Although the SAPL is temporarily closed and will reopen in 2026 when renovations are completed, when open it is one of the best libraries in Orange County, and is independent of the county library system. There is a plentiful selection of books and other media. The Santa Ana History Room is a vital resource to local historians and government agencies. read more

This library is huge! Parking is tough, but there's so many options. It's really overwhelming and exciting when I visited this place as a kid. This place, like much of the Orange County libraries, has great events going on all the time that is fun and interesting for all ages. The selection of media here is insane. Not just books, but CDs, DVDs, and more. This place is preserving history. I don't know who I'd be if I had never visited this library to find the rest of the books in my favorite series as a kid. read more

A library right in downtown Santa Ana. No parking that I could see. Not exactly located in a safe place. Inside really wasn't too clean or new. Will never return as there are so many other libraries in Orange County that are way better. read more

I've never seen so much security compared to the huge public library in downtown Los Angeles. Despite the security the library is very spacious inside, clean, quiet, and well organized. read more

Santa Ana Public Library - Security Guard Central - Libraries Near Me - Santa Ana, California

When I was a little girl, I enjoyed coming to this library. But nowadays, not so much. Although the selection of books was all right and the staff was nice enough, I honestly don't feel safe going there. Too many bums tend to hang around the place and I was grossed out seeing some take baths in the restrooms! (I kid you not!) To avoid the possibilities of getting your property stolen or getting confronted by some bum, stay as far away from this place as possible! read more

My kids & I love going to our local library. They have great events going on & the new items we can borrow are an amazing add-on. Family game night has gotten much more exciting with our borrowed board games and my daughter even borrowed some skates!! read more

Santa Ana has a awesome huge public library. Right near the City Hall of Justice and Police Station and Orange County Jail. I feel safe when i visit this library. Tons of books and magazines here. They also had book sales on weekends at one time and magazine sales. Security is pretty tight here. Good luck on finding parking sometimes. Easy to get tickets depending where you park. Good staff and nice clean library. They stopped alot of the homeless and trouble makers hanging out here. Its safe for children and families to get back what was theirs. read more

I don't live in the local area but reached out to staff via phone for help obtaining some resources. They are very friendly, efficient, and extremely personable. Were able to help me quickly set up a library card and recommend further resources for my search. Would highly recommend. Thanks again! read more

As a student, I frequent so many libraries. This library is pretty spacious and clean, but not the best library I've been to due to the following: 1. There only about 10 tables all located in an area and only 1/3 of them have plugs, really troublesome if you need to charge something. 2. While people are usually pretty quiet here, due to the close proximity of the tables, people can be noisy. 3. They don't allow drinks that don't have a screw on lid ie Starbucks cups are not okay. 4. Upstairs is sectioned off and you need permission (with a valid library card) from the librarians to use the tables up there, but they don't have plugs either. 5. Parking is in a parking structure and the library validates up to 2 hours, if not you'll have to move your car out and then in again. (Validation needs a library card). Some benefits about this library is it is clean, there's security walking around in case you need it, good amount of parking spots, and the library staff is nice despite the many rules they have. An okay library, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. read more

WORST Library I have ever been to! My granddaughter was unable to renew her card because I did not have proof of residency although she did. Second, she was not allowed to use the children's reading area because her library card was not valid. The cherry on top, the manager refused to validate my parking because I did not have a valid library card. Although we used the library to do homework! The manager says "sorry it's a city ordinance " My daughter and husband both work, both pay taxes yet their kids are refused access to services...thats such bullshit! If you want to visit a library with friendly, helpful and respectful staff go to Garden Grove Library! read more

Santa Ana Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Worst place on earth, people do not come here please!!! I was asked to serve as a mandarin interpreter for a client at the USCIS Santa Ana, came all the freaking way down here from DTLA with my attorney employer, I got stopped outside the building because they weren't letting physical interpreter in! Came to the library to apply for a library and they wouldn't open the door! Had to pee so bad! Omfg! Now I'm at this place nearby called Hopper and Burr! They got a bathroom! They have black tea! For 3.50 only! People please all visit the famous and comfortable hopper and burr instead of going to the fxxking PUBLIC library that is not open to the PUBLIC! read more

