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Loaner Laptops in Every Orange County Library
Orange County Public Library System Begins Laptop Kiosk Program Across Orange County
At a moment when computer access is more critical than ever, Orange County libraries are getting equipped with free, self-service laptop checkout kiosks.
“Computer access is critical for work, school, family, hobbies, and so much more these days,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Our public libraries are adapting well to our changing world, where knowledge and interaction are more important than ever before.”
Last Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a contract that will provide County libraries with up to 35 laptop checkout kiosks over the next five years, with the Garden Grove Chapman Library and Westminster Library among the first to get them.
Computer and internet access has become a core feature of libraries. In 2019, Orange County Public Library patrons spent 1,838,644 hours using library Wi-Fi systems, and 421,193 hours on the libraries’ desktop computers.
“Growing up in Garden Grove, education was my ticket to a better life,” said Supervisor Do. “Refugees and young immigrants in Orange County today, learning English while immersed in school as I did several decades ago, will really benefit from access to coursework and more using our libraries’ loaner laptops.”
Access to technology can significantly promote student success and engagement, particularly for students who are most at risk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and for the foreseeable future, computer access combined with a strong internet connection and a safe space are critical to staying on track in school – remote or in-person.
Orange County One-Stop Centers
Orange County residents may also access a plethora of online resources through the County’s One-Stop Centers, designed to help workers and companies to succeed while following COVID-19 safety measures.
Earlier this year, the County launched a virtual one-stop job center and will be hosting the first virtual job fair on October 15, 2020, from 10 am to 2 pm.
At the physical One-Stop Center in Garden Grove, job seekers can access laptops and hotspots, as they build their skills, access key services, and look for employment.
Back2Business Initiative
The Back2Business initiative is also providing 1,000 Orange County businesses such as restaurants, hotels, retailers, and offices with free access to a floor planning software to ensure social distancing as they reopen.
Over the past several decades, Orange County has been providing more and more opportunities to provide services online. Residents can sign up for a COVID-19 test, access library materials, submit Public Works applications, file documents with the Clerk-Recorder, sign up for emergency alerts, request food and cash assistance, apply for Medi-Cal, register to vote, and more online.
Orange County Public Libraries offers five locations in the First District (the City of Santa Ana operates its own library system):
• Fountain Valley - 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley
• Garden Grove Chapman - 9182 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove
• Garden Grove Main - 11200 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove
• Garden Grove Tibor Rubin - 11962 Bailey Street, Garden Grove
• Westminster - 8180 13th Street, Westminster
OC Public Library Hours for In-Building Services
• Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Curbside Pick Up Hours
• Tuesday-Thursday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Laguna Woods and Laguna Hills Technology Libraries will continue with curbside pickup service only from Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on OC Public Libraries, please visit https://www.ocpl.org.
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Orange County Vice Chairman Andrew Do represents the First District communities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, and Midway City. One of the first officials in the state to propose a face covering mandate, Supervisor Andrew Do is advocating for science-based COVID-19 policies. In addition to health and safety-based COVID-19 response planning, Vice Chairman Do has reformed Orange County’s mental health services, expanded access to health care, and led efforts to combat homelessness.
