This is a small but beautiful library on the grounds of the Irvine Ranch Historical Park. The main level has books and DVD's upstairs is devoted to children's books. The place is small with only a few seats, however it is a place that everyone should visit. I'm sure everyone will find a book here that they want to read. This is a county library, but rumor is it will transfer to a city library shortly. I hope the transition goes smoothly and the city makes no changes. This is a wonderful place read more

Katie Wheeler Library - Outside - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

Transport yourself to a historic time. It may look small from the outside but it is quite spacious with 2 floors. Dark wood and warm homely feel that makes this library stand out. Lots of available parking. My friend and I dabbled in book folding Christmas trees (free event) in which they provided all the supplies. I really loved it; my friend didn't have my same enthusiasm. Katie Wheeler Library was built on a large property that has lush scenery. Ideal place to borrow a book and read at an outside picnic table. Take a stroll on the property to learn some City of Irvine history. According to the City of Irvine's website, the Katie Wheeler Library will be transitioned from a County facility to an Irvine Public Library in early 2026. It's located off Irvine Blvd. near the intersection of Jamboree and Irvine Blvd. read more

Katie Wheeler Library - Book Christmas folding session. - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

This is a wonderful little library within a historic home. Actually the original Irvine family home burned down and this exact replica was built and opened as a library in 2008. You can get a self-guided tour brochure from any librarian to learn about parts of the house, the many historic photographs on the walls, and who Katie Wheeler is. The library itself is small but nice, part of the OC Library system. The second floor of the library is completely devoted to children's books and the basement houses the "Friends of the Library" bookstore where you can purchase donated books for next to nothing. I bought a couple after browsing the well organized shelves. The grounds around the library are beautifully maintained with lots of gorgeous flowers. It's a great area to find a bench and read or just have a relaxing walk. I suppose you could even sit on the well-manicured lawn in the shade of a tree and practice ventriloquism if that's your thing...but please don't. read more

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I found a very rare book for my kid that I have been looking for for a while Staff is nice and easy going. read more

Katie Wheeler Library is a beautiful and quiet place. It's hidden behind a busy shopping center in Irvine. It's clean and has a whole second floor for children books. During Spring, the flowers outside are very beatiful. Friendly staff. Clean bathroom. Nice to have a picnic outside or just reading on the grass or little nature/mindfulness walk outside. You can check out "wifi" to take with you. However - waitlist is LONG in the hundreds! You can also can check out nice looking laptop but check out time limit is short so you would have to be at the library. read more

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Looking for a beautiful, cozy place to study? Come here! We came to this pretty, small, white house only to find out that it's a library! It's so small that there are only ~15 seats throughout the library. It was full when we went, so we opted to sit outside. It was still really beautiful, but if you want a seat inside, make sure to come early:') read more

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Probably the best small library in California; no, no, in the world! I guarantee you that if you go to Katie Wheeler's Public Library, you will appreciate everything about what America offers. The public library is in one of the most beautiful scenic places in the city of Irvine. The ground is kept as clean as any European museum, or Korean DukSoo Palace. The tall palm trees and orange trees surrounding the handsome white buildings make it the most majestic library in the country. The numbers of free services include free copy, free check out, free DVD and CDs. The staffs are incredibly nice and helpful. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to call this place one of my city's many wonderful free offerings and I get to enjoy it every day! God Bless America and the public libraries, specially Katie Wheeler's. read more

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I ended up here nearly on accident and was happy I did. It's so strangley cozy given its proximity to endless shopping centers. Come here for books, stay for the cute ghostly vibes. You can learn a little history about the area and then walk through a flower garden. read more

This library is wonderful. It is a beautiful historic preserve. It's a perfect spot to settle down for a little picnic or just sit amongst roses and trees in the grass for a bit. The inside is fairly small, but there is a shared quiet room if you prefer to study or work in an enclosed environment. There is a good selection of books and it is always nice and cool here. This place is gorgeous and I hope it never closes. It is right by the tustin marketplace and a Target if you need a break for food or shopping. But if you feel easily cramped in small spaces, this may not be the library for you. Because of its size, it can get crowded easily. read more

Quaint library surrounded by a busy shopping area. It was our first visit to an Irvine library. We completed our online application for a library card and pick up at this location was a breeze. The staff was very friendly. We explored the children's section and took out a couple books. There is self service or assistance available. I noticed laptops and study room were available for use. Very please to have this library in our area. read more