Growing up in Santa Ana, this was one of the places I would frequent often with my family. As a kid, there was definitely more of our unhoused peers loitering around and evidently there is still an issue. As for the employees and the actual service, I've always and still have the utmost respect for these people. Always kind, helpful, and informative. I'll admit, the validation does suck (2 hours) and I'll have to park across the street moving forward but that's only because I feel comfortable enough to do so. Wish they validated for longer especially when I have a lot of work to do. Book selection is great, not too many areas to do hw but I've never had an issue. Wish I could rate this a 5 star :-( read more

For those that know the history of downtown, understand why the standards of The Santa Ana Public Library are met, and located next to government established establishments, for those that don't understand what that is or means, is a five star review! :-) read more

I love libraries, especially older ones. But that was way back in high school when I didn't yet have a smart phone, a laptop, and my own home. Still, this library has its charm and it probably would be super charming if there wasn't sketchy people in and around it. From parking and walking around, I did not feel safe. Even when I left and went to my car, there was somebody at the parking lot just hanging around. Sure, there were security and cops around, but that only indicated more red flags to me. read more

Santa Ana's public library tech desk is awesome I highly recommend coming here the people are friendly helpful knowledgeable

We love the Santa Ana library. The staff members are what really make it special for us. We have been frequenting this particular library for over a decade now and in my experience it's the best. The children's storytime with Miss Bobby is enchanting for the kids and the crafts are always awesome. We've been coming to see her for over a decade too, we just love her. I don't think we could love it more, unless they brought back the summer math program for the kids. It's just such a special place and the staff members, especially the seasoned ones, really make the difference. read more

I took a very long shower after coming to the library. I also bathed my newborn who never even left her stroller. It seemed that dirty. I remember this library being my favorite when I was younger. Now, it is old and not kept up. We came to the library for a passport. When I called to make the appointment, the person was so nice and thorough. We arrived 30 minutes early and checked in. The person who checked me in said we were early and the passport person was with a previous appointment. They were supposed to call us when they were ready. Well, the 30 minutes pass and my appointment time passes and we still weren't called. finally, I went back to the information desk and at that time, she calls the passport person to tell her we were there. Basically, the information desk person couldn't be bothered to call the passport person when we first arrived, and then forgot about us. I asked the passport person, and she said she didn't have an appointment before us. Once we finally got to the correct person, she was very quick and nice. Btw, the elevator didn't work and I think it is an everyday thing because of some things the passport person said, so if you are in a wheelchair or have a stroller, you may not be able to access the 2nd floor. read more

My friends and I visited this library for the first time on our lunch break this week. We walked upstairs and took a seat and was basically kicked out by a security guard that woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Idk if he thought we were homeless because of the bags we were carrying but he was such a jerk. Don't ever go to this library! They'll treat you like you're homeless. read more

I came here during my jury duty lunch break. Building exterior is one of those beautiful old Santa Ana style facades. You walk in through metal detectors and then everything is too close together from the checkout desk, the shared tables and the security guard watching the entrance. I get claustrophobic in tight spaces so didn't feel comfortable. I sat at a quiet space by the computers until the guard told me that space was reserved for veterans. Makes me appreciate my current library where one has plenty of space. One thing nice here was that they had a decent sized collection of travel books. read more

The staff seems ok. Just kinda skeptical coming here cause it's like bum city! They're everywhere! Although I haven't been approached by one is great so far. But feels uncomfortable. The outside surroundings is not good at all. But the inside seems decent. Plenty of space. Wish they had more computers open for kids. What a disappointment. And this place is close to home is the only awesome thing. 12-20-14 I am updating my 2 stars to 3 stars today because I've moved to Central Valley. And how I miss this library! It's not the best library. Especially the area it's at but I love the fact that it has so many variety of books! The library near me is sooo limited compare to this one. read more

This place is a dump. Multiple security guards standing around. This is not a place to study, unless you want to get stabbed while doing so. I walked in, and instantly walked out. read more

I thank god security is around this library, I feel a lot safer considering the amount of homeless people that go in and out for of the building. This library is okay, the staff is super friendly, but it's super uncomfortable being in the computer lab with a homeless man watching porn right next to you. I've found drug pipes while using their restrooms and witnessed homeless showering. I'm afraid to let my kids wonder off to find books because of the people allowed in. Please set regulations for people who NEED the library not to make it a second home for others. read more

