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Irvine Public Library (IPL) celebrates the creativity of writers in our community with a Local Author collection housed at our Heritage Park Library location. By showcasing local voices, we aim to strengthen connections between readers and the storytellers who live among them, and to inspire future writers in our community.

Materials in the Local Authors Collection represent a wide range of perspectives. The views and opinions expressed in these works are those of the individual authors. Inclusion of any work in this collection does not constitute endorsement of its content by the library.

If you are a local author who would like to submit your book(s) for consideration, please ensure that you meet the following criteria and fill out the form linked below.

Submission Guidelines

  1. You must be a current resident of Orange County, or your work must be set in Irvine.
  2. You must have an Irvine Public Library card in good standing.
  3. Your work must be printed and bound. We accept both hardcover and paperback books. We are unable to accept digital books or spiralbound books at this time.
  4. A copy of your book(s) must be donated for inclusion in the Local Author Collection.

Selection Criteria

Assuming the above requirements are met, all works submitted by local authors will be reviewed with similar assessment guidelines as other library materials, as outlined in IPL’s Collection Development policy.

IPL will not accept materials that are discriminatory or pejorative towards an individual or group based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other identity factor.

Please note that due to the volume of daily library operations, library staff are unable to meet with authors to discuss submission decisions, and all decisions are final.

How to Submit Your Work

To submit your work for consideration, fill out the Local Author Interest Form.

Once you submit this form, you can anticipate a response within 3 days to confirm receipt of your submission. A more detailed response with a decision will follow within 2 weeks.

Local Author Interest Form

Local educators seeking to introduce their students to the library are invited to schedule a visit to any Irvine Public Library location. Please use the following form to submit your request at least one month prior to your visit.

School Visit Request Form

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.

Comment Form

Donate

Your generosity supports Irvine Public Library in our mission to build community through our commitment to exceptional collections, programs, spaces, and patron experience. Monetary gifts are used to expand and enhance the library’s materials collection as well as programs and services. 

Donating is easy and available online. Please visit the City of Irvine’s online donation page and select “Irvine Public Library” from the drop-down menu. 

You may also donate by writing a check to the Irvine Community Alliance Fund and noting “Irvine Public Library” in the memo field. Checks may be mailed to: 

Irvine Community Alliance Fund 
1 Civic Center Plaza 
P.O. Box 19575 
Irvine, CA 92623-9575

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a great way to support your library and give back to your community. Your help makes a big difference in providing important services for both children and adults. Plus, you’ll pick up valuable skills and experience that can benefit you both personally and professionally. If you are a student, it is also a great opportunity to earn school service credit and build your resume.

High school students ages 14 and older, as well as adults 18 and over, who have an interest in libraries and books, care about their community, or enjoy helping others are encouraged to volunteer.

Why Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to support your library and give back to your community. Your help makes a big difference in providing important services for children, teens, and adults. Plus, you’ll pick up valuable skills and experience that can benefit you both personally and professionally. If you are a student, it is also a great opportunity to earn school service credit and build your resume.

Who Can Volunteer

High school students ages 14 and older, as well as adults 18 and over, who have an interest in libraries and books, care about their community, or enjoy helping others are encouraged to volunteer.

Teen Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Service Sessions

Looking to earn volunteer hours for school credit or make a difference at your local library? Teens in grades 9th-12th join us for Volunteer Service Sessions at all three branches or the branch closet to you!

Purpose

Each volunteer session will be different! Activities will be based on need - help prep seeds for our seed library, assist library staff with craft prep, clean books and toys, and more as needs arise.
Sessions

Earn up to two hours per session, and they will be offered a variety of days and times at all three branches. Volunteers may sign up for the sessions that work best for their schedule.

Teen Program Assistance

Teen Program Assistance volunteers will assist with Children’s and Adult programs on a monthly basis. Whether you want to help sing and do fingerplays at a storytime or help adults learn to craft, we have opportunities for you.

Purpose & Commitment

Support library staff at least twice a month for programs including storytimes, adult Create-It-Yourself programs, and more!
Other responsibilities include helping with crowd control, set-up, clean-up, and program assistance.

Applications & Interviews

Teens interested in being program assistance volunteer will need to submit a general teen application with Irvine Public Library. 
After receiving all the necessary application, teens will be invited through email to attend an interview.

Interview Dates

Heritage Park Library
Sunday, August 16, 1–5 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26, 4–7:30 p.m.

University Park Library
Thursday, August 20, 4–7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 22, Noon–5 p.m.

Katie Wheeler Library
Tuesday, August 25, 4–7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 30, Noon–5 p.m.

Teen Advisory Group

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is for teens grades 9th–12th looking to make a difference in their library by providing feedback and insight into teen programs and collections for the Irvine Public Library.
 
Purpose of TAG

The purpose of this group is to help the library meet the needs and interests of the teen population in the community while building leadership and communication skills.

Volunteers in the Teen Advisory Group will offer suggestions for programming and activities, provide input regarding reading interests, and help to organize and execute future library programs with Irvine Public Library.   

Commitment

Participate, execute, and assist with two teen programs per month.
Teen Advisory Group members are expected to participate in monthly meetings.

Monthly Meeting Schedule
Heritage Park Library: last Tuesday of the month, 6–7 p.m.
Katie Wheeler Library: last Thursday of the month, 6–7 p.m.
University Park Library: last Tuesday of the month, 6–7 p.m.

Dates and times are subject to change to accommodate holidays and testing schedules.
Applications & Interviews

Teens interested in the Teen Advisory Group will need to submit a general teen application with Irvine Public Library as well as answer additional questions about their interest in TAG.  

After receiving all the necessary application and information, teens will be invited through email to attend an interview.

For additional information about teen volunteer opportunities including duties and qualifications visit our volunteer opportunities site.

APPLY TO BE A TEEN VOLUNTEER
 
 

Shelving

  • Adults 18 and over: return books and other materials to shelves in proper order and help keep shelves neat and organized.
  • *All adult volunteer spots are currently full. Applications received after August 22 will be placed on a wait list for future volunteer opportunities.*