Mixed reviews about this place. I really liked that it is in a historic home and the library honors it with posting about the history ad well as some artifacts. As far as a library goes it was not my favorite. It's very open concept but very crowded with furniture and books. When I arrived there were a number of kids there and with the limited space available you couldn't escape the noise of them which was a bummer as someone who came to work and read. I recommend visiting but only staying if you have kids, as that's what they seem to cater to. read more

Great place! Lots of stuff for kids to do. Beautiful property. I usually take my kids and spend about an hour, then come back 3 weeks later and donut all over again read more

I love the toddler story time they had here before covid happened. It was such great exposure for my only child to interact with other kids, socialize, and be in a teacher/student scenario. They read awesome stories, sing fun songs, and even have crafts afterwards. All for free! I love seeing my tax dollars go to good use. I hope covid ends soon so they can start the toddler story time back up. I also love that they preserved this historic landmark and repurposed it into a library, such beautiful architecture. read more

The Katie Wheeler Library is by far my favorite library in Orange County! While other public libraries boast an extensive database-esque array of books, Katie Wheeler brings it home. The library is a renovated two-story home! Inside you'll fine a comforable vintage decor, plush chairs, and an overall cozy atmosphere to really dive into a good book or a productive study session. The staff here is beyond helpful. And whatever book you may not readily find, the Library is part of the OC Public Libraries so you can reserve and pick up a book transferred from another library online. Although it's a smaller library, I highly recommend for those who want a comfortable and cozy vibe while reading and getting work done. read more

What a beautiful building. Love the architecture and the park to walk around. It was our first time here and the staff were so kind and helpful. We found our new library. read more

The best library to go with the kids! Second floor is only kid's section. Very quiet and comfy to read for one hour with your kids without distractions. read more

My kids and I love this library. It's close to our home, so it's convenient the staff is super friendly

This library is so quaint and cozy, it was restored from being a home into a small library. Personal touches like a fireplace, portraits and they had a tree up while we were there in the month of December. The staff here is awesome. They are very welcoming and helpful in regards to all your questions. You can find them as soon as you come in to your left. On this floor you will see computer tables, checkout desk and they also have DVDs on this floor. Upstairs they have the children's section, which mostly the times I have gone it has been - well, full of kids. So don't expect this area to be quiet. On this floor you can also find a "quiet room." So funny that it's on the same floor as the children's books but once you go inside and shut the door it is marvelous! Overall it is a pretty small library but it's personal touch and great staff keep you coming back every time. There is always a good book to read, no matter how big or small the place is. read more

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Really nice place to go with kids, is super relaxing and calm. Recommended if you are an avid reader. read more

Katie Wheeler Library - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

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Small, quaint library, usually not crowded. One self checkout station, though I've never had to wait to checkout with the librarian. Plentiful parking too. And the adjacent "park" has some nice outdoor reading spots, if you're so inclined. But because this branch is small, they don't have the best selection. But it's a nice place to borrow some kids books if you're not looking for a particular book. If you're looking for something in particular, check the website first. You'll likely have to go elsewhere. The website is awesome, btw. Renew your books online, pay your fines online, etc. You also get emailed reminders before your books are due. Place a hold on a book, or have it transferred to your nearest library! Find out the next story time event for your family too! Book drop is at the end of the lot. read more

There is a parking lot in front of the library during their open hours (but gates are locked when they're closed). This library rocks if you know what you want and have checked online to confirm it's there and are ready to go get it. I would recommend checking before you come because it's a decent sized library, but not the best for just browsing and looking for a new read. The way it's set up doesn't seem the most intuitive to me. I don't expect a ton from the local library, but overall it feels a little bit dated and low-tech. I wouldn't spend my whole afternoon here, but does the trick if you know they have your book! read more

A historic building and beautiful gardens under the California sunshine in Irvine. Great location!

We came here hoping to see some of the original architecture on the inside of the building as the other nearby historic buildings are closed. Alas it appears the inside has undergone modernization which makes sense insofar as it being a functional library but nevertheless disappointing to an architecture junkie hoping to see some beautiful woodwork inside. Looks like I must have been a quite lovely home back in the day. read more

Katie Wheeler Library - Front entrance to library - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

Cute, little library. I like that the Library celebrates its family's history and the community's history. I also like that it's not some structure building stacked like ice cube trays with cubicles of computers; instead it's the house that always stood there, surrounded by beautiful trees, fountains, etc. To add, the inside is decorated with photographs and descriptions surrounding its history. From inside and out, there is antique like quaintness. I find it neat, being that quaint still exists in the middle of something as big in Southern California. Where will you find me here? The Friends of the Library book store. It's medium in size; I've seen bigger, but I've definitely seen smaller. They have a pretty good selection of children, adolescent,and teen books; those of you high schoolers attempting to better your lives via studying for your AP exams, Subject tests, etc, check here for a Barron's or the equivalent. Not used. $2. Can't beat that. Lastly, this library is quieter than most of the surrounding Libraries...perhaps because of its size? So if your find yourself cursing the heavens because of the racket at your current library- try this one out. read more

