I visited here on a weekday morning and it was quite busy! There is a large free parking lot in the back that is open to the public but has several spots specifically designated only for library patrons. I came here to get a specific book that only this branch within the OC library system had. You can have a book sent to the library closest to you but I hadn't been to San Clemente for a while, so I wanted to make the drive; it was nice to walk around the old town area after grabbing the book. Librarians were very nice and the library was quiet with quite a few tables and chairs within an open space. One of the more inviting libraries in OC. read more

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Love the library! Old school affordable way to find all resources needed. Books, cd's, dvd's and now they have "things at the library" to check out like-instruments, tools, games, travel equipment etc. Love that they have activities and craft events for youth and adults. All free to public! Staff is very nice! Thanks SC Library.. You're the best! read more

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Haven't been inside a library in awhile! I forgot how cool they are! You can rent out books and movies They have computers They have a kids area A study area Restrooms It's very clean inside and cool, which was great because it was hot outside. I was able to get a library card within 2 minutes by filling out a form online. And now I have access to over 30 other libraries in Orange County! How awesome! read more

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I admittedly haven't visited the San Clemente Library in quite some time, and was honestly really impressed! Not only is it very well kept, they also have friendly/helpful staff and a ton of cool resources and events. When you walk in, you'll find a table in the center (in between the children's section and main library) that showcases their monthly event calendar, as well as various items you can rent. They rent out board games, musical instruments and more. There is a section for children's books, as well as the regular adults section. They also have laptops for rent too. I love the quiet rooms as well. The staff are always friendly and there to help with any questions. It's a beautiful library and I'm so glad to have it on Del Mar Ave in our beautiful city by the beach. read more

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Very cute library. Nice and quiet with really cool stain glass windows. You can get a library card as long as your a California resident. AC was great! So hot outside! read more

San Clemente Library - Libraries Near Me - San Clemente, California

The San Clemente Library is a charming little gem, beautiful stained glass, a wide book selection, and super easy library card signup via computer. A perfect little side quest for book lovers! read more

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This small library is well kept. They have comfortable seating and plenty of spots to read or use a computer. read more

San Clemente Library - Libraries Near Me - San Clemente, California

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This is a nice library in downtown San Clemente. It's a bit larger than some of the other County libraries. I like that there were lots of tables with outlets to plug in your laptops. There's a bookstore here also. I'll check it out on my next visit. All the employees are helpful too. read more

This is a beautiful library with so many wonderful books selections! I would highly recommend coming here and checking out some of the new novels. The librarians are very helpful! read more

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San Clemente has a beautiful central library right in the middle of its downtown, hard to miss. The Spanish architecture stands out, simple and precise, the green grass lawn is perfectly manicured. We love to check the local libraries wherever we go, so it was nice to see a great one, clean, well stocked, with many events planned and great staff. On top, this branch has a big library store for all the bookworms out there! It's one of the best Friends of the Library store I've been to, they have many books, well organized by category, they also have DVD-s and CD-s to sell, prices are very reasonable from 50 cents to $3. Si if you're in the area, check it out, it has a great selection, so might find a hidden gem! The store is opened M - Sat from 10 am to 4 pm. Nice people working here, very helpful. The library is opened daily, check out the hours! Very nice, lively library with many options for book lovers, great selection of books to borrow or buy! read more

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Today was our first time coming here for baby storytime and it was amazing! The teacher really kept the children engaged and involved. After we stayed for the play time too and my 13 month really enjoyed himself. Would recommend this to any mom with littles. read more

I took some books to donate to the San Clemente library. The very rude clerk asked me to go through each one of the books and show them to determine if they wanted them or not. The Clerk needs to go to charm school. As they say: beggars can't be choosers. read more

I love the environment and how pretty the architecture is! I found it a very nice place to study and get work done but can also imagine myself sitting here for hours and relaxing with a book. There's plenty of seating and also a great amount of people coming and going which shows it's pretty popular in the area :) read more

San Clemente Library - Nice spacious study area - Libraries Near Me - San Clemente, California

I recently got my library card and the services are wonderful (e.g. computer and internet access). The staff is so friendly and helpful.

It's been a REALLY long time since I was so angry it brought me to tears, until today. My daughter had a medical procedure yesterday so I went to the San Clemente Library to grab some books to distract her from feeling yucky. I was shocked and truly angered at what I found. The entire library is covered with caution tape and whole sections are closed off- including the children's section. I asked a library staff member why I couldn't go into that section and she did not give an answer but told me they have "a curated children's section" and showed me where it was. It was 2 SMALL bookcases full of socialist critical race theory feminist political propaganda bullsh*t. How dare a tax payer funded public library censor and restrict what books those tax payers have access to. Kids need storybooks! I can't walk in during the "grab & go" hours and get a Frank Asch or Julia Donaldson book FOR WHAT REASON? Because the woke librarian thinks kids aren't being indoctrinated enough already?! You can't tell me how any of this COVID restriction setup makes anyone "safe"....but that's a whole other rant. read more

