Irvine Libraries

The City of Irvine is transitioning Library services from the County of Orange to a new Irvine Public Library system, allowing for a more personalized, local approach to library services. With this transition, the City is committed to creating dynamic library spaces that foster civic engagement and community growth along with equitable access to education resources.

Summer with the Library

Spend your summer with Irvine Libraries. We will be hosting events this summer to continue offering library program services. Programs will be available for children, teens, and adults, including book clubs, storytimes, and study halls. 

Library Events

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive email alerts regarding the Irvine Public Library system! Learn more about library services including new programs and services.

 

For inquiries about the Irvine Public Libraries transition, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. For additional questions or feedback, please email irvinepubliclibrary@cityofirvine.org.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X, @IrvineLibraries, to stay in the know of programs, news, and events surrounding the Irvine Public Library.

Irvine Public Libraries Transition Plan

 

 

 

 

 

Update on Irvine Library Location hours:

As of April 1, the County of Orange has reduced service hours at the Heritage Park, University Park, and Katie Wheeler Library locations. Through May 15, library service hours are: 

  • Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Sunday: closed

From May 16–June 30, the County will close Heritage Park and University Park facilities to complete the transfer of services. From May 16–June 30, the Katie Wheeler Library will continue to operate at the above reduced hours. From July 1–December 31, 2025, the County of Orange will close the Katie Wheeler Library to finalize the facility transition. The City anticipates opening the Katie Wheeler Library in early 2026. 

The anticipated opening date of the Heritage Park and University Park Library locations is Monday, August 4. 

For detailed information about the creation of the Irvine Public Library System and the transition from the County of Orange, please visit our Irvine Public Library Project Background website. 

Residents of Irvine may continue to access any of the Orange County Public Library (OCPL) sites during and after the transition. For more information on OCPL hours, locations, and services, visit ocpl.org.

Library Transition Presentation

Irvine Public Library Cards are Coming Soon! 

We will begin offering Irvine Public Library cards in June 2025. Irvine Public Library cards are free and available to California residents. Please continue to stay updated by visiting the City's website, following us on social media, or signing up for email alerts to learn more about when Irvine Public Library cards will be available! 

Irvine Public Libraries Locations

Heritage Park Regional Library

14361 Yale Avenue
Irvine, CA 92604
949-936-4040

The library is located near the corner of Walnut and Yale, close to the I-5 freeway between Culver and Jeffrey. Parking is available in front of the library.

University Park Library

4512 Sandburg Way
Irvine, CA 92612
949-786-4001

The library is located near the intersection of Culver and Michelson.

Katie Wheeler Library

13109 Old Myford Road
Irvine, CA 92602
714-669-8753

The library is located off Irvine Blvd. near the intersection of Jamboree and Irvine Blvd.

Little Free Libraries

Various locations

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs Flier

Irvine Public Library System FAQs

Why is the City of Irvine taking over library services from the County? 
The City of Irvine is transitioning library operations from the Orange County Public Library (OCPL) system to establish a City-run library system. This decision allows Irvine to tailor library services to better meet the needs of residents and expand programming, collections, and services. At its July 23, 2024, meeting, the Irvine City Council approved the transition of library services from County of Orange to the City of Irvine beginning July 1, 2025, when Irvine Public Library (IPL) will be formally established. On January 14, 2025, the Irvine City Council approved an agreement to transition the Katie Wheeler Library to Irvine management as well.

When will the transition take place? 
Through March March 31: All libraries have full services and hours under Orange County management. April 1-May 15: The County will reduce hours and services at Heritage Park and University Park to start preparing for the transfer. Operating hours will be as follows:

  • Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Sunday: closed
     
  • May 16-June 30: The County will close Heritage Park and University Park entirely to complete the transfer.
  • July 1: Irvine assumes the Heritage Park and University Park Libraries.
  • July 1: The Katie Wheeler Library closes in preparation for its transfer from County to City operations.
  • August 4, 2025: The City of Irvine anticipates opening Heritage Park and University Park libraries to the community. 

