This is a small local library that has all the usual offerings. They have plenty of computers you can use and printers. I always see school aged children studying here. In addition to books and computer services, they have park passes that you can borrow so you can park at the state parks for free. I believe they will be adding museum passes too at some point. There's also a nice selection of e-books to borrow. The staff is friendly and there is a small parking lot to the side. There are a few handicapped spots in the front and there is a side entrance where you can buy used books. There is also a park nearby if you wanted to take a walk after visiting the library. read more

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I really like this library. I mainly come here for the kids' section to get books for my daughters, so that's what this review is focused on. We were coming here before when it was still part of the OC libraries, and now when it's a separate Irvine library. After the switch to Irvine library system, it does seem like everything is really nice. They've got lots of good quality books that my daughter and I enjoy, and they have a nice kids area with some seating where you can read to your kids or let them play. They have a few toys for kids to play with too. However, I am not a fan of their online system now. Under OC libraries it was easy to look for library events, figure out what books you owe, etc. Now the library events are listed in the Irvine catalog website, which I've always thought was a clunky website and hard to search. They also stopped the "Read 1000 books before kindergarten" program, which I'm bummed about. I wish they had stayed part of OC libraries, but it's still a nice library and it's close to me so I'll keep coming here. read more

Irvine Public Library - Kids area - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

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This is such a gorgeous library! The smell of the wood was so comforting and the staff is so friendly and excited to help! Great grand opening event. I SO look forward to coming back read more

I went to this branch to get my library card. The Librarian was very helpful. She gave me exact directions for the application process. The whole process was done on a designated computer and only took a few minutes to complete. I got my card right on site after the Librarian checked my IDs. It was a very smooth process! Days later, I called for some information and was answered promptly and politely. A very nice experience! read more

The staff here are always friendly and ready to help. This library is a gem in our neighborhood. Thank you to everyone who works there!

I come here for the Japanese story time that is once a month. It's the only one that I've found in OC - let me know if you know of another one :) The library is really old, and feels a bit dirty. I can't speak for the variety of books. The kids section seems decent, and they have a sofa and small table you can sit at to read. The carpark gets filled up quickly, which is annoying. read more

Irvine Public Library - Japanese storytime - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

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I wouldn't recommend this library for very little ones. It is small and has no toys around. It is also quiet and no place for screaming babies or talkative toddlers. Best suited for older kids who can read or use the computers. Conveniently located next to a park and Adventure playground - so would be a good chance to visit the library to get some reprieve from the heat in the day time. read more

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The check out is good and the books are good. Even the cooking books are good and the computer that learn things so good and it will be the adult section. They have easy checkout for charges and computers. read more

This library is located near an elementary school so there is a good amount of kids that come in and out of here. They have a designated area to the left of the library for kids to look for books and sit on the small tables provided. There's the occasional kid that comes in forgetting library etiquette but luckily there's old people here who would without hesitation let them know to simmer down. A library card is required to use the computers. They allot you 60 minutes of access and it extends that time if all the computers are not being used. As always, don't forget to log out of an account after every use. You can add money to your library card to print black and white and it cost 15 cents per printed page. There's a printer up the stairs and the other in the kids section which is also connected to the computers upstairs if you find yourself behind someone who is printing out a whole bibles worth of pages. There are plenty of tables to read and study here and I've never experienced any issue with the air conditioning. You can check out books, newspapers, studying materials, movies, and even music here which is pretty dope if you don't like reading. Lol read more

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I love this library! They had a free sound bath meditation healing class/session and it was absolutely amazing! That was my first sound bath and it over exceeded my expectations by 1000% but not only did I love it the rest of the 17 people that were there absolutely loved it as well! People of all ages were there and I think it really helped with deep relaxation, ailments and anxiety. I'm so happy that Sydney and Jefe lead such an amazing hour and a half class. Not only did they have amazing instruments such as samples, ocean drums, gongs, angel chimes, music, but these beautiful instruments had traveled a long way from places such as Tibet. read more

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Average library in a great location with lots of books to choose and many computers available if needed.

