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    San Clemente Library

    4.5 (28 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Madeline S.

    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.

    Klariza F.

    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!

    Wayne W.

    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!

    Amanda J.

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

    Elisa G.

    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!

    Pretty building
    Jo S.

    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!

    Nice spacious study area
    Roxanna J.

    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 :)

    The "curated children's section" AKA propaganda for kids
    Gale S.

    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.

    Children s section
    Brett C.

    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.

    Local kids singing for the Christmas 2016 event.
    Grace L.

    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!

    Game time

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    22 days ago

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    2 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

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

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    10 years ago

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

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    16 years ago

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    10 years ago

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

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    9 years ago

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    Ask the Community - San Clemente Library

    Review Highlights - San Clemente Library

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

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    Beach Town Books - Fresh used book arrivals at Beach Town Books in San Clemente!  Featured today: A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende and many others

    Beach Town Books

    4.6(137 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $

    I am a big fan of mom and pop book stores. The feel and smell of a new book is something that is…read morealways special. I dropped by to see what reading adventures they had to offer and they had a variety of options from fiction to non fiction, fantasy, horror, romance and much more. The unique way they differentiated the new vs used books was also just as good, mom and pop style. The staff was friendly and just as amazing and helpful. Parking is on the adjacent streets or the available adjacent lots.

    I was so excited to go here after finding this place on social media, but overall I thought this…read moreplace was just ok. Not the worst bookstore but I am unsure whether I'll come back here again. Pricing is a little high, but they do have a deal where you can buy 3 books and get the 4 lowest price book for free. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any of the books that are on my TBR list. I only found 1 book and decided it wasn't worth it at $7. However, I'm sure inventory changes quickly given they do have a lot of other books. It was also a little tricky getting here since parking is a little bit of a hassle given I'm no longer a local of Orange County. Pros: nice people, lots of seating around the store, and a restroom for customers.

    Photos
    Beach Town Books - Looking for something new to read?

    Looking for something new to read?

    Beach Town Books - Pick up great titles like Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern! This happens to be Savannahs bookclub pick for October!

    Pick up great titles like Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern! This happens to be Savannahs bookclub pick for October!

    Beach Town Books - Icebreaker, by Hannah Grace

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    Icebreaker, by Hannah Grace

    SC Friends of the Library Bookstore - "Classics" section with older and newer editions

    SC Friends of the Library Bookstore

    5.0(3 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    They always have a great selection of books, well organized. Prices are great.The staff are always…read morevery helpful and friendly. I wish they had longer hours!

    This FoL is the best I've visited. Yes, there are bigger ones, and yes, there are some that are…read moremore easily accessible from the street, but the SC location takes the cake for a few reasons. First, the volunteers. Other FoL have friendly volunteers as well, but the ladies volunteering here take it up a notch. They are super friendly, very engaging, and they take requests for specific books and can contact you if the books come in! They keep the place meticulous as well and know not only what they have when asked, but where books are or should be. When we were there, they also had music going from their collection of CDs. Second, the selection. Yes, they have books of most genres. They also have DVDs, games (board, console, and puzzle), CDs, and magazines. BUT! They also have a "Unique Finds" section with an ecclectic mix of books and genres, mostly vintage editions. I saw some from the late 1800s and early 1900s. They also have a "Classics" section with older and newer editions of classics such as Shakespeare, Homer, etc. What's also really cool is that they have complete sets of certain collections. And they have orange page inserts (see pics) that say a bit about the edition of the book. Super cool! Apparently they get a lot of donations from travelers who buy books for plane rides and drop the books off after they land. So they also have a lot of recent books. Third, the ambiance. Super friendly and relaxing, and music going makes for a good time! I wish they carried vinyl like a couple other FoL! Last, they accept credit cards! Most FoL I've visited only accept cash, and the fact at the SC location accepts credit is a nice bonus. Especially since they have such a wide selection! The SC FoL is located adjacent to the SC Public Library. I recommend using the parking lot in the back instead of street parking. The entrance is on the street side, but it's easy to either walk through the library or walk around to get to the FoL. There's also a large lawn adjacent to the FoL building where I saw some people lounging and reading. Super relaxing atmosphere. Can't wait to go back!

