being the total library nerd I am, I am always borrowing and returning books. Most of the time, the books I want aren't actually at the library so I have to request them online and have them delivered to the library (for each request, you pay a quarter once the book comes in). I don't like the rental section where you can borrow new books for a few days for a buck or so. But the reason I'm giving the library five full twinkling stars is that once my checkbook got jammed into one of the books I borrowed (i have a massive handbag, alright?). Yes, I basically gave the library my blank checkbook, not that there is money in the account, but they wouldn't know. I immediately got several phone calls from the library informing me that they had found the checkbook and reassuring me the checkbook was safe (or really, I probably wouldn't have missed it until my next cable bill was due). My poor baby checkbook. When I rushed back in a panic, they unlocked a safe where they were keeping my checkbook. Very kind - and much more careful than me. read more

-security: this library has a security guard walking behind u making you as uncomfortable as it gets. -noise: loudest library ever! People are extremely loud talking and laughing and people who work there don't care at all, maybe it's because they're AS LOUD. -wifi: if you're lucky to be there when the wifi is not down, it's extremely slow! Yeah the last time I was there the wifi was down and the staff had no idea when it'll be fixed! So after wasting my time and money driving there, finding a parking space, and trying to connect to wifi for 5-6 minutes I just had to go back home! Clean? No! Desk tops, chairs, and the worst of all... The bathroom are soooooo damn dirty! Note: every Starbucks I've been to is less noisy than this library and their wifi is never down at Starbucks. Just saying! read more

Heritage Park regional Libray is located next to Irvine high school. I have had been to this library to study for my college classes, grad entry exam, and now for my grad classes. This library is pretty popular as they are a lot of high school students and also tutors as well. This library does get pretty busy, so if you want a spot then be sure to come early! They usually sell old books for a very cheap and affordable cost. I love it! It's deifntely a place to coem check out books or study. read more

I really like this library because it is small, intimate but not small enough to make you feel like a sardine. I went to their annual bookstore sale and I got great books for insanely low prices (paperbacks for $.25). I can't wait for their next sale :) read more

LOVE this library bookstore. A bibliophile's dream! Not wonderfully organized; with the quick inventory turnaround it wouldn't be feasible to catalogue what is in stock. It is organized by genre, which is great! It may not be your best bet if you are looking for a specific book, although luck has been on my side in the past! You never know what you'll find. But I love roaming through the tightly-packed shelves looking for random new finds. And at only $0.50 to $1.00 for most books (even $0.25 for some sale books!), you really can't go wrong! read more

This branch usually has the books we're looking for and it seems to have a much bigger selection than the Katie Wheeler branch. But it doesn't seem quite as big as the Tustin branch. Came in tonight, about 15 minutes before closing. Everything was clean and organized, and we found what we were looking for immediately. Checked out with no waiting. The clerk was friendly, and he even shared that they've recently stopped charging for replacement library cards (used to be like two bucks). I've heard the parking can be sparse sometimes, but we had no issues, and there were even a bunch of people out front catching Pokemon. read more

It amazes me that Irvine doesn't have a multi-level, state of the art library due to her well of economics and upscale demographics. Huntington Beach and Newport Beach have the best public/ city libraries. This Heritage library is a shack. It is small, noisy with stupid kids and dummy moms. There was this older guy who farted near the fireplace. That was the last straw....I ran for the hills or out to my car, heading to UCI. I came by and left after two minutes inside...what a joke of a library... Went to Ayala Science library at UCI read more

Books are a quarter for classics. I've bought a few. Not an amazing selection but they have a few things and they're cheap. What more could you ask from a library book store? read more

