Founded in 2025, Irvine Public Library (IPL) serves the City of Irvine’s 300,000+ residents, as well as those in surrounding communities. We provide access to books, information, technology, programs, and services that encourage lifelong learning.
The Irvine Public Library system currently comprises three locations:
Heritage Park Library
The Heritage Park Public Library is a 21,000-square-foot library located at 14361 Yale Avenue, within Heritage Park. The City or Irvine owns this facility, taking over responsibility for operations from OCPL on July 1, 2025.
University Park Library
University Park Library is an approximately 10,000-square-foot facility located at 4512 Sandburg Way. Under a five-year lease agreement effective July 1, 2025, the City assumed responsibility for daily operations and programming, while the County or Orange retained ownership of the building and site. The agreement includes provisions for potential lease extensions, and City staff will continue discussions with the County to explore options beyond the initial five-year term.
Katie Wheeler Library
Katie Wheeler Library is an approximately 10,000-square-foot facility located within Irvine Ranch Historic Park at 13109 Old Myford Road. Under a three-year lease agreement effective January 1, 2026, the City assumed responsibility for daily operations and programming, while the County retained ownership of the building and site. The agreement includes provisions for potential lease extensions, and City staff will continue discussions with the County to explore options beyond the initial three-year term.
The City plans to continue expanding Irvine Public Library with future library sites in the coming years.
Although the Irvine Public Library is new, the history of Irvine’s libraries begins decades earlier, when the University Park Library opened in 1975 under the operation of the County of Orange. Heritage Park Library opened in 1988, and Katie Wheeler was the most recent addition in 2008.
Over the years, the need for enhanced and expanded library services became clear as the Irvine community continued to grow and flourish. In 2025, the libraries transitioned from County to City-run operations to provide a more personalized, local approach to library services. To learn more about that transition, visit the Irvine Public Library Project Background website.
Rules for Children's Use of the Library
Books, magazines, DVDs, and a variety of other items can be checked out for free with your Irvine Public Library card. Don't see a title in our catalog? Please submit a Request for Purchase!
Your input helps us improve! Irvine Public Library welcomes your comments, suggestions, and ideas as we strive to provide the best possible service to our community. Please use this form to share your thoughts with us.