    Photos
    SC Friends of the Library Bookstore
    SC Friends of the Library Bookstore - Wonderful selection of children's books at our San Clemente Friends of the Library Bookstore!

    Wonderful selection of children's books at our San Clemente Friends of the Library Bookstore!

    SC Friends of the Library Bookstore

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    Mission San Juan Capistrano - Sacred Garden

    Mission San Juan Capistrano

    4.6(789 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    Not-for-profit
    Free WiFi

    If you're in this area definitely worth it to check out this amazing Historical Mission. This was…read moremy second time and I enjoyed it. Lots of couples taking pre-wedding photos. Must be the place. I got a new experienced each time love the vibe.

    Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded on November 1, 1776 by Junipero Serra and Spanish…read moreCatholics. Its nickname is "Jewel of the Missions" and is one of 21 Spanish missions in California. We purchased tickets ($18/adult) on-site although you can book them online to perhaps get a discount. We got an audio device where we could take an audio tour through the grounds and learn more about each individual aspect of the mission. We even saw the remnants of the stone church that was once the largest structure in California but was destroyed in the 1812 earthquake. While the inhabitants' primary goal was to promote Catholicism, the mission also served as an agricultural and economic center. The founding priests of the mission were told they had to be self-sufficient; when we visited the area there was a garden to grow food and a kitchen area. This mission was even the first one in California to make their own wine. Overall it took us an hour to walk around and explore. We didn't read or listen to everything in-depth but you can easily spend 2-3 hours here. We went early in the morning and there was no one around so it was peaceful exploring the grounds.

    Photos
    Mission San Juan Capistrano - Incredible.

    Incredible.

    Mission San Juan Capistrano - Our refuge from the sporadic 3 minute rain storms.

    Our refuge from the sporadic 3 minute rain storms.

    Mission San Juan Capistrano - Photos by Juan Ochoa

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    Photos by Juan Ochoa

    City of San Clemente

    City of San Clemente

    3.7(18 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    What a great example of a quintessential Southern California coastal town! The food, the shopping,…read morethe VIBES. All a part of what makes this city a must stop on your California road trip itinerary. I'm sure its plenty busy during "high" season, which I will take to be early Spring through late Fall, but I don't think you can go wrong visiting during "quieter" months. Aside from a reduced trolley car schedule, there isn't a deterrent to checking out the many shops and restaurants available year round. Weather is seldom a concern, since most days are beautiful, sunny and range mid 70s to mid 80s. If you want to keep it really adventuresome, arrive via the Metrolink train, jump off at the San Clemente station, wait for the RED PCH Trolley for a free ride all the way up to the Outlet mall, with some great, familiar, shops. Then, If you'd like more of the flavor of the "old town", jump back on the Red trolley and head to stop #14, El Camino Real / Ave. Del Mar to try one of the many restaurants, tasting rooms and, yes, even more shopping, in boutiques along the main streets. At night the trees are lined with thousands of little lights to give the city a magical, dreamy look. You can continue walking back down the hill towards the pier to watch the final bit of sun dip into the Pacific before catching your Metrolink to your next destination. Or stay awhile and enjoy a few days in the great city of San Clemente. Cheers! "CC"

    On our way from Aliso Beach to CIBC Carvana PPA Tour earlier in the month of December 2023, we…read moredrove through the city of San Clemente. What a gorgeous beach city!!! We saw some great shopping spots and interesting restaurants along the Pacific Coast Highway 1. The drive was really beautiful and nice. The buildings are exquisite with Spanish colonial design and style. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to stop and walk around town as we had a Carvana PPA pickleball tournament to attend. Amyway, we know they have the Outlets at San Clemente, Life Time, and downtown San Clemente... what else for exploration??? We'll definitely plan and allocate extra hours the next time we're in the area just to check out what San Clemente has to offer. We'll see you here!!! P.S. I will post photos later. I have to get them from my computer since they are no longer on my phone. Thanks for your patience.

