Orange County Libraries Turn 100: Centennial Celebrations

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — A celebration is underway at the Orange County Public Libraries. Looking back at 100 years of possibilities is a major milestone, according to county librarian Julie Quillman.

The past year has been unprecedented at the Orange County libraries, with many branches closing in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. In June, they shared that they had circulated over 7 million books, had issued 84,000 library cards, and helped residents with 311,000 internet sessions. To expand their reach for many county students studying at home rather than in the classroom, the library invented the WiFi on Wheels program to address the digital divide augmented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Orange County Library has come a long way, according to Quillman.

"Over its 100-year history, OC Public Libraries has instituted programs that directly respond to community needs and reflect the changing climate across Orange County," she said.

In 1921, the first library branch opened in Santa Ana, followed by another at the San Juan Capistrano Union High School branch.

It was considered a community branch, with its own reading room and separate entrance and stayed that way until relocating to an adobe building in 1937. The current San Juan Capistrano library building opened in 1983. Much has changed with the way that libraries do business, from research and book loans to e-books, internet service, and more. Always, Orange County's public libraries have been the center of their communities, dedicated to helping the public at their level of need. Never have the needs of the public changed as much as they have in the year 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic and the shutdowns that followed. As ever, area librarians rose to the challenge, coming up with ways of helping their residents navigate difficult times.

This year, you will see activities focused on the centennial theme when you visit your public library.

Special storytimes, take-home crafts, and reading programs will highlight the library's history while imagining what the future holds.

During these unprecedented times, the OC Public Libraries will continue to offer Grab and Go service, allowing patrons self-service checkout of requested titles and items, as well as contactless curbside pickup.

Library buildings remain open with metered access and physically distanced single patron internet stations for 30-minute reserved sessions, she said.

"These 100 years would not have been possible without the dedication of library staff who are impassioned and committed to creating lasting library impressions," Quillman said. "And to our users, we know our services would not be what they are without your support as book lovers and lifelong library advocates."

Take the100 Book Challenge along with the library, from Jan. 12 to Dec. 31.