Nice location but smaller than Tustin main library. Staff is friendly, professional and courteous. It can get crowded on the weekends but not to the point where it's unbearable. They host classes on the weekdays (my son takes a free speed cubing class there taught by local high school kids who are volunteering their time) and have a nice Friends book store downstairs. They also have lots of other programs/classes so check often-- given how small the library is I'm impressed with the available classes, programs, and services. read more

What a lovely building. I was quite surprised at how small the library actually was. They have an upstairs kid area, which is great, but there are stairs right by the check out desk, and if you have a toddler who likes to run about, it gets a bit scary. I was worried she might take a tumble down the stairs. It's hard to keep an eye/hand on your kid when you've got a armful of books and you're trying to fish your library card out of your purse. The staff were friendly and helpful, but when I enquired about the toddler storytime I felt like the lady was trying to put me off - she told me it got busy (I'd expect that anyway), but she repeated it a couple of times, like I shouldn't bother coming. read more

Katie Wheeler Library - Animal adventure summer event - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

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We love Katie Wheeler Library! I was surprised to find it in Yelp because I think of this neighborhood library as MY own home-library! It's such a treat to enjoy the rose garden and borrow books in our own backyard (we live within one mile so we walk here). My grandchildren love everything about the library, one day as we entered, my 3 year old granddaughter took a deep breath and said, "ahhh, I love the smell here!" That reminded me of when Oprah said she loves the smell of books, and I hope someday my granddaughter grows up to be like Oprah. I appreciate the lovely helpful librarians and I like the convenience of going online and putting a book on "hold" then picking it up here. I can't say enough good things about this library so I'll just post all the photos of us enjoying it! read more

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This library is very unique! It's only a two story building, but it has a wide selection of books. They have books in languages other than English too, which made me so excited because I got to read physical Persian books after many years. This library is part of the OCLibrary system, which means if any other OCLibrary branch has the book you want, you can place a hold and pick it up in this location! Outside the building, they have fruit trees and beautiful flowers. The staff is very friendly and they always try to help. They also have a bookstore downstairs where you can find used books for $1 or so. Remember to have cash on you if you plan on buying books! read more

Katie Wheeler Library - Beautiful flowers right outside the building - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

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I'm an avid reader and go to the library often. This location is walking distance to me and has beautiful grounds. They have a used book store in the basement with a great selection. I just want to warn parents about the "Manga" section. In this particular library the manga is located on the 2nd floor children's section. My 13 year old daughter is in to anime and started picking up Manga books a few months ago. I've recently looked through the books and am disgusted with the content. Creepy dark "adult" story lines about murder, hate and revenge. This is not literature. This is garbage. I've attached photos of a scantily clad character doing who knows what. Mind you this is in the children's section. This should not be in the library at all. OCPL- please remove these books! read more

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This review is just for the Pokemon go play at the Katie Wheeler Library in Irvine. Located at the corner of Jamboree and Irvine Blvd (Across from Target) the Library site features 6 poke stops in a fairly compact area. It is easy to walk the site and there are also some fun things to explore while you spin poke stops and catch Pokemon. There is a agricultural museum, and a pleasant garden as well as the library itself. There is no Pokemon go gym on the site but there is one, and three poke stops, right next door at the St Thomas Church. There is also ample parking. read more

Katie Wheeler Library - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

Since I don't work here anymore, I can now write a yelp review for the Wheeler library! Just to clarify, the library's restrooms are inside near the elevator. The restrooms outside are maintained by the park, and no, we don't have the key. Also the grounds surrounding the library - the lawn, gazebo, and rose gardens - are also maintained by OC Parks, whom you should contact if you are interested in having a wedding or party there. This is a small library, with just over eleven thousand square feet amongst the three levels. The main level is adult services, a reference desk, computer stations, tables, and the check-out desk. One of the better spots to study is the little table in the local history nook. The tables in the back reading room (alongside the magazine racks) often get crowded with four or five people to a table. Also in the back, facing the double doors, is the media section. A small selection of DVDs, music CDs, and audiobooks are available for browsing. There are chairs and small tables scattered around the perimeter of the non-fiction section. Upstairs is the children's section, which can get pretty noisy. There is, ironically, a quiet study room on this floor, which is first come first serve. I have often seen people spend the entire day in there, working on their laptops and studying. The children's librarians regularly offer storytimes, most of which are held by the hearth. Teen volunteers are often decorating, creating new themes for the different areas. Downstairs in the basement are the staff offices, as well as the Friends of the Library bookstore, which is open seven days a week, usually between the hours of noon and four PM, often earlier and later. They are often recruiting for new volunteers, so talk to one of the ladies there if you are interested. This was a great place to work -- I loved being a part of the library since its opening in 2008. Despite its size and resource limitations, it is a charming and friendly little place. Several patrons are regulars here, and I always enjoyed seeing familiar faces and chatting with them. Edit: The map's been updated! read more

