I was confused at first when my GPS took me to Ladera Ranch Middle School but quickly realized this branch of the OC Library is part of the school and you park in the school parking lot. Once you enter the building you must go upstairs (or take an elevator) to get to the library (otherwise you end up inside the school). This library is one of the smaller branches I've been to and the layout was initially a bit confusing to me. But I soon found the adult non-fiction section and located the specific book I was after. I didn't spot any self-checkout stations so went to the front desk where a pleasant gentleman took care of things and sent me on my way. I'm rarely in this area so doubtful I'll be back and instead will take care of the book's return via the OC Library's sytem where one can return a book to any branch and it will be transported to the correct location. read more

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The library is in between the middle school and the elementary school. You have to go up the steps to get into the room with the large stairs leading up to the library. Once you're through the first doors to get into the library, there's a US flag drop off box for tattered flags to be disposed of. There's a voter ballot drop off box next to the library. There's plenty of parking in the lot on a weekend morning. I walked in here looking lost and the librarian at the circulation desk immediately clocked it. She helped me find the self print area. The cost to print is 0.15 per page. Printing was quick. I forgot my PIN for my library card but I was able to update it quickly so I could add funds to pay for the label I was printing. The stairs had some rubbish probably from the students who come through here. The library is a little small but I didn't spend too much time to get to peruse all their selections. read more

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NOTE: The library is attached to the Ladera Ranch Middle School. Do not be surprised when you pull up when you see the school; you are in the right place. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ladera-ranch-library-ladera-ranch?select=hCjHPbAoDxrILqeAbruIlQ The value to have access to a library; priceless. One of my fondest memories is going to the Hayward public library in the SF Bay area. I would often go with with my mom and sister; don't remember if my brother was with us very much. The ability to go somewhere, check out a book, and take it home for FREE; amazing! Nowadays, you can check out movies, audiobooks, surf the internet, read the daily paper, even check out a laptop. Libraries have come a long way. (However, I do not know if they allow you to take the laptop home.) Some pretty, crazy, cool stuff!... 'And all at no charge! Well, if you return the item late, there is a small, minimal fee but that doesn't really count. I came here in search of a book, "The Four Agreements, "required reading. Why did I come to Ladera Public library? The area is relatively new and wanted to check it out. I wanted to see what the library was like. If you've ever been to the Mission Viejo Library, I was thinking along those lines... 'But it is not. It's a smaller, quaint library. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ladera-ranch-library-ladera-ranch?select=cizrpI2g_8rdJlNuvgbzvg Personally, think it's a great idea! However, I could see it being problematic during school hours with people wanting to go to the library creating a parking spectacle. Most notably during pick up/drop off time for the kiddos. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ladera-ranch-library-ladera-ranch?select=gUKtYnTi67-CWISONDTK-w So, something about the Orange County public library system, you can apply for the library card online and get a temporary one for 30 days. Within 48 hours you should be contacted by the library you chose to pick up your card, when it's ready. I chose Ladera and within a couple of hours, I was notified my card was ready. Cool. So, that was easy. Went in, gentleman at the desk help me get started, issued my card in and within 30 minutes I was out the door. Took a quick tour around, nice local library. In my opinion, the Mission Viejo library is the pinnacle of libraries in the surrounding area; not part of the OC public library system. Another library that comes to mind as being epic is the Newport Public library near fashion island. That buggah is huge! Yesterday, I revisited the Ladera ranch library to return "The Four Agreements." I continued decided to stroll the library again, in case Imissed anything on my last visit... 'And I did. Lo and behold, there is another section, towards the rear of the library; it leads downstairs to another area. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ladera-ranch-library-ladera-ranch?select=G9c2Z64ZLpReprl_Asccbg I believe it's mostly children's books; it's a large, open spacious area with sofas and tables to work on. One of the librarians told me that this area is only accessible after 3 PM. Since the library is attached to an elementary school; this area is used for school functions when school is in session. So far, everyone I've interacted with since I've visited has been courteous and professional. Again, if you visit the library during school hours, parking can be a bear. The librarian told me that a couple of the best options are across the street at the middle school, and/or on the street. (Good to know!) Big Aloha! Food: n/a Ambiance: 4 Service: 5 Value: 5 (Priceless) read more

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So - the hours at this library are a little peculiar. They're closed on Fridays (and Sundays). I wonder why they're closed on Friday? They operate what I call business hours -- 9 - 6. If you work a traditional job, it's a little tricky to get here. Maybe they cater more to families with kids in school? That aside, they do have a decent selection of adult fiction and non-fiction books.. and also a rack of new books. I choose to visit this location because it's easier to get to than El Toro (traffic galore) and it's not as far as Rancho Santa Margarita. (Note: I do also visit the Mission Viejo location, but it's not a part of the OCPL system.) Nice, community-like library with decent parking and book drop in the parking lot. 2019: 37/100 read more