    Photos
    City of San Clemente - Free trolley arriving T pier. A treat at twice the price!

    Free trolley arriving T pier. A treat at twice the price!

    City of San Clemente
    City of San Clemente

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    City of San Juan Capistrano Community Services - 4th of July Carnival weekend

    City of San Juan Capistrano Community Services

    3.5(11 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    Even though you don't think of a community service as a site for a review, this place definitely…read moredeserves a bad review. It's my first time planning an award ceremony for work. The venue we rented out was the San Juan Capistrano Community Center. The customer service is horrible. They act all nice but when you actually ask for something, they throw out the passive aggressive act. EX: I asked for a round table for the buffet area. My contact said "no problem". I talk to the tech guy/supervisor (no idea who he is) and he said "we don't do that but OK, we'll make an exception" and he looked exasperated. I told him I told someone two days ago so it was definitely not last minute. EX: The sound system has been purchased two years ago and they still don't have a cable from the laptop or projector program to their own sound system. I ask him what it's called and the tech guy repeatedly said "I don't know". Sigh. EX. The lady in charge of the night shift kept saying "you have to stay the whole time. If the rental company stays longer than 10pm (they got there at 9:40) we'll have to overcharge you" She just made it a point to let us know she might overcharge us. ARGH! Everything else was fine but THEY made the whole experience tense.

    Went to an NCL meeting here a few days ago. The location is pretty, very shaded building and…read moreparking lot with pretty trees and lots of places to sit outside. It neighbors a community soccer field, but even filled, plenty of room to park. Inside it is very clean, layout of a library with meeting and banquet rooms. Cool place, never been before this. Hope to have to come back for something, sometime. Pretty location, clean. Didn't meet any staff but the NCL ladies of Capistrano Coast were awesome.

    Photos
    City of San Juan Capistrano Community Services - 4th of July Carnival weekend

    4th of July Carnival weekend

    City of San Juan Capistrano Community Services - 4th of July Carnival weekend

    4th of July Carnival weekend

    City of San Juan Capistrano Community Services - 4th of July Carnival weekend

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    4th of July Carnival weekend

    The Dragon and the Rose - Lots of crystals

    The Dragon and the Rose

    4.5(210 reviews)
    29.8 mi
    $$

    Super cool shop, lots to see! I'm a bit new to all this occult stuff, I went in looking for incense…read morefor a holder my friend gifted me. I believe I overheard the employee there say their name was Andy. They were super helpful! I actually was informed I needed backflow cones for the holder I was gifted. I was even shown an example which was nice. The cat I had come up to me at the shop was super sweet, a bonus to coming into the shop. Will be returning :)

    I'm a customer that started my spiritual journey last year. I like to check out their products when…read moreI feel I need to and like trying out different services from their readers/healers. The store: I have come here for a limpia cleansing from Addie & bought crystals. I enjoyed my experience and definitely recommend trying it out. The owner books on the weekend different guests psychics and healers. They also have events which I have never been to but look interesting. I came recently for candles but decided to get a heart-shaped peach selenite crystal & did the love ritual/spell. If you're curious about healing & tarot services, this store excels with that. I love cats so much... wish I could own one and am more than happy to pet the cats of the shop. Bi-monthly Psychic Fair: Every 2 months (I think?) the owner hosts a psychic fair. There were quite a bit of vendors at the last one and they all offered different things. Tarot, astrology, fragrance readings, and there was also jewelry, candles, jam, art, and ceramics. I recommend 1.5-3 hours so you can enjoy the fair. I forgot the hours but I only went for an hour and wish I went longer. I got a tarot reading from nocturna & connected with her energy. I wish I got a tamale & next time I will buy jam from the lady that let me test it. (16/100)

    Photos
    The Dragon and the Rose - More books

    More books

    The Dragon and the Rose - Cool crystal magic

    Cool crystal magic

    The Dragon and the Rose - Stuff?

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    Stuff?

    San Clemente Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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