This library has a decent collection but not that many books on the sciences. I was very disappointed by that observation. Seeing how they allow people to sell bibles outside doesn't surprise me. Won't be coming back ever again. read more

This library has most selection out of all the Irvine public library. Ample parking and clean Library. I would recommend to any one looking for foreign language books. read more

It's a smaller and older library and not a place you'd do any real research. This library is more for younger kids to read or do homework or wait for their parents to pick them up. The parking is a bit limited since it's shared with the park at the end of the little street. This isn't to say that this is a bad library. I actually kind of like it. Sure it isn't as big or fancy as the NPB library but it reminds of the libraries I used to go to when I was little and it's a nice feeling. =) Bathrooms are small but kept clean enough. Staff seem friendly and accommodating. Patrons are pretty respectful and quiet. Long table in the back and along the back walls are good for studying. You can talk but keep it at a minimum volume. Note: A LOT of private tutoring happens here so if you're in the market, sit around and listen in. You might find someone you'd like your kid to work with. read more

This review is for the BOOKSTORE located outside the library. I went to donate 3 bags of books - many of them almost new. There is an old woman with white short hair who started a very invasive conversation with me. I didn't want to be rude but you DO NOT ask strangers where they went to college - or where their kids were going to college. Maybe it was the types of books I was donating or because I'm Asian American. I politely replied to her. Her resentment once I replied was pretty obvious. Weird. read more

So I tend to work in the library because it's quiet Not so much this one however. I came in with the girlfriend last week to get some work done. There were children running around screaming and playing. You would think the parents would shut them up but instead they joined in with the laughing and yapping. There was also people eating. Despite the chaos we found ourselves a corner, hiding from everyone and did what we had to do. The library is SMALL. Probably the smallest library I have ever been to. It can get pretty pack considering how tiny it is. I do like that most people without children are there to study. They aren't just there to take up room and facebook. read more

I like the Friends of the Library bookstore attached to this Library. Today, they had like 5 carts full of books outside the library selling for 25 cents each. Can't beat that! The used bookstore is bigger than the Heritage Park bookstore, but both have their merits. FInding books in used bookstores are like discovering hidden treasures. Even when I leave empty-handed I enjoy the experience of browsing through what new "used" books might have come in from the last time I checked. My favorite genres are classic and paperback fiction. They have a nice selection here - I saw some I would have gotten had I not already owned them. These titles included "Memoirs of a Geisha", "Falling Leaves", "Snow Falling on Cedars", "Atonement", and more. Today I picked up a copy of "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" for $1. It was in Like New condition too! Even Amazon can't beat these prices. read more

Do you remember that old library you use to go to when you were a kid? This is the place. I didn't live in Irvine growing up, but I can appreciate going to an old library, kind of like the one in Ghostbusters. Something about the old dusty smell combine with older wooden furniture and near a Elementry school brings me back about 20 years :).. **but Jason how could that be? you only look 21. Thank you but looks can be deceiving. I promised I will stop talking to myself in this review... This library is perfect for children! There is a large area for children/ teenage books. The good thing is it's far away from the adult tables/ study area. This library is pretty quiet. Except for the staff! I felt like the librarian was not near me, but I could hear him talking loudly on the phone or to a patron. Even though it was a work related call, he acted like he was in a cell phone in an area with low reception. This was annoying the crap out of me. If he would shut up, this place would be a perfect place to study. Not many people know about this library. There are a limited amount of tables but the wireless internet is suprising fast for such an old library. Compared to the Heritage Library the internet is the speed of Usain Bolt. Library good. Staff BOOOO. Highly recommended for kids and teenagers and people looking to travel back in time. read more

So a neutron walks into a bar and asks for a beer. The bartender fetches him a beer and the neutron says, "How much do I owe you?" The bartender looks at the neutron and replies, "For you? No Charge" I started going to the library to study for my exams and I'm pretty happy with this place. Parking is a breeze. There's usually open spots and it's not that far of a walk from the parking lot to the library. The library itself is relatively small, but there's a good number of tables to study. There's a pretty safe crowd that comes thru, so I feel okay leaving my textbooks, laptop, and cellphone out if I need to use the restrooms. There's free wireless internet to check Facebook, Yelp, or Gmail during study breaks. The AC is cranked pretty low, so if you get cold easily, you might want to bring a turtleneck. About my credentials: I've probably visited over a dozen libraries in my life time. I'm not much of a reader, but I like to go to libraries to study and hang out with friends. Now that I think about it... maybe this is the reason why I grew up socially awkward and single most my life. It all makes sense now. read more