Nicest librarians I've ever met in my life! Everyone there is exceptionally nice!! They are way nicer than the check out workers at mission Viejo library. Great selection of books read more

This library is located on an elementary school campus, so when I first came here I thought my GPS had misguided me. It is a little smaller than some of the other local libraries in south Orange County but it has tons of family/kids story times and activities on all different days and times. I brought my kids to the preschool story time and my 2 year old had a great time. The librarian kept all the kids engaged with reading, singing, and playing. It's a no frills library but it's very family and kid oriented. read more

This library is a small one, true. However, their programs are expanding and the librarians are super caring, approachable, and one of a kind. I've lived in Ladera Ranch for 12 years now and have been to libraries all over Orange County. I've got two favorite libraries and LR is one of them. Recently they had a paint night event and a DIY Herb Garden event that a friend of mine went to. It looked amazing, and these programs offered were FREE to the public, although spaces were limited. I really enjoy using the Quiet Room. It's quite large and can hold a good amount of people for study sessions. My daughter volunteers there, too, and absolutely adores the teen program librarians Miss Rebecca, Travis, and Olivia. The children's librarian, Miss Rebecca, is a definite treasure, and we are absolutely, extremely fortunate as a community to have her at our branch. We have been to the Laguna Beach library years ago for the children's summer reading program when Miss Rebecca used to work there. We loved the way she conducted and ran the program. The party was a blast; I'll never forget it. When Miss Rebecca transferred to Ladera Ranch, we were ecstatic! We don't have to travel to Laguna Beach to experience the quality this children's librarian brings to our community every day the library is open. Jaimie is also amazing! Her energy is brilliant and keeps the kids excited and motivated during the Crazy 8's program. I could go on and on, but I think you get my point. Yes, the library is small, but I like how it's part of the OCPL and I can easily request for books to be delivered to this branch to be placed on hold for me. Restrooms are clean and there's a water fountain there, too, which is a lifesaver because libraries makes my kids thirsty for some reason! Downstairs is closed to the public while school is in session, but there's a good selection of books on the 2nd floor to keep you busy until then. Come in, give it a try. RSVP for one of the programs. Experience the library and take advantage of the knowledge and helpfulness of the librarians. I hope you discover the wonders of this place that I have come to love over the years. read more

Certainly a much smaller library than other OCPL's but the surrounding area is quite a tight and small neighborhood as well. They only have one self check out station, but many computers and tips on how to maxamize your time on the computer. (certainly a plus!) In correlation to the size of the library, the book selection is modest as well, but I'm sure you can find a book you like! Getting to this library is quite a trick. I got here from O'Neill from Crown Valley, venturing through quite a number of round abouts. But what's even trickier is the fact that the parking lot is to the right of the main entrance. There is a staff only entrance and then a front entrance for the library which is only up stairs. I believe they share a parking lot and building with the elementary school. Anywho, once you enter the library, it is quite clean (as opposed to the older, dustier, allergy-laden libraries) read more

Relatively new library in relatively new south OC neighborhood. Tricky to find as it is between a elementary and middle school. And it's located in the same building as the school office. Lots of computers and relatively new. Community programs hosted here including a Mommy and Me class which is nice but distracting when you are trying to concentrate on what you are reading. "When we get together its better, its better..." whoa! No I'm doing it. If this song wakes me up tonight I'll come back and edit this review to one star. read more

I gotta thank Travis. He is such a wonderful person. He is very helpful. I went to scan some documents and Travis helped me with everything. He is such a nice person. Wish you all the best Travis and thanks for your help read more

My daughter loves story time by Ms. Rebecca, and eagerly looks forward to it... There is crafts, dancing, music, etc every week, and is a lot of fun.. All the librarians are friendly and helpful. The collection of books they have is pretty good... read more

Mushi is absolutely WRONG!!! Shame on you. Her post infuriates me about Rebecca whom she calls "the new tall old lady" Who is the prejudiced one here? It surely is not Rebecca. My daughter grew up with Rebecca when she was the Children's Librarian in Laguna Beach. She was a treasured staple in our community and beautiful role model for our children for years. We absolutely loved her. I am so angered reading Mushi's post and it should be removed since it hurtful and without fact! Rebecca is a fabulous Librarian and human being who loves ALL children. She has a heart of gold. Take a long look in the mirror Mushi. read more