The purpose of library events is to support the library mission to enhance or complement the library’s collections and to help meet the educational or informational needs of the community.
Generally, all library events are free and open to the public. Events are held at all 15 library locations. Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited.

Selection of Event Proposals

The Library Events Steering Committee oversees event selection and development. Events may be ongoing, a series, or a one-time event with outside the library presenters. The Committee reviews proposals and selects event topics and formats based on the following guidelines.

The following guidelines are used in making decisions about event topics, speakers, and performers the library chooses to sponsor and host.

• The quality, background, education, qualifications and content expertise of the presenter or performer
• Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits
• Relevance to community interest and issues
• Historical or educational significance
• Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
• Conflict with other events already offered within the library system or events in close proximity to locations
• Availability of event space
• Budget

Events may not be used for commercial purposes or the solicitation for a business or organization. Any sales of items at library events must be approved by the library. Library staff does not participate in sales.

Events are selected based on:

• Providing opportunities for lifelong learning and enrichment
• Expand the visibility of the library and its role as a community resource
• Attracting people to the library to connect to the community
• Introduce customers or non-users of all ages to library collections and services
• Promote early childhood/adult literacy and reading
• Offer entertainment
• Serve as a window to local, national and world cultures

The library may set a nominal registration fee for events:

• To recover costs for supplies/materials required for the event
• When it is the policy of the partnering organization or agency to charge a nominal registration fee
• When the fee for the special event is clearly designated to support library-related fundraising

The library reserves the right to limit events to cardholders or residents of Orange County. In such cases, non-residents may attend if space is available. The library also reserves the right to cancel an event.

Please note: Meeting these criteria does not guarantee acceptance of the Event Proposal by the Library Events Steering Committee.

How to submit a proposal for an event or author visit

Please review the following information and then submit your proposal online. Applicants will be notified by email once the proposal has been received. The library will contact the presenter if the event meets guidelines and fits into the mission, schedule, and budget. Please note that the event schedule is planned between four and six months in advance.

Due to the volume of proposals received, a staff member will contact an applicant within three to four months only when there is interest in sponsoring and hosting the proposed event. A response will not be received if there is no interest.

Anyone interested in presenting an event in partnership with the library is asked to fill out the Present an Event form.