We would frequent Mission Viejo Library before COVID. Gosh, I miss those days of lounging in one of the library's comfortable chair or couch reading a book or connecting to their WiFi to browse the internet. Not too much has changed. They have self checkout stations but I'm old school and like to engage with the staff upon checkout. The computers truly need some deep cleaning. The copier alcove has a change machine, a bench, and table; located to the right of the checkout counter, just yards down the hall. Most heartening, a bin is dedicated to worn American flags (located to the right of the fireplace room). Other donation containers may sometimes include Marine donations and gently used purses. This library proudly displays local artists' artwork and changes it up from local schools. Most of the library books are in great shape and you can sometimes find multiple copies. Restrooms are located to the right immediately upon entering the library's automatic sliding glass doors; there are also restrooms near the adult non-fiction area. A little concerned that the parking lot is not clearly lit upon your exit of the library, if leaving after sunset. read more

Mission Viejo Library - They have an exhibit right now. Don't know how long it'll be on display. - Libraries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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The library is huge, it has so many tables and comfortable seats all over. I appreciate the little rooms available to use for study groups. I saw so many people studying and reading, I felt inspired to enjoy a good book. They have a genealogy section which has so much interesting information to explore! I got lost in their Civil War books too. I love the local artwork from high school and elementary students. An awesome way to showcase the creativity of students in the community. They have clean bathrooms and friendly staff. I'd come back. read more

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So much books. I don't know how they made the ceiling, it's so much wood. Like it's all lined up idk how they got it all up there tho read more

This library is so charming to me. With ample and comfortable seating along with views of the outdoors, one could really spend hours here studying, immersed in a good read, or just relaxing alongside a window. You won't ever have to worry about finding space here. It's huge! They have a wide array of books to choose from and the librarians are always so helpful. They also have study rooms available to reserve for more privacy. If you have smaller kids/toddlers and babies, the kids area is super cute with smaller seats and a nice play area with toys, blocks, and stuffed animals. It's a charming little play area. The restrooms are always clean as well. They also provide a water refill station - the nice kind. Parking can be a little challenging at times if there are lots of visitors that day, but this library is definitely the best one in south OC. read more

This has been the worst experience at any library in my life. There have been various people next to me using video on there phones loudly for two hours and not once did a librarian come tell them to use their headphones. read more

Mission Viejo Library - Not a good experience - Libraries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I absolutely love this library and the location they have plenty of parking... they have the most friendly staff. Always there to greet you with a smile. I have been coming to this library for 15 years and I love it. Last night we were able to do a book signing with a dear friend . Right across the way in the same parking lot is the city of Mission in Viejo. You can hold conferences and lectures, as well as book signings . It is extremely spacious and clean with very accommodating staff to show you where to go. I highly recommend you pop in for a good read ... read more

Mission Viejo Library - Libraries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I'm a student who goes here a lot to study because this is one of the "nice" libraries that aren't unreasonably far from where I live (I'm from Lake Forest). It is a spacious library with lots of tables and desks to read or study at. If you're also a student, I would recommend showing up in the first hour and a half after opening because the tables and desks get occupied fairly quick since this is a very popular library. Although I don't check out books here, there is a large selection of books and I imagine finding what you're looking for would be fairly easy. The interior of the library is very nice as well, very modern with big windows to look out, especially nice at night during the holidays as there are lots of beautiful lights that can be seen just outside. As far as parking goes, if you don't show up in the first hour or two, don't expect to find a spot right outside of the library. I've gone here about three times a week for about a year, and for the majority of the time that I show up in the middle of the day I have to park in the large lot next to the library, which is fair enough because the lot outside the library is pretty small, and there's a police station directly across the lot where some police cars are stationed. Even if parking can be a challenge, it's almost always guaranteed you'll find a spot in the large lot next to the library, only a short walking distance away. While this library is beautiful and convenient, being located at the center of Mission Viejo off Marguerite, there are a few flaws worth mentioning. The library occassionally holds events, which make the library a bit more busy, and also extremely noisy. I'd recommend bringing noise-cancelling earbuds if you want to read or study without distraction. The library has rooms that you can rent if you want a guaranteed "quiet" place, however when the rooms were built they must have forgot the "quiet" part. There isn't much soundproofing, I've tried it once and there wasn't really any benefit of doing that instead of just getting to the library early and set up at one of the tables. The windows don't help the library be quiet from the outside either since it's located on a main road, and when there's the sound from a siren from a fire truck or an ambulance passing by, it is LOUD. Everyone turns their heads to watch, and I don't know if MV has a high crime rate, but that happens a LOT. Probably twice in a 4-hour period of being there on average. Overall, if you live in the Southern Orange County area, this is one of the best libraries to check out books or study at, easily better than the other two libraries that are close by to me (Foothill Ranch and RSM libraries), but it doesn't come without a couple flaws from the experience inside of the library and out. 4 out of 5 stars for me. read more

