I honestly have no idea what smell some of the other reviews are referring to lol. I think this library is beautiful! It's smaller than it looks but it's a nice place to study or work from home! read more

This branch has the biggest selection of musical instruments to check out and the book recommendations from the staff are always so good! Helpful and kind librarians too! read more

This library hates children. Is constantly criticizing the and their parents. From the security guard to the librarians, there's always something we are unintentionally doing "wrong" according to them. As a mother, I refuse to bring my family here any longer. I wish I could say they better but they probably are happier bc of it read more

This library quickly became my favorite study space. It's so open and so gorgeous. The staff is friendly and has spaces for everyone of all ages. read more

Lady working at the Donald Dungan branch was extremely rude. Four year old was being silent didn't say a word and she told us he has to be quiet. I said "we didn't say anything" and she said "I mean the baby." I was like "he didn't say anything either." read more

Studyable, quiet and spacious with outlets. However, there are a good amount of homeless in the area and they sometimes go into the library.

Looks really nice from the outside, but it smells and feels dirty inside, and it is surprisingly small. There's not much seating where you can conformtably work on your laptop, and the seating they do have is taken up by people who are homeless. read more

So many grate programs for kids and adults, you can check out kitchens gadgets, games, puzzles, sewing machines and many many more. Very friendly and helpful staff, big selection of books, DVD, audiobooks read more

This Costa Mesa-Donald Dungan Library is conveniently located with easy access and right next to a park. Beautiful, spacious building. Helpful staff. Also, a few homeless people around the library read more

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Rude librarian giving me a fine claiming book is damage blaming it on the customer to get money very unpleasant and unprofessional lady . My kid loves this place but dealing with someone like that makes the experience unpleasant read more

Beautiful library, but didn't feel too safe here. It smelled pretty bad inside, it was distracting. There weren't a lot of spots to sit at. Around 2pm, a bunch of middle-high school kids came in and started being loud and playing things loudly on their phones. Staff was really nice and helpful though. Doorbell on the bathroom upstairs was pretty distracting. Wouldn't come back. read more

The librarians here are not very helpful. Usually go to the Mesa Verde branch where all are welcoming and helpful. They would prefer to just sit there and not help with checkouts. read more

First, BEAUTIFUL library and grounds! Has a cool kids play area outside as well. Came here just to check it out. The friends bookstore selection was quite small and a few quarters more than others. Seating was okay. I decided to go through my emails and was sitting near the windows. I could feel the heat of the sun sitting there; they should really put a film or something, if they havent... anyways, as i was chilling, the security guard sat at 3 different chairs within 20 minutes. It was weird that he kept moving around and sitting. He was watching youtube videos. At one point, he fell asleep and was snoring. I get that he is bored, but he is still being paid, and that is unacceptable. read more

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I opened a library card because I was desperate for a print copy in the area. It cost .15 cents and the sweet lady who helped me was wonderful! She was so patient with signing me up and helping me through the computer and printer set up. I'll be back to browse the book selection soon! read more

TLDR: bathrooms were disgusting. Noisy. There's a loud bell that rings upstairs often. One staff girl is very rude (heavy-set, mid-20s). Overall, it's not great. Wouldn't go back. It's a small building but the library looks really pretty. Tall ceilings lots of sun and very white and clean inside. Walked around the library to find a spot to study quietly and the lady downstairs was nice. Got upstairs and found a trendy looking room with many books, comfy seats and tables labeled teen zone or something like that; within like 15 seconds a woman (mid to late twenties employee) with a mask on comes up and asks "are you 18 or older?" I am, and answered yes so she said only teens are allowed in the room. For some perspective, the room doesn't have a door where I walked in, it's just a large entryway. If the space is to protect kids, then put a workstation for library staff to sit and work there. It's just a large open room full of books that is styled differently than the rest of the library. It's styled like a cafe while the rest of the library is styled kinda like a regular library with an occasional trendy chair here and there. Seems kinda strange to have age restrictions on parts of a library especially if it's not styled in a particularly youthful way. I mean, what if I'm 19? What if my brother was 17 and I wanted to sit with him? IDK, the interaction with the youngish lady just felt odd. I mean, there are homeless people like just out the window but I'm clean, hair styled, with clean clothes so there's no way she'll mistake me for homeless. Also there's a lotta noise from an employee work station upstairs. It's a bell that just sounds like a doorbell and I think the same employee is actually yelling across the library "it's open... I said that it's open". Long story short... no place is perfect I guess but of all the libraries I've been, I'd give this one a 4 or 5 out of 10. It's smaller in general and even smaller because if you aren't younger than 18 you can't use 1/4 of the adult floor (top floor). read more