I have been a resident of Santa Ana most of my 68 years and have used the library since my school days. Recently, I have found it extremely easy to call ahead, ask if they have a book on the shelf, and have it waiting for me at the checkout. The customer service is great and they are always helpful even when I have forgotten my card. I find it disappointing to find so many negative comments on Yelp. The library cannot help the homeless situation that happens around their building. These people are doing the best that they can on a limited budget. Since it is a public building, the homeless are allowed to use the bathrooms and that can lead to some problems, especially when there isn't enough staff for constant cleaning. Unfortunately, when the library was built, there was plenty of space around it and not so many government buildings which make parking more difficult. However, all in all, the staff at the library have been helpful every time I have come and some of them have been there a long time and can find what you need quickly. Maybe as citizens of Santa Ana, we need to push our city council to do more about the homelessness in the downtown area and find them a suitable place to live. read more

I like bringing my kids to story time but I do have to admit that is quite scary there is homeless people all over the area even though they do have securities inside the library they don't outside sometimes they are hanging out right outside the door looking all drugged, something not easy to see it is super uncomfortable to visit this library sometimes. I do have to say that the staff are friendly and helpful. read more

Only use this library if you are really desperate. Only allow 1 hour for homework, too small few resources. Very weird rules staff treats customers as if you are homeless, a small child or an idiot. There are better places nearby to get work done such as Starbucks. Lame. read more

Overall ok library kind of small and lots of homeless people. Not the nest by far also the don't let you sit on the floor so you can be by yourself if the sitting area is full! read more

Went to library it is pretty good there Is a kid section ten section and tutoring.theonly thing that was bad is the amount of homeless

This is an old library and it dates back to the 30's and it's beautiful in a strangely gray sort of way. The kids section is nice and they even have a tucked away teen area (since teens like to be away from most people). The problem is that you have to wade through a sea of homeless people to get inside the library and it isn't safe at night to park in the detached structure. The parking is free if you have a library card, but only for an hour (I believe). Most of the people that work there (or maybe they volunteer) don't seem very helpful or knowledgeable and are kind've snooty. Also, things aren't very organized and it's hard to find what you're looking for and good luck if you ask one of the kids that volunteer there and distract them from their smart phone. They charge for movies and cd's while most other libraries don't. Yet some of the kids movies are free, but not all. Hmm...that's kind've confusing. read more

I hadn't been to this library in quite awhile. I went for a screening for a new cartoon upcoming on Fox. That went well , huge crowd. But what I noticed was something that was missing in other visits. People. Young and old. And a lot of them. There's life again in the library. And there's plenty of help there. Librarians ready to help you. I'll be making more visits read more

It's not a good library for study or group projects as they have limited tables and no private rooms. The upstairs portion is also off limits, which I felt was odd. The security guard did not inform me that we could not be upstairs until after she informed me how to get upstairs - which I also thought extremely odd. It was not dirty or anything, I just have never been to a library lacking so many basic amenities. read more

Heart of the city. It's what we make it. Lots of resources and staff readily available for assistance and guidance. More hours and adding new e-resources. Hardest working library in Orange County. read more

Spent a lot of my college days studying here. Haven't been here recently but it was awesome when I used to go. I love the feel of this place... so classic and has so much character. read more

Great place to read after school. Awesome volunteer opportunities for high schoolers. Staff is wonderful.

The only reason I didnt give this library 5 stars is because of parking. Parking is expensive if you dont get youre parking ticket validated. They have a teen area which scared me a little bit since its all the way in the back going downstairs. Dont get me wrong it looks cool but I personally feel like I dont have enough space to breathe down there. I havent had a problem with the folks outside since Ive been going, overrall its a pretty nice library. read more

It's an okay library. But lots of homeless ppl outside and they tend to come and sit inside. Wish it was remodeled to look much nicer. Seems dirty read more

Great place to come and read or do HW. Only down side is all the homeless outside . Super scary. Hate going alone...

A true community resource in Santa Ana! I have been visiting the Santa Ana Public for several years, I appreciate their knowledgable and bilingual staff as well as their genuine effort to help everyone who walks through their doors. Their teen center and Friends of the Santa Ana Library team are valuable resources to the local youth and reading community. read more