I really just go the the Friends of the Library bookstore here. When I was moving, I donated a ton of books (novels, old text books, cook books), and the volunteers seemed really grateful. I like to browse for books when I have some spare time. You can really find some bargains. I got a hardcover novel that was recently released for $5, and older hardcovers are $1 and paperbacks $0.25. They also have bargain racks for $0.10, but I haven't bothered looking. Then when I'm done reading the books, I just donate them back to the library. I also have used the restroom here, and it's usually pretty clean for a public restroom, and definitely cleaner than the one at the Youth Services Building. It's a convenient location when I need a pit stop before running with friends from Heritage Park or the Irvine High School track (in case you were wondering why I'm familiar with these public restrooms). read more

My family and I have been living in Irvine for over 10 years and heritage library has been our spot all years. My kids would stay here to study while waiting to be picked up. Now fast forward, they're grown up.... they still come here to borrow books. They have a great selection. Vast number of computers. I also love the park/lake right outside to get some fresh air. It is just so convenient, everything you would need at your fingertips. Always so busy, but still a place to sit and read and do work! read more

A quaint library with a great used-book "Friends of the Library" bookstore on the side. However, I feel that the interior could do with a little renovation to better maximize the space, as it seems a little fusty. Not exactly a place I would want to read at for an extended period of time...the lighting really gets to me. But being the non-native transplant that I am, I am going to leave it at that. In terms of providing the information that I need, I would have to say that the collection isn't as well stocked as I expected. The fines for overdue books are a little steep (but I should be better about keeping track of that, eh?) But all in all, a nice community library. read more

This listing seems to be for the library so I'm just going to write about it. We went inside mainly because we needed to use the restrooms, and the restrooms were pretty good. The staff inside the used bookstore was extremely nice. Although there was a volunteer poster, so maybe that isn't the right word. The prices of everything are extremely good with $2 for most DVDs. There are some items on sale as well. There wasn't a lot of room in the used bookstore to browse, though, especially since a lot of kids were sitting on the floor and people were coming out of the back room with more books. There are bargain books in the entrance hallway and outdoors as well. read more

I came by here to look for a certain textbook for my college class and found it here! Score! Unfortunately, being the blinded person that I am, I couldn't find the book without the assistance of the librarian. The librarian didn't seem to like his job or having to look for the book. I'm sorry, I was freaking out that the book wasn't there! While I was here, I also found out that they have a large collection of magazines; I can always come here if my magazine subscriptions ever run out. I would definitely stop by here more often if it wasn't so far away from where I live. read more

I had high hopes for the Heritage Park Library because I really need a good local library for studying. I went on a Friday afternoon (around 2pm) and the library was crowded and loud! Apparently library etiquette has gone out the window these days. I am really happy that people are using the library but they really need to enforce the quiet rules. I found there to be a lot of people using the computer and gabbing away or looking at Facebook (which is fine...but whisper!) and all the study stations were full. It's nice that it is free WIFI (but hey...even Denny's has free WIFI these days) but I wish it were more quiet. Maybe I hit it on a bad day...I will probably give it another shot in the morning...but other than that....not super impressed with heritage library. read more

Irvine Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

This place has some really awesome books that you can get for a super cheap price. I love books and considering there's not many of these places in the Orange County area, I agree with a previous reviewer that you can find some serious hidden gems here. If you're into books, I'd consider checking this place out. Nice area to wander and who knows what you can find. PS- the Newport Beach library over by Avocado St. also has a similar library bookstore with some great selections as well. read more

Love this library. The staff is so nice and helpful, and the facility is super clean and well maintained. The children's book section is huge, and has everything from classics like Dr. Seuss to books featuring Pixar characters. There are always lots of families and kids there, the sense of community is wonderful. The other day an older boy even offered to read some books to my son, which he was thrilled about. Yay for libraries!!! read more

Irvine Public Library - Shhhh - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

This library reminds me of my school library 15+ years ago. It's very dated aesthetically, although I can't really speak for their catalog as I haven't delved into it much yet. It doesn't feel like a cosy quiet library that I'd enjoy spending time at, so I think I'll be using it mainly to drop in, pick something up and leave. I was horrified to find out they charge a 25 cent fee on holds. Yes, I realise the difference between the cost of buying a book vs. borrowing, but come on! By all means, charge late fees, but don't make me pay up front just because I know which book I want, and want to be the next person to check it out. I'm glad they have an online system (iBistro), but the search feature and navigation on iBistro really need some work. I'd also like to be able to see when books that are currently checked out (by other patrons) are due back. read more

