Irvine Public Library Master Planning
The City of Irvine is currently seeking to prepare the City’s first comprehensive, data-driven Library Master Plan. The Master Plan shall serve as a strategic roadmap for building and operating a fully municipal, modern, innovative, and community-centered library system. It shall guide decisions related to facilities, operations, programs, staffing, and technology over the next 20 years.
The Master Plan shall articulate a long-range vision for Irvine’s library system that defines the role of libraries as community anchors for learning, creativity, and connection – supporting education, workforce development, cultural engagement, digital inclusion and lifelong learning. The plan shall establish guiding principles and performance measures to advance equity, accessibility, sustainability, innovation, and adaptability, consistent with the City’s General Plan and Great Park Framework Plan.
The Library Master Plan is planned to begin approximately summer 2026 and be completed in a 12–18-month timeframe. As a part of the process, extensive community engagement will be conducted including public and stakeholder meetings.
To stay updated on the Master Planning process, subscribe to our eNewletter (Open in new window), "Off the Shelf."
2024-2025 Library Transition
In July 2024, the City of Irvine transitioned library operations from the Orange County Public Library (OCPL) system to establish a City-run library system. This decision allows Irvine to tailor library services to better meet the needs of residents and expand programming, collections, and services, while considering future opportunities for library expansion.
In August 2025, the City of Irvine opened its first two branches under City management.
2025 Feasibility Study
In April 2025, the Irvine City Council instructed staff to conduct a feasibility study to identify possible sites for future library locations and validate target numbers and sizes for branches and a central library, as well as high-level anticipated construction and operating costs.
In June and August 2025, City staff and consultants conducted eight community meetings to introduce this planning effort and incorporate input gathered at events. The resulting study was presented to the City Council at the October 14 meeting. The study presents a set of recommendations based on analysis, rather than a final plan.
Listen and view the October 14 presentation (Presentations, Item 2.3) (Open in new window)
This study considered specific criteria in determining potential sites for future libraries, with the goal of:
- Identifying available sites on City-owned land that would result in there being a library location within a two-mile radius of home for the majority of Irvine residents.
- For each candidate site, consider the impact on existing uses of the site (park activities, etc.), transportation corridors, and relation to residential neighborhoods.
- Ensuring each candidate site is feasible for this use, with sufficient space for building, parking, and access routes.
Please note, this is a preliminary assessment. The Irvine City Council has not approved plans to pursue libraries at these locations at this time.
- District 1: Irvine Ranch Conservancy land at Orchard Hills and Portola Parkway (proposed to become City land under a memorandum of understanding first presented at the May 13 City Council meeting)
- District 2: Great Park, northern sector. (See a previous feasibility study on a library in this location, completed in 2023)
- District 3: Heritage Park
- District 4: A suitable candidate site has not yet been determined.
- District 5/6: Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park
These libraries would provide space for larger collections, expanded programming areas, meeting rooms, study spaces, makerspaces, local history exhibits, art galleries, Friends of the Library bookstores, and other amenities.
To see more details about each candidate site and to view complete information presented during community meetings, please watch the June video recap (Open in new window) and the August video recap (Open in new window). For a condensed version of the full presentation, please view the presentation.
From September–November 2025, City staff conducted an online survey and three community input sessions to gather community feedback on the types of collections, programs, services, and spaces library users would like to see in its libraries. This information, combined with research and analysis, will help set priorities for the Irvine Public Library’s 2026–29 Strategic Plan. The final plan will be available in spring 2026.
The City of Irvine is exploring possibilities for a new library at the Great Park as part of the Great Park Framework Plan. Envisioned as Irvine’s future main library, this new library represents an exciting opportunity to create a welcoming gathering place and dynamic community resource.
To share information and gather feedback, the Library hosted three community meetings in March and April 2026.
Information presented during each meeting can be viewed in the PowerPoint presentations:
Great Park Library Planning Community Meeting, March 23 (Open in new window)
Great Park Library Planning Community Meeting, April 7 (Open in new window)
Great Park Library Planning Community Meeting, April 20 (Open in new window)
Irvine residents have been underserved by the City's three small library locations for many years. Of the three libraries, University Park and Katie Wheeler are in County-owned buildings. Leases for these facilities are set to expire by 2030, requiring Irvine to identify options for replacement locations as well as new sites for additional branches. Now that library management has been transferred from Orange County to the City of Irvine, the City has the opportunity to establish a world-class public library system. The first step in this process is understanding community needs, which will inform future collections, programs, services, and locations. Along with community input, planning processes will include research and analysis of best practices, trends, data, and other relevant information to ensure Irvine ends up with a library system that best serves the community.
Irvine Public Library Transition
Heritage Park & University Park Library Branches
On May 16, 2025, the County of Orange closed the Heritage Park and University Park Library locations. The libraries were officially transitioned to the City of Irvine on July 1, 2025 and opened as the first branches of the Irvine Public Library on Sunday, August 3. The Heritage Park Library is a City-owned facility.
The University Park Library is a county-owned facility but will be leased by the City for a five-year term.
