a brand new purpose. Learn how to turn a T shirt into a reusable tote bag with simple, no sew techniques. It’s a fun, hands on way to reduce waste while creating something practical and personal. Bring a T shirt if you’d like to personalize your project or choose one from our selection.

Tuesday, April 21 at 3:30pm
Garden Grove Tibor Rubin Library
Egg Carton Bird Feeders
Make a recycled egg carton bird feeder and a bird-themed craft to celebrate our pollinators in honor of Earth Day!

Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00pm
Fountain Valley Library
Earth Day Craft: Earthy Paper Flowers
Celebrate Earth Day by making some “Earthy” paper flowers! All supplies will be provided. Children ages 5 and younger must be accompanied by parent/guardian.

Tuesday, April 21 at 5:00pm
El Toro Library
Adult Nature Craft: Recycled Fruit Mesh Pot Scrubbers
Learn how to recycle your old plastic produce bags into a useful and sustainable pot scrubber!

Wednesday, April 22 at 10:00am
Laguna Woods Library
Make a Wind Chime
Repurpose everyday objects into a wind chime.

Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00am & 3:00pm
Library of the Canyons
Windowsill Herb Garden
Create a windowsill garden filled with herbs. Learn which herbs work best for you and cooking tips to enjoy your bounty. Get dirty with seeds and soil to fill your own personalized container. All materials provided. All ages welcome.

Wednesday, April 22 at 3:30pm
Ladera Ranch Library
Planting for Pollinators
Participants of all ages can paint their own pots and plant wildflowers that attract butterflies.

Wednesday, April 22 at 3:30pm
Rancho Santa Margarita Library
Kids’ Club: Earth Day Craft
Kids’ Club meets every Wednesday for a variety of fun after-school activities. Join us on April 22 for a special Earth Day craft!

Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00pm
Cypress Library
Plant a Salad Garden
Plant a salad garden and learn about propagation with UC Master Gardeners. Space is limited to 30 attendees. Please contact Cypress Library for more information.

Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00pm
Fountain Valley Library
Garden Bugs: Earth Day Special
Start your own vegetable/herb garden with this special Earth Day program! Come to the library's patio to choose, plant, and grow seeds of your very own! Keep track of your sprout’s progress every week and learn how to create a sustainable garden!

Wednesday, April 22 at 4:30pm
Costa Mesa-Mesa Verde Library
Fruit Stamped Fibers
Use real fruit to decorate a fabric keepsake for Earth Day! Bring your own fabric item to stamp or pick one provided by the library, while supplies last.

Wednesday, April 22 at 5:00pm
Garden Grove Chapman Library
Paint the Earth
Get creative as you paint your own bright, Earth inspired masterpiece and explore the colors and shapes of our amazing planet. All materials will be provided while supplies last. Just bring your imagination and enjoy a joyful, art filled afternoon with the whole family.

Thursday, April 23 at 11:00am
San Juan Capistrano Library
UCCE Master Gardeners Present: Amazing Avocados
Join us for a presentation from the UCCE Master Gardeners and learn how to plant, maintain, and harvest amazing avocados. No registration required. This is a program for adults.

Thursday April 23 at 5:00pm
Stanton Library
Bee Hotels
In celebration of Earth Day, come learn how you can use recyclable materials to build a safe spot for our tiny, buzzing neighbors at the library!

Thursday, April 23 at 5:30pm
Tustin Library
Adult Gardening Program: Root to Fruit
Join us for a unique and enriching gardening program where participants will get to plant their own strawberry sprouts. Learn how to nurture your sprout into a fruiting plant and enjoy the rewards of its yield. All materials will be provided and available on a first come first serve basis. Supplies are limited.

Saturday, April 25 at 11:00am
San Juan Capistrano Library
Crafty Saturday: Gardening
Join us for a fun gardening program where you can decorate your own pot and plant some seeds! Suggested ages: 4-12. No registration required.

Saturday, April 25 at 2:00pm
Dana Point Library
Recycled Books to Blooms
Adults are invited to join us for an afternoon of sustainable creativity and socializing. We will be giving life back to discarded books by recycling them into blooming flowers.

Saturday April 25 at 2:00pm
Rancho Santa Margarita Library
Miniature Zen Garden
Join us for a special Earth Day-themed adult mixer where we create our own mini Zen Garden and listen to a 30-minute online lesson from Universal Class celebrating the history and beauty of Earth. This adult-level program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.

Tuesday, April 28 at 3:30pm
Seal Beach Mary Wilson Library
Kids Book Club
This month, in honor of Earth Day, we will be reading and discussing Louis Sachar’s Fuzzy Mud. While taking a shortcut through the woods two friends get lost. And then they find trouble. Bigger trouble than anyone could ever have imagined. What they uncover affects the environment and their health, and maybe the future of the world. Enrichment activity to follow the book discussion.

Wednesday, April 29 at 4:00pm
Villa Park Library
DIY Terrarium
Build your own mini garden! Join us for a hands-on workshop to create your own beautiful terrarium that’s perfect for desks or windowsills. All materials provided while supplies last.

Thursday April 30 at 11:00am
San Juan Capistrano Library
Adult Craft: Upcycled Teacup Birdfeeder
Celebrate Earth Day with a little upcycling! Turn a teacup and saucer into a charming birdfeeder. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited, please contact San Juan Capistrano Library to register.

Wednesday, April 22 at 10:30am
El Toro Library
Earth Day Storytime
Come and enjoy a special storytime to celebrate Earth Day! The Environmental Nature Center will share stories and bring live animals to help us learn to love our planet. Space is limited, please contact El Toro Library to register.

Thursday, April 23 at 5:30pm
Brea Library
Special Earth Day Pajama Storytime
Join us for a special Earth Day pajama storytime for all ages. Children and caregivers are invited to listen to an Earth Day-themed storytime. An Earth Day craft will follow storytime.

Monday, April 27 at 10:30am
Rancho Santa Margarita Library
Nature Storytime
Join us for a very special nature-themed story time and craft, featuring fun facts about the environment around us.