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Local Author Festival Submissions

Irvine Public Library is now accepting applications for our 2026 Local Author Festival, taking place on Saturday, August 15, at the Katie Wheeler Library.

This special event celebrates local writers and offers an opportunity to connect with readers, fellow authors, and the community. Authors who live in Orange County and have published a book between 2024 and 2026 are invited to apply by July 6 for consideration.

Please note that submission of an interest form does not guarantee participation in the festival. Applications will be reviewed, and selected authors will be notified with additional information.

Apply for the Local Author Festival

Irvine Public Library (IPL) celebrates the creativity of writers in our community with a Local Author collection housed at our Heritage Park Library location. By showcasing local voices, we aim to strengthen connections between readers and the storytellers who live among them, and to inspire future writers in our community.

Materials in the Local Authors Collection represent a wide range of perspectives. The views and opinions expressed in these works are those of the individual authors. Inclusion of any work in this collection does not constitute endorsement of its content by the library.

If you are a local author who would like to submit your book(s) for consideration, please ensure that you meet the following criteria and fill out the form linked below.

Submission Guidelines

  1. You must be a current resident of Orange County, or your work must be set in Irvine.
  2. You must have an Irvine Public Library card in good standing.
  3. Your work must be printed and bound. We accept both hardcover and paperback books. We are unable to accept digital books or spiralbound books at this time.
  4. A copy of your book(s) must be donated for inclusion in the Local Author Collection.

Selection Criteria

Assuming the above requirements are met, all works submitted by local authors will be reviewed with similar assessment guidelines as other library materials, as outlined in IPL’s Collection Development policy.

IPL will not accept materials that are discriminatory or pejorative towards an individual or group based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other identity factor.

Please note that due to the volume of daily library operations, library staff are unable to meet with authors to discuss submission decisions, and all decisions are final.

How to Submit Your Work

To submit your work for consideration, fill out the Local Author Interest Form.

Once you submit this form, you can anticipate a response within 3 days to confirm receipt of your submission. A more detailed response with a decision will follow within 2 weeks.

Local Author Interest Form

Local educators seeking to introduce their students to the library are invited to schedule a visit to any Irvine Public Library location. Please use the following form to submit your request at least one month prior to your visit.

School Visit Request Form

Your input helps us improve! Irvine Public Library welcomes your comments, suggestions, and ideas as we strive to provide the best possible service to our community. Please use this form to share your thoughts with us.

Comment Form

Donate

Your generosity supports Irvine Public Library in our mission to build community through our commitment to exceptional collections, programs, spaces, and patron experience. Monetary gifts are used to expand and enhance the library’s materials collection as well as programs and services. 

Donating is easy and available online. Please visit the City of Irvine’s online donation page and select “Irvine Public Library” from the drop-down menu. 

You may also donate by writing a check to the Irvine Community Alliance Fund and noting “Irvine Public Library” in the memo field. Checks may be mailed to: 

Irvine Community Alliance Fund 
1 Civic Center Plaza 
P.O. Box 19575 
Irvine, CA 92623-9575

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a great way to support your library and give back to your community. Your help makes a big difference in providing important services for both children and adults. Plus, you’ll pick up valuable skills and experience that can benefit you both personally and professionally. If you are a student, it is also a great opportunity to earn school service credit and build your resume.

High school students ages 14 and older, as well as adults 18 and over, who have an interest in libraries and books, care about their community, or enjoy helping others are encouraged to volunteer.

Due to significant interest, our teen volunteer applications are now closed. Program support, seed library, and toy cleaning volunteer opportunities will reopen on Saturday, August 1.

  • Teen Summer Reading Volunteer Opportunities 
    • The purpose of this program is to provide support to children and their families by registering them for the Summer Reading Program, handing out incentive prizes, and assisting library staff with craft prep or other projects as needed. 
    • Application:
      • Teen Summer Reading Volunteer applications will open on Saturday, May 9. 
      • Online applications will be accepted until shifts are filled or through May 30 at 5 p.m. (whichever comes first); therefore, we encourage those interested to apply early. 
    • Who can apply?
      • Students currently in 8th-11th grade. 
    • After You Apply
      • Teen volunteers are assigned a weekly two-hour shift and are expected to arrive on time. Any planned absences or vacations should be shared with the volunteer coordinator or liaison in advance. Shifts are filled on a first-come, first-served basis based on when applications are received, with some spots reserved for substitute volunteers as needed. Attendance at a required orientation prior to the program start date of June 13 is necessary to participate in the summer program.
         
  • Teen Advisory Group
    • The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is for teens looking to make a difference in their library. Members meet monthly during the school year to work on service projects and provide feedback to library staff on future teen programming, resources, and books.
    • Teens will make new friends while building leadership and communication skills. TAG membership also qualifies as community service and looks great on a resumé. Each library location has a maximum of 20 Teen Advisory Group memberships available.
    • *All teen volunteer spots are currently full. Applications received after August 26 will be placed on a wait list for future volunteer opportunities.*
       
  • Program Assistance
    • High school teens ages 14–17: assist library staff with craft activity preparation for a variety of library programs for children, teens, or adults.
       
  • Toy Cleaning
    • High school teens ages 14–17: assist library staff with sanitizing and organizing Stay & Play toys for toddlers and children.

For additional information about teen volunteer opportunities including duties and qualifications visit volgistics.com/od/756545.

Shelving

  • Adults 18 and over: return books and other materials to shelves in proper order and help keep shelves neat and organized.
  • *All adult volunteer spots are currently full. Applications received after August 22 will be placed on a wait list for future volunteer opportunities.*