I've been taking my son here for the Bouncing Babies session every Wednesday morning. The facilitator is really nice and good with kids. Keep up the good work! Thank you! read more

I like this library because although it can get a little noisy at the entrance of the library, near the back, there are many tables for those who do not like the noise. There, they can study in peace. Heritage park also has a large variety of books and has a fair sized collection of manga's. read more

I love this spot my children love it to my daughter subhiksha loves this spot.

Loud, crowded, and outdated! I actually complained to the Irvine mayor about this place and the response was that it was a county and not a city problem because they fund the libraries. I was told there MIGHT be a new library in the Great Park "at some point." There is no place to take refuge from the loud conversations and children since they don't even have a quite room. You're lucky to find a desk to sit at if you get there after noon, and forget it if you get there after the schools get out. Go take a look at the Newport Beach library by Fashion Island to see what a library should resemble. That city decided years ago to take matters in their own hands and separate from the county library system to fund their own. I now gladly drive the extra 25 minutes to go there. read more

This is my go-to library. The library needs an update, but I always feel cozy searching around for a book. I like that they have a new and hot section too. The ocpl.org website needs an update as well, but at least you can put books on hold, request transfers, and renew books online. It's nice to walk around the park afterwards too. read more

Great place to study. Super friendly staff. Beware of hot days: everyone and their cousin who doesn't have AC comes here.. with their kids.

I have to say that I was very surprised by how old and obsolete the Irvine libraries are. I am originally from the East Coast, even our worst libraries are better than these. The books are pretty old, the buildings are very old and not well maintained. It seems like you have stepped back in 1988. Given the strength of the Irvine school system, you would think the libraries would be newer and have much more to offer. The workers are really nice and helpful. read more

This library is close to my workplace. I stopped by during my lunch to check out two travel books and both books were in fantastic condition. read more

This is the first library I've set foot in in the last 5 years. When I go into Asian mode and want to save instead of spend, I go to the library. Recently I decided to borrow some books on travel. While this library is small, they have a pretty decent availability. It's nearly impossible to find parking on a weekend (who knew that people still went to libraries instead of bookstores to go and read books they will NOT buy?), so minus 1 star. BUT, I am adding the star back because of a recent incident. So, I dropped off my travel books on the counter and went on my merry way. That night, I get an e-mail from "Diana" from the library. It appears that an undisclosed amount of moola was left between a couple of the books. She said to come back to the library and claim it. Stupid me... I left a Benjamin (yes, good ol' Ben Franklin) in between two books to kind of flatten it out (I hate curled up bills). When I went to get the books off my counter, I just grabbed the stack of books, When I went to the library the next day, one of the supervisors came to sign off on my retrieval of the dough. She looked at me and said, "You don't look blonde!" I paused and said, "Well... I do have my moments." So, I am very grateful that Diana notified me of my missing cash. May good karma come right back at ya! It's good to know that there are still honest people out there, especially during these economic times. read more

One star for free wifi, one star for being a public library and one star for being next to an artificial lake. What can I say? It's in Irvine, one of my least favorite cities in California. Sigh. read more

It's a public library. The people there are very nice and helpful. It's clean and have plenty of seating. Zero complaints on my end.