Housed in a recreation of the old Irvine family ranch, architecturally Katie Wheeler is like no other library I've ever seen. Despite being two stories, it's not a huge facility but has everything you'd ever need: - Children's books upstairs - Adult books downstairs - Secondhand bookshop in the basement - Book drop-off bins in the parking lot so you don't even need to leave your car Since the OC Public Libraries allow you to put books on hold for free regardless of where the book is physically housed you can search online, select Katie Wheeler as your pickup location, and then just head there when your book comes in. Voila! No need to worry about the fact that your local branch doesn't have the selection you want or that all the good books are checked out. read more

I have my own personal library so what am I doing in a public library? Borrowing books to add to my library later? Nope. Our marathon team met here for an informational meeting and while I was outside, inside and all over the building directing traffic and answering questions I had a chance to check out this library. If I were still checking out books, I'd be here everyday. It's a small quaint library but it's shaped like a house. Actually, I think it is a house transformed into a library. It's 3 stories with a basement (the basement is where you can buy discontinued books for 25 cents). The upper two stories are spaciously laid out with all types of books, study rooms, private desks, and everything you could possibly need to hang out in a library. The staff is friendly and helpful and there's a beautiful garden outside you can walk around in. Most OC weddings are held here. If I feel in a library kind of mood, I might come back and hang out. Heck, I might get a library card just to check this out further and buy some of those books in the basement to add to my collection. read more

I like it here. However, a library must be a quiet area to read, work, or work on a school project. That is not the situation here; beginning with the people who work here, they are constantly conversing loudly on the phone, to each other, or in general communication. I sincerely hope that the individuals in charge consider making this lovely spot considerably quieter. read more

Is it mandatory to be rude af to work here? Must be! Every time I interact with an employee of Katie Wheeler Library it's always the worst. I was using one of the upstairs computers and an older lady with white hair comes up to me and another girl using the computer next to me and says "it's 2 PM you need to start closing you browsers, these computers are for teens." She then proceeds to slap the sign that says by 2 PM computers are for kids and teens. It was only 1:55 PM. She could've nicely said it instead of slapping the sign. What I got from her slapping the sign was her basically saying "can't you read?" If you avoid interacting with the rude people who work here you'll have a nice time. read more

Such a beautiful library but... I was visiting sothern from san Francisco with my mom and I had a meeting in morning so I left my mom in beautiful library and go to meeting. I think bilingual employee supposed to help their own people who have a difficulty with English. My mom was asking the front desk lady Marry and she responded in English. She went to Panera bread wait for me.Its terrible that she doesn't want to speak her own language when she got hired as a bilingual. read more

Love the upstairs area for kids! Full of great books and activities, and they even give crayons and coloring sheets if you ask. My two year old absolutely loves it. read more

I love taking family photos at this location. It's not crowded with people. So many cute spots for photos.

I'm giving it four stars because whenever I come here, there's always men dominating the tables in the adult section downstairs and being a single young female, I'm extremely uncomfortable in that setting, but it's not too bad, they let me in the children's section to work or the study rooms upstairs. Maybe they think I'm a child though, haha! The staff is friendly and very helpful, and the library is ALWAYS clean and organized, nix some children's books upstairs from time to time, but what do you expect from children? XD I always recommend this library to any local friends. Anyways I'd recommend them to make a woman's only section opposite the men's tables. Or more study rooms :) read more

Katie Wheeler Library - This is the quite study room at the Katie wheeler library, on a Thursday afternoon. It's definitely quite because no one is in here! Ha! - Libraries Near Me - Irvine, California

Beautiful restored building. Beautiful landscaping. A great place to relax and take children to read. Typical hard to work with volunteers and county staff. After lugging 2 bankers boxes of books to donate up the handicapped ramp down the elevator I was sent home as the books didn't match their bookstore's criteria. Suggestion: Please let us know via a clearer phone message so we don't waste our time. read more