Mission Viejo Library - Inside the library - Libraries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

This library is amazing. Thankful for so many areas to sit and read, and many tables to work. There are multiple bathrooms which is a plus. Also appreciate them being open later into the evening. They also have a great selection of diverse authors and books. read more

We're a huge fan of our local library. Such a beautiful space with ceiling length windows, lots of study tables scattered throughout, along with lounge chairs and private study rooms. The place is immaculate and well-cared for. For the kids, there's a good-sized wing with children's books with smaller play nooks equipped with toys and building blocks. They offer a children's reading program and story time, which is held in a small theater area. We also used their passport services. It was super easy to set up an appointment online. Very convenient. read more

This is such a large and beautiful library. You need to go check it out. So many comfortable chairs to sit in or desk arrangements. And a fireplace. read more

Loved this library! Very spacious, clean, and a large collection of books to choose from! Especially loved their friends of the library, cheap prices and a lot of popular books, new and old read more

Large, clean library with helpful staff. It is easy enough to navigate and parking is easy too.

They're against freedom of Speech. Tried to Register voters out front, asked to leave. Working on any initiative that doesn't conform to their liking , be prepared for badgering, including threats of calling the police across the street. Not really like most Libraries behave ? read more

I love this library! They have a great children's section and the staff are very helpful.

This library is awesome and MOST (note this) of the employees are so great. Super quiet place even when it's busy. It's awesome that you can book rooms too! Super pretty as well. The only thing that really threw me off was this one rude (potentially) manager. Was studying on a Friday (they close at 5) and the announcement that they were closed went so a couple other people and I sitting down packed up to leave. As we are literally about to walk out this older gentleman who I assume was the manager raises his voice at us (not yelling but SUPER condescending) telling us that "It's 5 PM and you guys NEED TO LEAVE NOW." Keep in mind we are literally about to walk out bags packed. But me and the other people standing with our bags look at each other like... "Why the hell is this guy being so rude?" So one guy tells the manager "Yeah we know man we're heading out right now. It just turned 5" and the manager goes (still SUPER condescending) "I have employees waiting to go to their weekend being held up. Leave now" and the other dude goes "Yeah we're literally leaving, it just turned 5" and the manager goes "Now it's 5:01, I need you to leave" and the guy, walking out, looks at his watch and says "It's literally still 5 PM." Honestly it's a hilarious interaction but this managers behavior threw me off because who talks to grown adults and fellow members of the community like they're 5 year olds. Not a good look. Also, the announcement doesn't say to leave by 5. It just says they close at 5. Everyone was out by 5:02 latest. I appreciate the guy looking out for his employees but learn how to address people nicer. A simple "Hey guys, the library is now closed I would really appreciate it if you start heading out now" would've sufficed. read more

Clean and quiet. Well-kept furniture and lots of study spaces. The quiet study room was very helpful!

Amazing place for book club and to volunteer. Staffs are helpful and very knowledgeable. read more

Mission Viejo Library - Front of the library - Libraries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

One of the nicer libraires in the OC area. Spacious, clean and lots of study tables. I really like the row of tables that line the floor to ceiling windows, problem is, so does everyone else ha. I get here almost always 5-10min before they open and there is ALWAYS already a group of people congregated outside waiting for the doors to open. Guess that's enough to tell you there really isn't a better library around! Its very quiet too especially compared to some other places...looking at you Dana Point Child Care...I mean library. Major complaint is the incessant knocking on the upper window in the quiet area ALL DAY LONG, EVERY DAY from this freakin bird outside. No I'm not joking, I wish I was, I hate it. I know this isn't really the libraries fault but it is ridiculously loud and annoying and it has had to been going on for a while because they have a faux owl placed right next the window to no avail. It goes on from the time the library opens until nightfall with almost no stopping. Maybe install a screen or some spike strips on the window or hell, even cover the window completely? Its never used anyway and the shades are always drawn. I don't know, there has to be a solution because I know it annoys and frustrates a ton of people here. read more

Mission Viejo Library - My #1 enemy - Libraries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

This is such a nice library, from the computer lab to the quiet areas in the bookstore, to the park that's literally across The parking lot. I've had books that I needed to return, and I just called up and said I'll be late on them and they were so nice. An extended the time, Even have like a bookstore friends of the library. read more