What a trash can. The library is beautiful but it is absolutely over run with homeless people. They go in take up all the study desks so they can charge what ever devices they have. Not sure why they have phones? But ok. Then they are loud and inconsiderate. The smell is horrific. I literally had to leave because the stench was so bad from multiple people indifferent spots. I couldn't get away from it. Very unfortunate. read more

Story time is amazing here! The staff here goes above and beyond for kids then, and whenever we visit. Thanks for promoting young readers and a love for the library. read more

I put this library. It's a lot more brighter, and spacious than the original dingy, dark library. There's plenty of seating area, and tons of natural light. Plus the upgraded park is so much nicer than the old airplane park. read more

This new library in Costa Mesa is really gorgeous. I'd only ventured into the old building once or twice and found huge homeless/smelly people sleeping and snoring in the chairs. Eh...no thanks. This new building is a vast improvement both in terms of looks and the people I have seen here. Granted, I never stay here long, I just log onto their website and put everything I want to check out on hold. I get a text when they are available and I run in, check out my items and make my exit. There is also a wall of used books for sale for $2.00 each. I have gotten two or three books here and they all have been in pristine condition. The area here is pretty sketch so you have to ask the librarian to buzz you into the bathrooms. But wait...here is the BEST thing about his new library in the OCPL system: Books are automatically renewed if you don't return them on time. I am somebody who has spent vast sums on money at the Newport Beach Public Library over the years paying for late fees and also paying for books that I "lose" only to find them months later under the couch. LOL. The girl at the desk told me that not all items are automatically renewed (items that have a "hold" on them are not automatically renewed) so it's best to check your account online to avoid those pesky little "late fees". This little library is awesome and since they are part of the vast Orange County Public Library system I have found items here that the Newport Beach Public Library does not have. EVERYBODY should have a library card. Libraries have books, books on CD, DVD's, magazines, toddler story times and all sorts of things and they are FREE. I've listened to many a library book on CD during my commute to and from work. You can also download audiobooks through Overdrive from the library. This library also had free lunches for teens all summer and they also have movie showings and book club discussions. Grab a library calendar when you are in there & check out what they have to offer, our tax money goes to pay for libraries, we should get our money's worth! read more

I really do not want to post this review because this place is beautiful, but just as I would expect the same courtesy, I would want the most authentic and honest Yelp review on a location so that I know what to expect should I choose to visit. This library is BEAUTIFUL. Do not get me wrong. The views are spectacular and the upstairs area is perfect for studying. There are many two-person study tables available, but no working outlets! I am here on a Sunday Morning. Upstairs area is fairly empty (many tables available). I was debating which area would be most conducive for a colleague and me to study for our pharmacy board exams. I initially placed my belongings in the teen area, which is a separate room that includes a long table with outlets. The librarian upstairs asked me if I needed assistance since I kept wandering around looking for possible areas, and I mentioned that I was looking for an area that had working outlets. She suggested that I can book a study room for one hour. I explained that my colleague and I would be studying for an extended period of time and would need access to outlets throughout the day. I asked if the teen area had working outlets. She proceeded to tell me that there were some working outlets but stated "but that is teen only area". My interpretation of that was basically an indirect way of her telling me that I was not allowed to utilize the area. I was by no means offended because she was very kind and trying to be accommodating. I know the librarians have nothing to do with the construction of the building. However, I strongly suggest that whoever is in charge of remodeled libraries should take into account the current generation. People of all ages have technology nowadays. Most people come to the library and would like to have a working outlet because they will spend much longer than 30 minutes to an hour there and will need electricity to power up their devices. I'm sure once they get electricity, things will be much better. Again the library is BEAUTIFUL and the librarians are EXTREMELY nice, but at the end of the day, I am studying 8-10 hours for my pharmacy board exam and need a working outlet. If you need an outlet, I would call library first before going to see if they've resolved that issue - or when they will be resolving the issue. Hope this issue gets resolved soon so I can re-visit and write a better review. read more