This is a nice library - it's located in a residential area of Irvine, far enough from UCI to be a less attractive option for students who would want to travel all the way over here to study - which is a great thing and which is why it's always reasonably quiet here haha. The library is pretty small, but does a good job utilizing the space it does have with a wealth of books, periodicals and DVDs. There are several fairly decent public-use computers as well. A smart design feature, considering it's small footprint, is that the Children's section is located on the opposite end of the non-children's area - which while has some effect on overall noise, you can still hear the really loud kids (come on parents!) and the occasional screaming baby (there's one that's been screaming for the past few minutes since I started this review). Ample seating and desks throughout this facility, including private study cubbies. If you walk all the way to the far end of the library, there's a single cubby adjacent to a large community table that is usually always available and rarely occupied. One downside, the community tables only have two outlets. Luckily, I always travel with a multi-outlet charger, so it's easy for me to ask if I can plug my travel charger in - turning one outlet into three. There is free wifi here but it's fairly slow. On the bright side, I hear Google Fiber is thinking of making Irvine/CA it's next project... Parking is a bit congested, especially after 3pm when the elementary school kids get out. You may be able to find spots near the park adjacent to the library. read more

I don't come to this library very often - I only go when I need to a specific book for class or something. I almost always head straight to the Reference Desk to ask for help. All the librarians that have helped me are reallyyy friendly, helpful, and resourceful. There have been times when the book I was looking for was either checked out or at a different location. I love how they email you when your book is ready to be checked out. I haven't studied here yet, but it seems like a nice, quiet place. They have story times in the children's section, and even sell used books by the parking lot. read more

It's an old but warm library. It has a great librarian to explain a lot of things about the printing. Although it is not a big one, it can provide something that is important as a library. Love to go there since it costs only 15 cents to print instead of 50 in fedex read more

Irvine Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

What I love about this library: -Very nice ambiance, feels homey. - Clean -Nice, helpful staff -Love the wood architecture What I dislike: -Parking sucks but it's not the library's fault. The library is run by County of Orange and the city of Irvine owns the parking lot and parks. Because they back up to the park, school and Adventure Park it's really hard to find parking at certain times. There is a sign that says that lot is for library parking only but you know how Irvine douchebags ignore rules. -Too much foreign language material which wouldn't be a huge deal but it seems like most of the programs they do focus only on the Persian community and are in Farsi which sucks because a public library should be for everyone. For example, for Persian New Year they had a special program during normal business hours. I walked over to check it out and a few ladies looked at me like I was intruding. The lady in charge made sure to tell me that this program was in Farsi only. I felt very excluded in a public library. They also have had many previous programs only in Farsi and it was obvious outsiders were not welcome. The Persian librarian is really rude in general and extremely unhelpful. read more

This library is small but such a great place to study. Everyone here has always been so helpful. I've seen people set up tables to help people with computers and tech problems, people encouraging kids and adults to participate in their summer reading program, there's a large children section and air conditioning!!! It seems to offer a variety of ways for community members to get involved. I'm not sure how great their selection of books is but they have a lot of study area. I've seen many foreign books and videos here. They also have an outside area too under a large tree. People lay out on the benches and read. The wifi has been pretty good to me all the times I've been here. There's large tables to sit at with plug ins or a row of cubicle style tables with plug ins as well. It's always pretty busy here but always well managed. Thanks for being such a great study spot. read more

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Every time I've been to this library, the staff has been super helpful. I like that they always seem to have the books my kids are looking for, more so than the Wheeler Library (which I know is smaller). When we were here last week, the computers weren't all occupied, and the books were all organized. We did have to wait in line to use the self checkout (my daughter always insists on scanning her own books). And I often times have trouble finding a parking space at this location outside of school hours. Many evenings there are cars just hanging out wherever they want in the street waiting to pick up kids, since there are no spaces. So annoying. But the selection keeps me coming back ! read more

This library is next to University Park, and is also off Michelson. It's also a Pokémon gym, with some stone benches that one can sit on to interact with it. The bookstore here is very small and most of the books are on racks outside. The books are mostly obsolete and there are even some VHS tapes available for sale, but the price was pretty good per item, so we bought some for fun. The restroom was clean and fancy. read more

another amazing place for college students to get away. Sometimes... -you dont want to go to campus, cuz your lazy or that your not in the mood to get distracted -sometimes...your library just doesnt cut it and you feel awkward going to another universitiy's library -sometimes other librarys cost $$ to park there -studying at starbucks/panera breads/etc... just doesnt cut anymore...its too loud...and the food is quite distracting Welcome to Irvine University Park... -easy parking quiet -free wifi -AIR CONDITIONING! -computers -printers etc... This is my go to spot, if Im not feeling the college libraries! UNTIL THEN!! ^-^ read more

This library is old, run down, kinda dirty and full of really loud misbehaved kids- no matter what time of day. I prefer Heritage park Library but go to this one if I'm too lazy to drive further. Whatever you do just do not use the bathroom! I repeat do not use the bathroom. The stench and filth of this bathroom made me feel as if I was in a third world country. There was dried up explosive diarrhea on the first stall, then ironically the other two stalls were out of toilet paper. One sink was stopped up. Just absolutely disgusting, ruined my trip to the library entirely I ended up studying for 30 minutes then leaving! read more

