Irvine launches new city-run public library system with ribbon cutting at two branches

The city of Irvine officially launched its new, independent public library system this weekend, drawing residents to grand opening celebrations at two branches on Sunday.

The events at Heritage Park Library and University Park Library featured ribbon-cutting ceremonies, live entertainment, crafts, library card sign-ups and remarks from Mayor Larry Agran and other city officials. The weekend’s festivities marked Irvine’s break from the Orange County Public Libraries system and the beginning of a city-run network that officials say will better serve the needs of the city’s rapidly growing population.

The Irvine Public Library system now includes three branches: Heritage Park, University Park and Katie Wheeler, the last of which will open in early 2026 following a monthslong facility transition.

Starting Monday, Aug. 4, both Heritage Park and University Park libraries will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

City officials said more than 60 new staff members have been hired, including 36 at Heritage Park and 28 at University Park. The city is hiring for a total of 68 positions, City Librarian Julie Zeoli and Library Services Manager Allison Tran said in an email response to questions. Several staff members from the Orange County Public Library have joined the Irvine Public Library team.

“They bring a great sense of familiarity with the community and local library services,” Zeoli and Tran said.

The city had already registered 1,898 new Irvine Public Library cards ahead of the opening weekend, officials said.

“Community members do need to sign up for an Irvine Public Library card, and we have already been issuing them at library events,” city spokesperson Linda Fontes said. “We are also working to add a digital application for library cards in the coming days.”

As part of its launch, the city has purchased more than 30,000 new titles to supplement the 167,000 materials transferred from the county system. New items include bestsellers and books in multiple languages and formats, along with a “Library of Things” collection, which lets patrons check out tools, musical instruments, electronics and other non-traditional items.

“We have purchased materials in a variety of languages and formats, including print books, ebooks and digital audiobooks,” Zeoli and Tran said. “We will continue to add new items as part of our collection development plan.”

More than 140 free programs are planned for the fall, including storytimes for young children, hands-on crafts for adults and pop culture programming for teens.

The University Park and Katie Wheeler library branches are in county-owned buildings that must be returned to the county by 2030. The city is currently leasing both locations and has said it plans to find a new home for the University Park branch on city-owned land within the next five years.

Irvine officials have said the city could eventually operate as many as six branches, including one at the Great Park.

To help plan future services and locations, the city will host two community meetings this week as part of a library facilities planning study: Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Quail Hill Community Center and Thursday, Aug. 7, at Deerfield Community Center. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m.