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