RUDE ! I called in about a one day late over due fee that I got despite having renewed my materials and the lady on the phone was like, "is this your mother's card?" She went on to say, "Look hon, either you did it wrong or you didn't do it at all. Take it as a lesson for next time and make sure to check if it's renewed." UH HELLO. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO. I GET THE WINDOW THAT SAYS ITS RENEWED THAT'S THE END OF IT. NOT TO MENTION HOW DARE YOU EVEN SPEAK ABOUT MY AGE? How unprofessional. I mean I may be young, but 20 isn't THAT young that I wouldn't know how to deal with my own library account. Anyways, moral of the story is rude ass stuck up librarians, I feel like I would have been fine just going to UCI's libraries. read more

I am sad to write this but my experience with this library has been very unfortunate. When I stopped by this library to buy books for my two sons one of the workers there approached and ATTACKED me due to my ethnicity. The lady in the book sales department questioned my origins and when she found out that I was part Turkish she started to harass me on the Armenian Genocide. She spewed forth hatred words accusing me of murder. When I wasn't even born during the time period the supposed Armenian Genocide happened! I respect her opinions however it was neither the right place nor the right time to bring up a topic like this (especially with children present). I am greatly disappointed that some of our fellow citizens live with such deep animosity. read more

This library needs a face lift ASAP. I have lived in Irvine most of my life, and this library looks the same as it did 20 years ago. The restrooms don't get any attention throughout the day- no toilet paper and the doors get jammed. The Wi-Fi is incredibly slow, I had to leave and go to Starbucks to get some work done. I have recently explored other other county libraries and sad to say this library does not even begin to compare. read more

Although it's not as fancy as the Tustin Library, and not as quaint and charming as Katie Wheeler, the Heritage Park Library is fantastic if you have kids, is pretty quiet if you need to study/work, has quick service for check out/questions, and has a nice little second-hand bookshop. I've never had any issues with the service here, or with reserving or renewing things here online. It doesn't have a ton of seating and can get crowded, and it seems like most of the travel books have moved to Katie Wheeler, but overall it serves up a good library experience. read more

yikes, i did not expect a library in the city of irvine would be so old and dirty. we moved from LA, and looking back, the library by our old house was actually very nice. the selection at this library is also very sparse. my daughter couldn't really find anything to check out, so we go to the tustin library (which is a little better). i think we will probably just drive the extra 20 mins over to the newport library. read more

It's kind old in Irvine! Also less Chinese book compare with Cerritos's liberty.

After two attempts to create a library card, I am extremely disappointed in the horrendous service that I received at this library. The head librarian told me on my first visit to bring registration from my new home as the identification required to sign up. I returned today, she laughed, and informed me that this registration would not do. I asked why she had told me to bring the registration, and she shook her head and told me to "read instructions next time." Apparently, I needed to bring an envelope with a postmarked address. Why did she tell me explicitly to bring my registration? Not a clue. The assistant librarians watched in horror as the scene played out. The old woman was rude to the mother and children before me in line, and she shouted at the person behind me in line when they didn't have their library card immediately on hand. Service: F - TERRIBLE customer service Book Selection: B - Not terrible, not up-to-date & no modern reads Ambiance: C - Smells rank, disorganized and dirty I'll be looking for a less complacent, friendlier library to register with, despite the inconvenience. Don't waste your time here. read more

As a student at Irvine High, this library was directly half way between my home and my high school. Talk about convenient! I spent many a night there studying, doing research, etc to make sure I got into a good college. My BA from University of Washington thanks you! read more

They have a small book selection. Not the biggest fan of this library, also the librarians aren't very helpful. My first time there I told them I wasn't familiar with this library and they just wrote down the numbers and told me which section the books I was looking for were in. I had no clue where to start looking, especially since most of the books are lost, or in the wrong section. read more

The reviews weren't kidding about the noise level, but then again, I'm in and out of libraries once I find my books and DVDs. I came about 15 mins to closing and it was still happening! The library was pretty well laid out so I was able to find what I needed right away. The library did announce when it was about to close and for people to wrap up, but I didn't see anyone making moves to close up shop. There was no line for me when i was checking out too. Parking is a breeze. read more

This library is great on week day mornings when there aren't too many kids running around.

This used to be my favorite bookstore...great sales, etc. Until I started going to other Friends of the Library bookstore and found that most others alphabetize their shelves, what a help. I mentioned this to a volunteer and HP Bookstore said they have too many books come through to alphabetize.... read more