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This was a quick Yelp check in and check out. There are very few reading desks and the outlets are not working on any of them. There are modern reading chairs, but their low backs mean you can't lean back comfortably. There are very few books and shelves here...strange for a library!? Instead of a gigantic elliptical middle stair case or a huge help desk, how about more room for book shelves or seating? Even the children's area was unimaginative and limited. There are two study rooms upstairs, but you can only use it for one hour max per day. Am I a nerd for saying that students usually need a group study room for at least 2 hours? I guess they wanted to spend most of people's tax dollars on showy architecture instead of filling the library with content, functionality and readers. Probably never coming back. read more

Orange County Public Libraries - Looks nice from the outside, but not very functional in the inside...haha, sounds like a lot of relationships, haha - Libraries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Absolutely love this library! They just opened it last Friday and it's exquisite! Everything is updated from marble floors to glass doors. It's quite a lovely place to study. read more

I love the library and everything inside it don't get me wrong. But I am extremely ticked off by the rude staff lady upstairs that kicked me and my friends out of the "teen space" area when we are literally still 18 and just graduated high school. Not to mention that there was literally no one else in the room, we just wanted a place to sit and do our work which is usually in the teen space. After taking a while to pack up our things, the lady kept staring at us and reiterated to us that we aren't allowed to be there. Don't make such a big deal out of it and I didn't appreciate how rude she was. read more

Parece un lugar hermosa pero en este momento está cerrado. It seems like a lovely place but it is closed right now due to construction. It would have been nice if this information was on the ocpl website. read more

Orange County Public Libraries - Sunday July 14, 2019 - Libraries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I got asked to move out the "teen" area when no one was even around. I'm sure it's the same woman that multiple people are complaining about that did the same to them. Terrible customer service. I was in the middle of taking an exam when I was asked to move. It's also a little intrusive that she asked what my age was, lol. read more

"Aidez moi, s'il vous plait" ... can you help me please? I entered the library, eager. Excited. (Ecstatic!) - in my quest to obtain a passport. I had only recently found that I was able to avoid a trip to the post office (lackluster, dreary, I'd rather stab my eye with a fork, ugh, the ever loathe-able post office) You see, friends...I'm crossing oceans. Globe trekking... to . . . PARIS! A friend tells me as we're side by side on the elliptical at the gym, "Go to Friends of Costa Mesa Donald Dungan library... you can make an appointment over the phone... I was in and out in 15 minutes." 15 minutes?!? Très bien! I am SO there! I made my appointment for a Saturday... and was quickly ushered into a small room lined with books to the ceiling and a smiling, elderly librarian pulled a plain white screen down behind me and thrust a large piece of cardboard covered in aluminum foil in my hands... "for better lighting...no shadows"... I held back a giggle and she proceeded to snap two shots. The only awkward moment came as an unexpected "cheeeese" when I was already smiling (ear to ear). I was literally in and outta there in 10 minutes. I definitely recommend this library to meet your world traveling documentation needs. Easy and efficient and the $25 processing fee to support a non-profit makes it all the while! A bientôt, Paris! (see you soon) read more

Orange County Public Libraries - Viola! La bibliothèque! - Libraries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I went to the library for the first time this past weekend, and wow! This is probably one of the most beautiful libraries I have ever set foot inside. As you go through the entrance, there is a large, marble staircase that leads you to the second floor. Once I got to top of the stairs, I had no problem finding a desk with a working outlet. There are large, picture windows throughout. This causes the library to be flooded with lots of natural light, which is absolutely fabulous. The staff are also kind and very helpful. read more

Really small library without any outlets. I'm from LA and was just passing by with my friend when I saw the library and thought I could stop by and charge my phone while reading. Apparently not. It's a Thursday afternoon with literally 3 other people inside. We charged our phones at the table and one worker said it was strictly for laptops only. So he suggested we move to the computers and we did. I was browsing the shelves while my friend waited by the table. Mind you, nobody else was using the whole row of computers nor the two laptop tables. Like I said, the library only had 3 other visitors. But apparently that was enough for the worker to call security on us for not having library cards. We weren't even using the computer nor making noise AT ALL. So I called their manager because how can you kick out two girls from a PUBLIC library just because they wanted to charge their phones while reading? We weren't even using our phones. Christine, the manager said that they need to keep the computers open just in case people need to use it. I understand that. But do you really have to call security? Why can't they have the worker talk to us? Or why can't they POLITELY ask us to leave the table when that "rush" of people comes in the library on 5pm on a Thursday? This was uncalled for and incredibly embarrassing that you can't even hang out in public libraries anymore. Idk if this is an OC thing but all libraries in Los Angeles have a welcoming and respectful atmosphere to their visitors, regardless if they have a library card or not. read more

Beautiful Glass but Acoustic design is poor Nursery is heard all the way upstairs, People were leaving because of no power to work stations. Limited Parking and the Presence of a Hovering security guard and the older News paper readers makes for an unwelcome atmosphere for research or Laptop use. Welcome to the 90's read more

Customer service was not the best yesterday even when I showed up early and the library staff were not busy. Week days staff are great.

