In Your Words
Share Your Library Story
Has the Orange County Public Library made a difference for you, your family, or your community? Tell us what it has meant to you. Your experience can help others understand why strong public library support matters.
Why We're Asking
In spring 2026, more than 500 Orange County residents shared stories, petition responses, and comments about what the library meant to them. Those voices helped show what reduced hours and services would mean for the community, and the library's funding was ultimately protected.
That campaign is over, but the need to tell the library's story is not. We continue to collect residents' experiences so we can show how the library serves Orange County every day.
Share Your Library Story
Your story can be a few sentences or several paragraphs. You might tell us:
- What do you or your family use the library for?
- Is there a book, program, service, space, or staff member that made a difference?
- What would be harder without the library?
There is no need to answer every question. Write whatever feels most important to you.
Stories From Our Community
See how neighbors across Orange County use and value their library.
I love the public library and truly value what they offer. I borrow books for myself to enjoy a little bit of escape from this chaotic and often challenging world. I also bring home piles of books for my son (5th grade) to help him learn more about his favorite subjects (WWII, spies), explore new topics (mythology, veterinary medicine, whatever), or try out new genres (currently stuck in graphic novels but trying to expand!). We would not have these opportunities to relax and explore if we were required to buy these books. We also have limited free time and reducing library hours would make it difficult to find the time for this.
Please don't take away this valued resource!
Our story is simple, our public library is important! Our family has been going to the Hillsborough branch since our sons were babies and attended the Library story time. We continue to use the hours there for borrowing and our sons for studying after school. I have juried a local community art exhibit for public schools here that the library graciously hosted. In a world turning its head toward non-accredited sources online, libraries are still important places for research and centers for community. Please reconsider and provide funding to this important resource to our community.
The main library has always been one of my favorite places to go in town. I’ve been checking out books there since I’ve moved here over thirteen years ago. Every time my brother and I would visit we each end up checking out a copious amount of books, so many that the staff members often have to provide us with bags so we can carry them. The library has always been a place where my brother and I can go to bond and read together, it’s where we’ve cultivated our shared love of reading. It’s really disappointing to know that we could have fewer books in the library. With as much as my brother and I read it’s always exciting to see what new books added, especially if they’re the next book in a series we’re reading.
My family and I spend one to three days each week at the Hillsborough Library. I attend programs for younger elementary-aged children with my youngest son, upper elementary programs with my oldest son, and my daughter has been an active member of the Teen Advisory Group for middle and high school students for the past several years.
When I first moved to Hillsborough, I didn't know anyone in the community. Through the library, I found connection and friendship. Today, I have a wonderful group of fellow moms I spend time with while our children participate in library programs.
My children have not only made lasting friendships at the library, but they have also developed a genuine love of reading. Every year, they eagerly anticipate the Summer Reading Kickoff, and the Summer Reading Program remains their favorite part of summer. My oldest son loves the library so much that he is determined to become a librarian someday. My youngest son is counting down the days until Library Card Sign-Up Month in September, when he'll finally receive his very own library card. And every year, my teenage daughter looks forward to the Library Lock-In.
Our local library is so much more than a place that houses books. It is a gathering place, a source of learning and inspiration, and a cornerstone of our community. For my family, it feels like a second home.
I worked at the Orange County Library. I am a regular patron at Orange County Library. I regularly check out books, c.d.s and d.v.d.s. I regularly attend events there. I regularly hear authors speak at the library. I regularly use study rooms. Keep our library open!
I use the library to study and check out books and audiobooks. It is one of the few places I can study without have to buy something, like at a coffee shop. This is extremely important because I am a full time student and have so much appreciation for a quiet place to focus without spending money. I also attend library activities like trivia which helps me unwind and see friends and community members. Caroline from the library is an especially great trivia host as well as a kind and caring person. Her and others’ work deserves to be rewarded, not made more difficult. The library provides important social spaces for the Orange County community and under no circumstances should be stripped of everything that makes it great.
Explore all 409 community stories →
Thank You, Orange County: our letter to the community
Dear Friends,
Thank you.
Over the past week, so many of you took the time to share your stories, sign the petition, send an email, and talk with friends and neighbors about what the Orange County Public Library means to you. We heard from parents, students, educators, retirees, job seekers, lifelong library supporters, and many people who simply wanted to make sure their voices were heard. We were overwhelmed by the response.
As the County's budget process comes to a close, we wanted to share our gratitude. The Board ultimately chose not to approve the proposed additional $200,000 reduction to OCPL operations. While budget realities remain and the library continues to face challenges, this outcome helps protect services that our community relies on every day. It also means that Orange County Public Library branches will continue to be open seven days a week.
What has stayed with us most throughout this process is the response itself. In less than a week, our community came together to share more than 500 testimonials, comments, or petition signatures, which we respectfully prepared for the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. Countless more emails were sent directly to the Commissioners.
So many families described storytimes, summer reading, and the role that the library plays in their lives. Others shared how the library helped them find a job, learn a new skill, access technology, or simply feel connected to their community. Your stories mattered a lot.
They're also a testament to the value the library brings to Orange County and to the staff whose work makes it all possible. The outpouring of support reflects not only a love for the library, but an appreciation for the people who help make it such an important part of our community.
We are grateful to the Orange County Board of Commissioners for taking the time to consider public input throughout this process, and we are grateful to every person who took the time to speak up for the library.
The Friends of the Orange County Public Library exists to support and strengthen OCPL, and this effort reminded us just how much support exists across our community. We hope you'll stay involved as we continue that work together. We're lucky to call you Friends.
If we could ask only one more thing of you, the next time you visit the library, take a moment to thank a librarian or staff member in person.
So many of you shared stories about the difference the library has made in your lives. Those stories are possible because of the people who show up every day to serve our community with care, knowledge, creativity, and kindness.
In uncertain times, the library is here for all of us. As Friends, we are here for them.
Thank you for caring, for participating, and for supporting your library.
With gratitude,
The Friends of the Orange County Public Library
More Ways to Stand Behind the Library
Sharing your story is one way to help. You can also become a Friend, volunteer, or make a gift.