This library is our one of the most favorite library in OC. I live in Lake Forest but still drive down there at least twice a week. Their Monday story time is so wonderful and fun! Every other week Wednesday have Japanese story time and craft. They often have great events such as kimono show, tea ceremony, ranger jack's puppets show and concert! My daughter and I are so grateful that this library provides our needs! read more

Irvine Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

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It is a nice facility but very noisy during the summer months! During the summer there are kids playing games on the computers, talking on their cell phones, talking loudly in groups and eating. It seems like parents treat it like a daycare center. I asked the librarian "What happened to the quiet, hushed atmosphere of the library we all grew up with?" She said, "This is how things are these days." I visited twice and both both times was disappointed. I would have needed ear plugs to read. Once again, the staff and facility are good, but the cell phones, group chat sessions, video games and eating at the tables is a real turn off. During the summer it is noisier than both of the local Starbucks on Culver. Aren't libraries supposed to be totally silent? read more

I'll make this one short: PROS: -It exists -Doesn't smell CONS: -The occasional homeless person, though I've never seen any of the particularly threatening variety. -Slightly worse are the masses of loitering children whose parents seem to believe that the public library is some sort of daycare provider -One time the guy behind the counter asked me what I was doing at a library on a Sunday, and why I didn't have anything better to do. -I'm a nonfiction reader mostly, has a maximum of 2 books on any subject, unless it's a biography of someone you've never heard of. -All of said nonfiction books were published before 1997. -The fiction selection sucks. And I mean SUCKS. Not only is it small, but it has books that i would never suggest to anyone. Like two copies of The Secret Life. -Had to fight a 16yo for a parking spot read more

Hello I am Danielle and two weeks ago I checked out 3 books and I used my grandmas library card by the way my grandma never had any fines or lost book anyway Tuesday16,2019 I went to return the 3 books with my grandma and the one librarian named Sarah said you card has expired.And these books never be checked out in my mind that's crazy because if my card has been expired how did I check the books out so in my own word I said my grandma card is not expired because how to I check out the books so the librarian named Sarah put this situation in a way that we stole the book but who will steal book and bring the right back so then she said it's expired and literally toss my grandma library card in the trash and then she said well it's expired and walks away then a another librarian helped so we left but we came back for the card and while co workers try to look for her And my grandma contacted her lawyer read more

Not the newest looking facility but it's still a really nice library. However, I'd recommend this as a library that's better if you have kids. The children's area is in the front and there are a lot of little colored tables and children's books. They separate the books for the little kids and the preteens although they're still around the same area. When I used to babysit this little girl when I was in college, she would love it when I would take her here on her minimum days to do homework and look at books! Plenty of parking and there's a park on the other side of the library's parking lot so after the kids get bored of books, you can take them to play at a really nice playground. If you're a college student or adult trying to get some quiet study time, I wouldn't really recommend this library unless you come during a time when all of the kids are at school. Otherwise, the library gets kind of loud since it's so small and the childrens' voices carry over. There aren't any solo study desks either so you have to be willing to sit with other people. :/ But there are all of your basics: free wifi, air conditioning, computers, printers. read more

They have a wonderful Friends of the Library bookstore where you can buy used books for $1! And since they're always getting donations, their selection changes from week to week. I'm a fan. read more

This library is spacious and I love the design of it! Been aware during its peak ours since seatings are limited. I will definitely return again to study at this library in the future. read more

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This is my go to place to study as a non-UCI college student who comes to Irvine a lot. I never have trouble finding seats or outlets and it is relatively quiet (especially during the day). It can get a little noisier after 3pm when all the kids go loose, but it's never been unbearable. Parking is plentiful and free which is amazing as a Los Angeles resident! :) read more

Generally nice and quiet library, close to UCI, plenty of parking, fast wifi, has a quiet study area, suitable for studying and reading. However, in the supposedly quiet study area, there's always some ppl ruining it for everybody, and the staff are a bunch of useless wastes. Unfortunately, this girl in the pic, openly chewing on chips in the quiet area, making the most obnoxiously loud chewing sounds. "crunch-crunch-crunch-spit-crunch-crunch-talk on phone-crunch-crunch" See if you can stand this for 30 minutes straight. Even played deaf when called out. So sorry for her for having zero womenly grace! At a public library, everyone has a right for undisturbed usage of the facility, especially in the quiet study area. So for your interest folks, try to avoid this piece of human garbage, or when see this disgusting chip-eater there, call her out, have her thrown out like what garbage deserves! read more