San Clemente Library - The "curated children's section" AKA propaganda for kids - Libraries Near Me - San Clemente, California

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I came to this library site seeing. I think it's quite beautiful. I feel that it is the stained glass windows that sets it apart from most other libraries. There is a wide open space just past the front desk followed by circular tables and rows of computers. The place is clean. The staff is friendly. The internet if fast. You can pay to print things out at 15 cents per page. They have a lovely section for children with miniature tables. There are group study rooms. I caught sight of one room called the Program Room that looked like it was being used by a knitting club. A 3D printer is at this library too but approval is needed from the library staff and they are the only ones who get to touch it. All in all, this San Clemente Library is pretty picturesque. read more

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I've come here since I've been a wee little one and I love this library. It could be because it is in the greatest city and downtown area, and it could be a little because it's a great library with a ton of activities for all ages and a great selection of books. I think it is all of the above! They have a parking lot as well as street parking on Del Mar and Cabrillo. I agree with other Yelpers of the beautiful architecture and design of the building. I'm a sucker for Spanish architecture and the stained glass windows. Make sure to check out their calendar for yourself or if you have little ones! read more

Took my 2 boys for their Christmas event. How fun! They had 2 craft tables where kids can make ornaments. And they also had one table you can decorate a gingerbread boy/girl. You get a cookie with all the fun frosting and candy from the front desk. Oh my boys enjoyed decorating AND eating the cookie and candy. They were sugared up. They had a local choir that came and sing. They were a joy to watch! Nice selection of kids books. Friendly staff. Beautiful Christmas event that my kids totally enjoyed with their friends! Thank You San Clemente Library! read more

San Clemente Library - Local kids singing for the Christmas 2016 event. - Libraries Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Oh how I love libraries. When hear about a good book I usually go straight to Amazon to price check/order with my prime membership... when the price seems too high or I feel like I just can't wait, I check my local libraries (http://ocpl.org) and sometimes hit the jackpot. My trip to this library was necessitated by one such jackpot search and although the book was sandy (from being read on the beach nearby, no doubt), it was exactly where it was supposed to be and easy to find. When I went to check out, the librarian noticed the sandy cover and noted it in the database so I wouldn't be charged for the "damage" - it didn't actually damage anything about the book, I think its quite romantic to think about all the places a book in library circulation has been! Oh if those books could talk! Anyway, this location is not the biggest or newest but it is right on Del Mar and has a large FREE parking lot around the side/back - a beautiful thing in such a small city! :D A few things I noticed: About 10-15 racks of used books for sale just outside the lobby, most only $1/each! A colorful children's section that looked very comfortable/inviting. A large number of VERY tanned individuals... possibly surf bums, possibly real bums. I'd definitely come back if I was in the area. Its a little dated but what isn't in San Clemente? That fact adds to its vintage, beach chic charm... ;) read more

Although the library has improved immensely I still think the children's area needs vast improvements. Like maybe glass walls to block out any noise and to allow parents to see their children. Bean bags or other comfortable chairs so kids and read in comfort. A larger selection of DVDs. And paintings in children's area to make it feel more welcoming. Although they have many kids events it would be nice to see more events like magic shows and such. My kids enjoy coming to the library and they have fun. Maybe a few generous donations could pep this place up a bit. read more

San Clemente Library - Game time - Libraries Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Fast internet! Helpful staff! Thankful that I got to renew my OC library card & update my information. We were just here for a quick minute to print some pages for my buddy's documents to be printed out, which was .10 per page (LA pub library offers 10 pages of b&w for free, just FYI). Beautiful facade with their lovely foliage. I loved that we stopped by here, otherwise we would have missed seeing this pretty little town and San Clemente Pier ! read more

After walking San Clemente Pier I may stop by here to read some magazine or surf the internet and let the air conditioning to cool me down. Overall a nice library with a large parking. read more

Nice location near the beach. The bathrooms were clean and a convenient stop on our walk.

Check out the great activities for kids. Welcoming and wonderful.

This library is in the heart of downtown San Clemente. It is very popular due to being within walking distance of many neighborhoods. Parking can be a little difficult due to being on Del Mar, a pedestrian mall. But it has a good selection of books and the librarians are really helpful in finding things. It is hard to choose between this library and Dana Point as to which is better because they are both pretty similar, but I would say this one is busier and thus slightly less desirable. Only slightly. :) read more

Lovely library, just remodeled with beautiful stained glass windows and area in the back to sit and read by a fireplace. Love this place!

Love the remodeled SC Library. User friendly check either with human interaction or without. Quiet settings with places to get work or research done free of distraction. read more

This is the best library I have ever had the privilege of visiting - And, I am 70 years old with many places on the map where I have used libraries - At San Clemente Library, there are lots of computers available for use, the staff is courteous and helpful, parking facilities are great, and it is just an overall pleasure to be there -- This library sets a warm example of friendly and courteous public service, and the staff should be commended with some kind of recognition from the city officials. read more