Been waiting for this new library for a long time. It is awesome in every way. The natural lighting is wonderful. Children's library on the first floor is a kids delight with lots of room to play and read. Teen room on the second floor makes you want to go in there to study. Long book wall with items for sale. Easy check out and there are even laptop rentals. Great reading areas for adults - something for everyone here. Rewarding experience, makes you want to return again and again! read more

Library is mostly suited for teenagers and kids. Not a lot of book selections. The desk upstairs with outlets don't work and it's not a friendly place for people with disabilities. Limited parking too. Yeah it's beautiful but they're better libraries in the area. read more

This library is smaller than it looks! I like the high ceiling, but that's about all I like about this place. There were so many homeless people in and around the library! The staff are all used to them lounging about the place. At one point, a security guard came in to tell a staff member that a homeless person outside was having a seizure. He and the staff member were cool as cucumbers. Apparently, that person is a regular at the library and often has these seizures. It was like routine for them! When the staff is chit-chatting on the phone or with one another, you can hear every word because the place is so small. Also, you have to ask someone to use the restroom; they unlock the door from their desk. Aside from the homeless people, there were some strange characters there that night. Never again. read more

I love this library's new contemporary designs and great views from the second floor. People are friendly and helpful. read more

Orange County Public Libraries - Library second floor view - Libraries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I am in a book club and I didn't feel like paying $13 or so dollars for this month's book so I checked out the Costa Mesa Library to see if they had it. They are open on Sundays which is totally nice. I went to the information desk and asked the ladies there if they had the book I was looking for. Apparently, Jennifer Giffin's "Where We Belong" is a popular book. There was over 100 people on the hold list. Luckily for me, the Costa Mesa library has book "rentals" and you can rent the book for $1.50 for the week and then .25 cents for each day after. Fine by me! I checked out my book, paid my buck fifty and then I discovered they were doing a book sale as well. I headed over to the community room to check it out. It was a dollar a bag and they had some really good titles. I have gone to other book sales like this and usually the good books are gone by the first day. I happily left with a heavy bag filled with books. Now I gotta make room on the bookshelf! Yes, it is on the smaller side and there are quite a few homeless people milling around but it is a good library. read more

Beautiful job on the new library! Same friendly staff and lots of natural light from overhead. Chairs overlooking the park are a nice touch. Grateful for the positive impact it will have for generations to come! read more

The boyfriend and I didn't want to make the drive to the Huntington Beach Central Library, so we decided to check out the Costa Mesa library in case we could have a closer study spot. However, we later regretted our laziness :/ The library looks nice on the outside but once you get inside you realize that the place is smaller than it looks. Because the boyfriend had brought his laptop, he wanted to find a spot with an outlet for his charger but it was very hard to find a free spot by an outlet because there were only a few. Their wifi was so slow though that the boyfriend ended up not using his laptop. He thought about using one of their computers really fast but there were soo many homeless people especially on the computers that he decided it probably wasn't too sanitary. We stayed for about half an hour before deciding that we'd really be more productive elsewhere. Not a horrible library but not really somewhere that I would want to hang out and study... Maybe I've been spoiled by Huntington Beach's library but I will NOT be coming back! read more

Inadequate air conditioning. Restroom is locked and u must ask for permission to use it. Very limited # of plugs for laptops. This is one of the more depressing libraries in the OC system. read more

For the most part, this place does the job. It provides me a convenient place to study, even open on Sundays (from 12pm-5pm). Say whaaat?!? A couple things that bothered me was, yes, the place is a little small. Not many chairs for us studious patrons. The staff chit chat pretty loudly amongst one another, adding to the small feel of the room. I solved this problem with some Pandora on a pair of headphones. This place is also patronized by homeless people, which doesn't bother me so much... as the smell of old urine they carried with them that particular day. Happy studying! read more

Super fun for kids. Keeps them entertained and gives them a comfortable place to hang out and read. We will come back for sure. read more

Orange County Public Libraries - Libraries Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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