This library isn't the best for studying. There are kids making noise and their parents also talking at pretty noisy levels. It did have free wi-fi, good air conditioning, and adequate workspaces available. The Internet connection was really slow compared to most libraries I've been to. Couldn't run my tutorial videos for my class. Again great for kids, but for adults I would recommend elsewhere. read more

I originally liked this library's location b/c its so much closer to my house and more convenient than driving to NBch Library on Avocado. Today, however, I found myself disliking this place greatly. And would have given this place zero stars if yelp allowed me to. It seems the library is not very customer service friendly and would seem to respect the rights of a homeless transient who was there to socialize rather than my rights to study in a quiet, non distracting atmosphere. I found myself studying back in the corner of the library where there was less traffic, and I thought, a perfect place to study with a nice open table surface with just enough space for me to put all my books, papers and laptop out. After an hour of studying, someone brushed by me close enough where it took me quite by surprise. It was an older man hovering over me. To my further surprise, he pulled out the chair next to me, plopped a copy of a newspaper with him on the table next to my bags and sat down next to me, completely within my personal space. It was the most uncomfortable situation because at that proximity, I could immediately smelled the B.O and realized this man was homeless when I took in further details and noticed the oily hair, unshaven beard and tried not to stare at the worned out shoes and dirty clothes. I could have cared less that I was next to a homeless person ..but the fact that he was in my private space without even asking if it was ok to sit next to me and the fact that he smelled horrendously..... I was beyond uncomfortable and was not sure how to deal with it. I felt rude if I asked to him move. Actually, if he was someone else, I certainly would have asked him to move because he was completely in my personal space. So after 5 minutes of watching him from the corner of my eye, noticing him not reading, studying or doing anything except sitting there watching me from the corner of his eye, breathing hard--I got a little creeped out and decided to leave. I went to report it to the library branch manager, a nice lady who was at first sympathetic but then it dawned on me, there was nothing she was really willing to do about the situation. I also told the branch manager that there were plently of empty tables and why couldnt he sit at one of the those tables that were available? I was then told that the homeless guy was a regular there and the reason he sat down was because I was in his 'space.' So then I thought, gee, since when was a public space, someone's private space if it was already occupied? I was also told that I should just avoid sitting in that space/corner/back of the library if I wanted to avoid this homeless person. Somehow that advice did not seem right to me--that as a taxpaying citizen, I couldnt sit in an available spot at a public library and had to move because a transient was being territorial and making me uncomfortable with his presence (the smell and just sitting there breathing). So then I called Nbch library and wondered if their policies on transients were similar and I spoke with a manager/supervisor in admin there at the library and asked if I would have issues such as this (at the Irvine Library) and he made it very clear that they have zero tolerance for anyone who would distract or disturb any customers at the library. I was told by this gentleman that the Newport Beach library have been known to remove customers who were distractive in sight or in smell Frankly, I'm tired of the county librarys--they are all old, dirty, small and smelly.... It doesnt have to be, but now I know why because the management is terrible in the county library system. I dont know why this Irvine library in particular doesnt adopt the same policies that Nbch library has. It is embarrassing for Irvine to have libraries such as this. It's sad really, because you know where this is going...I guess the liberals that run the county library is ok turning a nice, family centered atmosphere into a transient mecca... so if you have kids, I would not recommend patronizing a facility that allows transient to loiter in or around the premises read more

This small library is tucked away in the residential community off of Culver Drive and University Drive. It's located next to a large community park and actually sees quite a bit of traffic throughout a weekend. Depending on what you're trying to accomplish by coming here, this library could definitely be a big yay or a big nay (studying, borrowing a book, etc.). BOOK SELECTION: This place is fairly small so don't expect to find exactly what you're looking for. I wasn't here to find a book, but after casually browsing for a bit, I definitely did notice that their selection is not only tiny, but filled with older books. However, there is a fairly large children's books area in the back. WIFI: Although they offer free Wifi here, it is fairly slow. They have computers here as well for people to use. (However, I didn't try any of them out so I'm not sure if you have to pay to use them) STUDY AREA: There are plenty of tables available so it wasn't difficult to find a place to sit down. But this might change when it gets closer to peak study times for students. Also, if you are someone who needs complete silence to study, this might not be the place. This library is located within a residential community so there are a plethora of kids that run through here, especially on weekends. Overall, I enjoy coming here but that's only because I'm not looking to read any books and I'm also not someone who needs an extremely quiet place to study. The crappy WIFI would probably be this libraries' biggest con, at least for me. read more