ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (July 16, 2025) – OC Public Libraries (OCPL) has been awarded two NACo Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in recognition of innovative county government programs. NACo’s annual Achievement Awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
NACo Best in Category Winner - Nourishing Connections: How Food Literacy Fosters Stronger Communities
OC Public Libraries (OCPL) continually looks for ways to foster stronger communities and promote meaningful social connections. Food literacy offers a unique and engaging way to bring people together. Utilizing the Charlie Cart, a fully stocked kitchen on wheels, OCPL offers free hands-on immersive cooking experiences that blend food, literacy, and culture. With professional chefs leading interactive classes, participants of all ages learn cooking skills, explore new cuisines, and engage in meaningful social interactions. Events featuring renowned cookbook authors who emphasize the cultural and health benefits of food literacy and gives library staff an opportunity to connect with attendees about library services. These programs support not only culinary education but also improve literacy, foster community engagement, and contribute to individual and community well-being. By integrating food literacy into library services, OCPL helps build healthier, more connected communities.
Orange County Public Libraries Collection Redistribution Program
The Orange County Public Libraries (OCPL) Collection Redistribution Program highlights OCPL’s efforts to optimize library resource distribution while libraries are closed for renovations ensuring minimal disruption for patrons while maintaining efficient library operations. By leveraging technology such as the Integrated Library System (ILS), computer software used to manage library operations including circulating and tracking library materials, and the automated materials handler (AMHS), OCPL has increased efficiency and reduced errors and administrative workload. The project involved redistributing sections of the closed library’s collections, updating records in the ILS, and coordinating the physical transfer of materials by using the AMHS to sort items to send to other libraries. The goal was to minimize service disruption by redistributing valuable resources and ensuring they were available at other locations. The project successfully redistributed 86,000 books, leading to enhanced patron satisfaction due to improved access to materials and more efficient use of library resources.
More information about the NACo awards at https://www.naco.org/news/announcing-2025-naco-achievement-award-winners
OC Public Libraries (OCPL)
OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.
More information at https://ocpl.org/
