The San Juan Capistrano public library was one of my favorite stops during my late November visit to San Juan Capistrano. When researching what to do in town, the library kept popping up, mostly because of its architecture, and I'm so glad I made it a point to walk over to the library located on the edge of town. Yes, the building is absolutely stunning and incredibly unique... but what truly made the experience extra special for me were the librarians. They were so genuinely kind and welcoming and I very proudly added an Orange County Library card to my growing collection (a personal joy, honestly). It was the perfect place to wander aimlessly amongst the stacks of books, charge my devices, sit and relax, and browse through their national park books. The Friends of the San Juan Capistrano Library Bookstore was also open and had a great selection that made it very hard to leave empty handed. This library is beautiful, peaceful, resource rich (more than just books!) I wish I lived closer so I could come more often. read more

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This is a nice little library. It's part of the OC Library system. Its like a maze inside. Books are in little cubbies. They have plenty of seating and a beautiful courtyard with a fountain. I didn't check out a book since I came by train. read more

San Juan Capistrano Library - Libraries Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Came by earlier this week to attend a book signing even with children's writer Jesus Trejo. Event had plenty of seating for the kids and parents, as most of them sat on the carpet. I was fortunate enough to get an actual seat! The library itself had low ceilings, and the inside felt a bit stuffy and an odd smell. I think they need better ventilation or higher A/C level. Staff were friendly. Parking was across the street in a large lot, but spots almost ran out by the time I arrived. read more

My daughter and I drove up for an event and we had such a nice time. They had the center grassy area/courtyard set up for a question and answer and demo. It was such a nice day and the library is simply stunning. The staff is wonderful as well. The library has a nice little bookstore that sells resale books and puzzles which was cool (upcycling at its best!). Not much parking in the library lot itself however there is a decent sized lot across the street with plenty of parking. The library is easy to get to as well. read more

I use this library all the time. Lots of convenient parking. A great little bookstore. Super helpful and very sweet library staff. Quiet and comfortable places to read. What's not to love? read more

Great kids area, very cute! But be ready for the librarians to be short tempered and quite passive aggressive. The only nice one has been the young petite Asian lady, she's very helpful and kind! read more

Love this book donation location! So easy. Just drive to their parking lot in the back of the building and drop your books in the handy giant blue metal receptacle. While we were finishing up, a friendly gentleman was already coming up to pick up the books. It feels great to give books a second life, plus help out the non-profit Friends of the Library. read more

The San Juan Capistrano library is one of 33 libraries in the Orange County library system. It is located near the Los Rios historic district. Walking in you are met by librarians who are very friendly and helpful. The layout of the library is kind of segmented with a lot of little "nooks." The fireplace area seems especially cozy.  I like that they have dedicated one side of the building to showcase artwork.  But the courtyard is what truly draws my attention. The lawn out there is nicely  manicured and the water fountain really adds to the serenity of the setting. This is such a quaint place to visit, relax and enjoy a good read. read more

San Juan Capistrano Library - The art corridor - Libraries Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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This is the best library ever! I grew up going here with my grandma and they were the greatest memories. I still go as an adult now, and I'm grateful they've stayed open. The selections are huge, great amenities, and the grounds are absolutely gorgeous! Tall vaulted ceilings, courtyards, and mysteriously lit hallways. I just can't say enough. Also the staff are always helpful and kind, and it's clean too! read more

I truly love this library, it's a beautiful piece of architecture in a small town, what's not to love? Designed in the New Classical style of architecture every detail has been well thought out. The building's architect is Michael Graves (really one of our generation's starchitects), you will probably recognize his work since he designed many pieces for Alessi and Target years ago. The WiFi is not great, but it seems to be an issue all over San Juan Capistrano. Additionally the staff did not seem to be particularly friendly or helpful when trying to discuss the building they are working in. I would have hoped they would be better stewards of this beautiful building. read more

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'Came across this quaint little library one day while I was looking for a book via the OC Public Library System one day and found it shelved here... At first glance, it looks like it looks like a basic, missionary style building and nothing more, very non-descipt. The front of the library faces a side street and not on El Camino Real. Since there is very little signage on the outside, it isn't instantly recognizable as the library. I drove right by it the first time I came here. Also, it does not have its own dedicated parking lot, street parking. Small, intimate, setting, with a fair book selection. The inside seating appeared to be a bit limited. It does have a nice courtyard area but all of the double doors accessing it are closed off but one. *The library's design by postmodern architect Michael Graves attracts many visitors. The staff was very friendly and helpful with any questions I had. They also have sections of Spanish material for children and adults along with language programs. The library has a late 70's feel to it. There's residential housing across the street, perfect walking distance, and there always seems to be a a dozen or so people in and around the library. They have a few internet stations and wi-fi as well. It isn't as streamlined or modern as some of the newer/larger libraries but I think it works great for the area. Library Hours: Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday - Closed Saturday: 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5:00 p.m. - Aloha Food: n/a Ambiance: 3 Service: 3 Value: 5 read more

San Juan Capistrano Library - SJC Public Library @ SJC, CA - Libraries Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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I love San Juan library the best out of Dana Point Mission Viejo We come to story time on Tuesdays. The staff are friendly. read more

San Juan Capistrano Library - Color after story time on Tuesdays - Libraries Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Beautiful library with the most helpful Librarians. I love the grounds it quaint just like the city.

Love this library! Nadine and Nicole are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about books. Always a warm welcome and great selection of books. Well organized, clean and bright. A great way to spend a rainy day right next to the mission. read more

The librarians here are super helpful. The library is quiet, which is a must for me, and the architecture of the building itself is pretty neat. I like a lot of light, so this library is a bit on the dim side for me. Definitely my favorite of the south beach cities library. read more

You could say that this library is a hallmark of San Juan Capistrano. With small areas to find a variety of book and whatever. I just feel that is doesn't deserve all the praise it gets. This library is extremely small and OMFG its smells like s**t both inside and outside. This place needs to be demolished and renovated. I swear that smell most likely is from old architecture. Vote To Save A Life! read more

I wrote an email with a question on a Friday night and got a call back on Saturday! The librarian was so helpful. What a beautiful library with high quality, professional staff. And, it's so close to the train station, if you live in San Diego you can ride the train for a fun day at the library and the mission, then take the train home! read more

Slowest wireless connection ever. I'm dying over here. Convenient location, but wow. It's taken me almost an hour to download 140MB file to my laptop. read more

Nice small library. Helpful and friendly staff. Parking is behind the building and you have to walk around the entire library to teach the front door. read more

I discovered this great little library while out walking my dogs shortly after moving to San Juan Capistrano. I love the neighborhood and I love how convenient this library is. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I do wish the books were separated by genre because there is just a room full of all the fiction books and so the mysteries are all mixed in with the romance and design books, so unless u know what author to look under u are pretty much just left to browse through all of them. There are labels marking what they are, mystery, sci-fi, etc.,but that's it. I did find plenty of books to look thru however, which I was able to peruse at my leisure in the enclosed courtyard you are able to take books out into before you check them out. This feature makes up for any trouble I had in finding new mysteries to read because it was so great to relax in the sun and chill as I decide what to get! That alone is a five star in my book and I can handle looking past some romance novels to find what I need lol. Very nice indeed! read more