What will happen to the Katie Wheeler Library? 
Because the Katie Wheeler Library is located on County-owned property, it was not included in the initial transition agreement. However, responding to an outpouring of community interest in maintaining Katie Wheeler as part of the Irvine system, the City Council approved a three-year lease agreement for that site, starting January 1, 2026. 

Will library services be interrupted or libraries closed during the transition? 
The Heritage Park and University Park libraries will be temporarily closed to facilitate the transition from County-operated to City-operated libraries beginning May 16, 2025. On July 1, 2025, the Katie Wheeler Library will be closed to facilitate the transition of services. The City anticipates reopening the Heritage Park and University Park libraries on August 4, 2025. Some services, including access to the OCPL digital collection, will continue throughout the closure.

Will library hours or locations change? 
The City intends to maintain the hours of operation for Heritage Park and University Park Libraries. During the transition period (April-June 2025), there will be temporary closures and adjusted hours as required by the County. The City anticipates reopening the Heritage Park and University Park libraries on August 4, 2025. 

What are the closest library options for us during the Heritage Park, University Park, and Katie Wheeler Library closures?
There are other public libraries located close to the City of Irvine including the OCPL Tustin Public Library branch, the Newport Beach Public Library, and the Huntington Beach Public Library. Residents of the State of California may apply for a free library card to access materials and services at any of these libraries before, during, and after the transition. To learn how to apply for a library card at any of these libraries, please visit their website or call the County/City library directly.

How is the transition being funded? 
The transition is funded through a combination of budget allocations and tax transfer agreements with the County. Initial costs, including staffing and operational expenses, will be covered by an appropriation from the City's Asset Management Plan, with repayment from future library funds. 

Will I need to get a new library card?
Yes. Irvine Public Library will be a separate system, independent of the OCPL system. IPL will issue new library cards to access collections and other services.

Will my current OCPL library card still work? 
Yes, it will still work at all OCPL locations, including during the closures. Irvine residents wishing to use IPL will need to register for a new library card and can use both library systems if desired. 

Will I be able to request OCPL items for pick up at Irvine Public Library locations? Will I be able to return OCPL items to Irvine Public Library locations?
OCPL library users can request OCPL items to be delivered to any OCPL branch, including the nearby Tustin Library. OCPL items should be returned to an OCPL location.

Within IPL, users will be able to request items from any branch (Heritage Park, Katie Wheeler, University Park) be moved to another branch for convenient pickup. IPL items may be returned to any IPL location.

For items not in the IPL collection, users may request an interlibrary loan from outside of Irvine or may suggest IPL purchase the item of interest.

Will Irvine have digital books available?
Yes. IPL will have eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more digital items available for patrons.

Will you offer a Library of Things?
A Library of Things (LoT) is a lendable collection of non-traditional items, usually tailored to community needs and interests. LoT collections that have been established around the country include everything from seeds to musical instruments to baking pans to tools. IPL will be working on implementing LoT after the transition. 

Will the programs at the Irvine libraries continue, and will they remain free to the community?
The City will continue to offer library programs, free of charge, to all ages.

What changes can residents expect with the new City-run library system? 
Residents can expect enhanced programming, expanded collections tailored to local needs, improved digital resources, and a strong focus on community engagement. We are also planning for immediate improvements to the Heritage Park and University Park branches including new carpet, paint, and furniture.

What will be the role of the Friends of the Library (FOL) and the bookstores?
The City values and respects the support the FOL organizations provide to Irvine libraries. No changes are anticipated for the Friends groups or their bookstores.

Will there be a library in my district? 
The City of Irvine will be working to identify the library needs in the community, including the opportunity to expand the number of libraries throughout the city. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and provide input with this process! 

How can I stay informed and provide input? 
The City will provide regular updates through community meetings, the City’s website, and library newsletters. Residents are encouraged to participate in public forums, surveys, and outreach events to help shape the future of Irvine Public Library. Sign up for library updates here.