Irvine Public Library Project Background

Irvine Public Library System Transition

At its July 23, 2024, meeting, the Irvine City Council approved the transition of library services from the County of Orange to the City of Irvine. The City Council also directed City staff to reopen negotiations with the County to expedite the lease expiration of University Park Library and begin the design process and funding option exploration for a new library building in Irvine.

The agreement was presented at the County Board of Supervisors August 13 and was unanimously approved.

Why did the City Enter into Negotiations with Orange County Public Library?

For the Fiscal Year 2022–23, Irvine contributed approximately $17 million in property taxes to the County of Orange to provide library services in our community. Of note, in the entire OCPL system, Irvine contributes the highest amount of property tax revenues, and Irvine’s contribution accounts for 28% of OCPL’s total annual property taxes revenue. Further, the libraries operated by OCPL in Irvine account for only 11% of OCPL’s entire library space.

For decades, Irvine engaged OCPL in substantive discussions regarding the allocation of resources toward local City libraries. After careful consideration and evaluation of the City’s growing population, library needs, and community priorities, the City Council authorized on February 28, 2023, a letter of intent to be sent notifying the County of Irvine’s intention to withdraw from OCPL. 

This action opened extensive discussions and negotiations between the City and the County, resulting in a plan for Irvine to withdraw from OCPL in order to establish our own Irvine Public Library System.

Further details of the withdrawal plan can be found in the July 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Agenda, Council Business Item 4.2.

For More Information:

Irvine Libraries Website