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Our daughter has been joining the Storytime since she was 9 months old. The play area, both indoor and outdoor, is perfect for the little ones. In addition, both restrooms have changing facilities for diapers. Every day, you have access to coloring pages and crayons to keep your little ones engaged. For an added incentive, enroll your child in the reading program which challenges them to read 1,000 books before they start kindergarten, and as a reward, they receive a gift. read more

Mission Viejo Library - Statue of a boy reading under the oak tree - Libraries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

This library is so nice! Lots of parking outside. Clean and new on the inside. Friendly staff. Lots of space to study and private rooms for check out. There's even a genealogy section here. You can also recycle flags here. Go check out this library! read more

Maybe I haven't been to a public library in a while, but this place is insanely nice! The perfect place for studying, getting some work done or simply lounging out with a good book. There are plenty of tables for working and all of them are fully loaded with multiple outlets for charging up those electronics. Every corner here is equipped with a cozy chair and stellar views of the shopping center across the street. ;) What I really love here is that the kids book area is very far from the rest of the library and the difference in noise level is very noticeable. There's also space in the middle of library that looks and feels like a cabin in the woods. This cozy area is first come, first served. One huge plus is the police sub station in the adjoining building. This really keeps out the sketchy folks that tend to hang around a public place like this. Need to get some work done? Grab a coffee from It's a Grind coffee shop, across the street, and hammer it out! read more

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I love this library for myself and my child! I've gone to several libraries and this is the best children's library in South OC. I love their playroom for the kids and the easy to grab books for my son to grab and "read" on his own and I don't feel like I'm creating havoc with an almost 2year old. I also think that they have the best toddler storytime in the area, and it's Mon-Thurs and has two times each day, so I can make it work around our schedule, rather than trying to make it to the one near us that's only one day and one time. It's so interactive and the parents actually participate so my son enjoys it even more. On some of my work days, I've also come and done work in the "fireplace room" which has fires going during the colder months! There's also a "talking" and "non-talking" section of the library in case I have to make a quick workcall. My only complaint is trying to figure out how to rent a conference room, I spent hours on their website trying to do it at home, but the librarian gave me the link, so posting it here so others can have it too: https://missionviejo.perfectmind.com/ read more

The Mission Viejo Library is a beautiful modern library. The staff is friendly and helpful. Special programs are offered. The campus grounds are beautifully landscaped and include a spectacular rose garden. There is a wonderful used bookstore located in the library. All proceeds benefit the library. read more

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This library is rather large, spacious, rich, and beautiful inside and out. They have a large selection of books, audiobooks, and dvd's. They also have a small amount of video games for xbox and playstation. They have private study rooms you can reserve. They have a kids area for reading, crafts (paper and crayons), and events. It is a really great place to take your kid(s). They are several areas dedicated to history of Mission Viejo. Their study tables come with charging ports for smart phones and laptops. The place is clean, neat, quiet, and comfortable. Most of the people there look like students, seniors, and parents with their kids (in the kids section). The staff is competent and friendly. You have to fill out a city library card to check things out but they don't charge you for it. The form you fill out is mostly a legal acknowledgment about late fees and such. They have free wifi and computers, although I always bring my own laptop so I have not tried them. The place is on special occasions an event place for special functions like their miniature version of a comic book/movie cosplay convention. Of course, the selection and quantity of books here is huge. They also have a place inside they do work for passports. I keep coming back here for its roominess and quiet work environment. If you have not been here I highly recommend it. read more

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Our library in MV is truly state of the art. Amazing, large building. I read mostly non fiction and they always have a great selection of books on any subject that piques my interest. If you wish to read your material in the library, they have plenty of comfortable chairs located near the window. Study rooms are available to rent out for three hours at a time. You have to reserve them on the web site. They have a number of computers available but many of them will be occupied by students in the evenings. The only issue that can be frustrating is the parking situation during the day. People from all over South OC come to our library and as a result, most of the time you have to park in the back and walk a fairly long way to get to the entrance. I suggest coming in the mornings or evenings if you want to park closer to the front. I do believe the library should be limited to MV residents because of this. read more