Katie Wheeler Library Branch
The Katie Wheeler Library remained under County of Orange management until December 31, 2025, and was transitioned to the City beginning January 1, 2026, for a three-year lease. The Katie Wheeler Library formally reopened as part of the Irvine Public Library on Saturday, March 7.
As we look ahead, planning is already underway to grow and enhance the entire library system. The City of Irvine hosted a series of community meetings in early June and August 2025 to explore feasibility of future facility growth. Information regarding the feasibility study was presented to City Council at its meeting Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Stay engaged! The Library will be working towards developing a Strategic Plan regarding the future of library services. We encourage you to check back regularly for updates. To stay informed, sign up for our eNewsletter (Open in new window) to receive the latest news and information on upcoming meetings and additional library services.
Transition Resources
For detailed information about the creation of the Irvine Public Library System and the transition from the County of Orange, please visit our Irvine Public Library Project Background website.
Residents of Irvine may continue to access any of the Orange County Public Library (OCPL) sites during and after the transition. For more information on OCPL hours, locations, and services, visit ocpl.org (Open in new window).
FAQs
Do I need a new library card?
Yes. Irvine Public Library (IPL) is a new system, independent of the OCPL system. Learn how to get your IPL card (Open in new window).
I have an Irvine Public Library card, but I forgot my PIN. What should I do?
Your PIN is usually the last 4 digits of the phone number associated with your library account. Please email us at irvinepubliclibrary@cityofirvine.org (Open in new window) if you need further assistance.
Does my current OCPL library card still work?
Your OCPL card still works at all OCPL locations. Library users may register for an IPL card for use at Irvine Public Library locations and maintain their OCPL card for use at OCPL locations.
Can I request OCPL items for pick-up at Irvine Public Library locations? Can I return OCPL items to Irvine Public Library locations?
No, these are two separate library systems. Within Irvine Public Library, users can request items from any IPL branch be moved to another branch for convenient pickup. IPL items may be returned to any IPL location, which currently includes Heritage Park and University Park Libraries. The Katie Wheeler branch will open in early 2026.
OCPL library users can request OCPL items to be delivered to any OCPL branch, including the nearby Tustin Library. OCPL items should be returned to an OCPL location.
What if Irvine Public Library doesn’t have the item I want?
For items not in the IPL collection, fill out the Suggest a Purchase form (Open in new window) and we will make every effort to fulfill your request.
If the item you’re seeking is rare, out of print, or more suited to an academic library collection, you may wish to request an interlibrary loan from outside of Irvine. Learn more (Open in new window).
What if I accidentally return an item from another library to an Irvine Public Library location?
IPL staff will make every effort to ensure the item is returned to its owning library. This process may take up to 3 - 5 weeks. You may wish to reach out to IPL and the owning library in the meantime.
Does Irvine have digital books available?
Yes. Visit IPL's Digital Library (Open in new window) for access to ebooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, and more.
Do you offer a Library of Things?
Yes. A Library of Things (LoT) is a lendable collection of non-traditional items, usually tailored to community needs and interests. LoT collections that have been established around the country include everything from seeds to musical instruments to telescopes. Irvine's LoT collection is growing rapidly. Learn more about Irvine's LoT collection (Open in new window).
What kinds of programs does Irvine Public Library offer?
Irvine Public Library offers a wide range of library programs and events, free of charge, for all ages. Visit the Library Events page (Open in new window) for details.
How can I volunteer for the library?
IPL is grateful for community involvement and offers volunteer opportunities for teens and adults. Learn more (Open in new window).
Why did the City of Irvine take over library services from the County?
The City of Irvine transitioned library operations from the Orange County Public Library (OCPL) system to establish a City-run library system. This decision allows Irvine to tailor library services to better meet the needs of residents and expand programming, collections, and services. Read more about the transition of services (Open in new window).
What was the timeline for the transition?
April 1–May 15, 2025: The County of Orange reduced hours and services at the Heritage Park and University Park branches to start preparing for the transition.
May 16–June 30, 2025: The County of Orange closed Heritage Park and University Park entirely to complete the transfer.
July 1, 2025: The City of Irvine assumed the Heritage Park and University Park Libraries.
July 1, 2025: The Katie Wheeler Library closed in preparation for its transfer from County to City operations.
August 3, 2025: Irvine Public Library celebrated its grand opening at Heritage Park and University Park Libraries, with its first full day of operations on August 4.
March 7, 2026: Irvine Public Library celebrated the opening of its third branch, Katie Wheeler Library.
What's next for Irvine Public Library?
Now that library management has been transferred from the County of Orange to the City of Irvine, the City has the opportunity to establish a world-class public library system. Learn about our next steps.
Will there be a library in my district?
The City of Irvine is working to identify the library needs in the community, including the opportunity to expand the number of libraries throughout the City.
During the spring and summer of 2025, City staff and consultants conducted a feasibility study to identify possible sites for future library locations and validate target numbers and sizes for branches and a central library, as well as high-level anticipated construction and operating costs.
The resulting study presents a set of recommendations based on analysis, rather than a final plan. View the results and more information here (Open in new window).
How can I stay informed and provide input?
The City provides regular updates through the City’s website and digital newsletter. Sign up for library updates here. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback directly to staff or by sending an email to irvinepubliclibrary@cityofirvine.org (Open in new window).