One of my favorite places. The ambiance here truly is great, and as someone who can't get stuff done at home, this place has been a sanctuary for me. I have noticed some more younger and louder crowds coming in however, and I wish this library had a better way of enforcing the Quiet Zone tables. There are literally signs on the tables you're sitting at that says to be quiet but sometimes people are rude and don't care. You know who you are. Once or twice talking is fine but the entire time you're here? Come on... have some awareness and consideration for the other folks here. There are other tables that aren't marked Quiet Zone, and even tables specifically for teens you can go to where you can probably talk more freely. I won't take stars off because it's not the library's fault, but I do wish they were able to better enforce it somehow. That aside, I am really happy with how amazing this library has been during the pandemic. They made me feel safe when they first reopened, as they had people (bless them) sanitize the tables frequently after use. They don't do that anymore now that there's a vaccine, but the people who work here make sure to wear a mask. They are open pretty late on most weekdays too, which is nice! read more

Mission Viejo Library - Library Hours - Libraries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

BEST KID SECTION EVER!!!! Highly recommend for any toddler/family when you want to introduce your littles to reading. It makes it so fun and Engaging for any child! Staff is also super sweet! read more

Beautiful medium sized library (compared to the Newport Beach library) This is a quaint library and well designed with little reading nooks like the Heritage room. The children's area is fun. There's crayons and paper available. There are a couple of tables. Puzzles and activities placed on each table. What I loved about this library is that the children's room is noisy but it doesn't interfere with the rest of the library. Perfect for toddlers who haven't found their inner voice yet! Impressive set up for story time. Colorful room with a huge tree, benches and a TV screen. This is on a first come first served basis - You need to grab a teddy bear ticket. The story time lasted an hour - they sang a hello song, read one hard copy book, danced to another song, watched a book on tv and then sang a goodbye song. read more

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This was the library I used to always visit during my childhood, so I have a lot of fond memories here. This library is great in that it's spacious, organized, and always clean! I had no trouble finding interesting books to read as a child, and as an added bonus the interior design and decorations are a huge plus. They have artifacts on display, and I recall there being a children's room where volunteers would read aloud to children. There are also private study rooms you can reserve for your group projects, and public computers to work on as well. Overall, a great gem of a library in South OC! Even after moving a little bit north, I don't really find any library that matches the cleanliness and organization that the Mission Viejo Library provides. read more

Beautiful library and historic area. Nice seating for reading by the fireplace ! Very big many special areas to sit and read. Pretty architecture and wide variety of books read more

I love this library! An amazing place to study and get some work DONE! The only problem is the place tends to get bombarded by high schoolers every so often and they will not keep quiet! But as long as you sit far away it should be ok. read more

A great neighborhood library that is beautiful on the outside and has a significant collection of books on the inside. What gives this library5 stars though is the kids books and play/reading nook in the corner of the library where they have story times. It is wonderful that Mission Viejo Library takes special care to ensure that children have a place that is safe and semi-private to read or play on the floor with toys. I do hope they resume storytime soon as it is something they had put on hold due to the pandemic. read more

This place is nice, and their hours are longer than the public library. Bonus no homeless people.

This is my favorite library I've ever been to. I love the ambiance and the vast selection of books/dvds/video games. Very relaxing and a great place to sit and unwind. read more

This is my favorite library in the area for many reasons. During COVID, we can only order books online for pickup, but they found a process that keeps the books flowing into our homes. I appreciate the new normal process, and how the staff has acclimated during this time. Outside of the pandemic, the inside of the building is beautiful, clean, well organized, and makes you want to kick back and stay for a while. They have new art displays each month features different artists, which is always exciting for our family to see. The respect paid towards the books and their care is noticed. Never have I received a sticky book or bad smelling item, which I can't say for other libraries. Though it is a touch further than another library, we are happy to drive a couple more minutes to support the Mission Viejo Library. They also have great programs for families, and feature programs offered by another company in the area to take a range of classes. My top choice for a South OC library hands down! read more

Mission Viejo Library - Libraries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Everything I want in a library. Quiet, clean, & smells of books. Staff/librarian are always helpful. There's plenty of study space. The cd collection is great- nice collection of jazz, oldies, etc. its welcoming in the winter when the fire is on. read more

Such a lovely kids section! Great story times for toddlers and preschoolers! The holds are also so easy to pick up. Everything is organized and lovely inside. They have a few huge book sales each year with great selections of books for all ages. We love visiting this library and go weekly. read more

This is the nicest "small" city main library I have ever seen in the United States. Every time I have visited this place I felt like all of the energy from this community was centered in this building. Needless to say, it contains an ample collection of material: books, audio, video, local historical records and artifacts, resources for children. There are also meeting rooms, supplementary tutorials, a playroom with games and puzzles for toddlers, several quiet study areas, and internet computers. Librarians and front staff are friendly and helpful. read more

Very nice library I will definitely be going back, it is a hidden gem with many services available