Katie Wheeler Library

Small, quaint library, usually not crowded. One self checkout station, though I’ve never had to wait to checkout with the librarian. Plentiful parking too. And the adjacent «park» has some nice outdoor reading spots, if you’re so inclined. But because this branch is small, they don’t have the best selection. But it’s a nice place to borrow some kids books if you’re not looking for a particular book. If you’re looking for something in particular, check the website first. You’ll likely have to go elsewhere.
The website is awesome, btw. Renew your books online, pay your fines online, etc. You also get emailed reminders before your books are due. Place a hold on a book, or have it transferred to your nearest library! Find out the next story time event for your family too!
Book drop is at the end of the lot.

such a cute small library! definitely different from any ordinary library!
I love that the staffs were helpful, children section upstairs, and the atmosphere.
there’s also a great selection of career books in which I found 2015 – 2016 nursing books! thank you so much.

I give it 2 stars for the library being very picturesque and well staffed with helpful people, but I was disappointed with how tiny it was. The selection of books was very small. The interior of the library feels crammed, which makes it harder to find a secluded spot to read.
They only had a few dozen used books for sale and they were placed in a narrow hallway where you end up blocking the staff who are coming and going from their offices. They also did not have any used media. I was hungry when I got there, after biking 30 miles to get here, but they didn’t have a snack bar like most other libraries have.
When I saw how many 5 star reviews this place had, I assumed it had the amenities that other highly reviewed libraries like Newport or Huntington Beach Central had. All of the pictures posted are of the outside, which is the best part, but whats inside a library is more important.

This is a very nice library went here for the first time with my daughter yesterday. I really loved it the workers are very nice and helpful & I love that it’s just like a house very unique. We didn’t get to check out the outside of the library but it looked very clean and relaxing we can’t wait to go back and explore a little more.

Nice, quiet library. It has a nice modern look to it and the scenery outside is nice. The wifi is very reliable here. I suggest this library over the other library’s near Irvine and Tustin.

Beautiful and quiet library. Love the history of this place.

We love Katie Wheeler Library! I was surprised to find it in Unilocal because I think of this neighborhood library as MY own home-​library! It’s such a treat to enjoy the rose garden and borrow books in our own backyard (we live within one mile so we walk here). My grandchildren love everything about the library, one day as we entered, my 3 year old granddaughter took a deep breath and said, «ahhh, I love the smell here!»
That reminded me of when Oprah said she loves the smell of books, and I hope someday my granddaughter grows up to be like Oprah.
I appreciate the lovely helpful librarians and I like the convenience of going online and putting a book on «hold» then picking it up here.
I can’t say enough good things about this library so I’ll just post all the photos of us enjoying it!

small quiet library. look and feel of a large mansion turned library. Wifi is pretty fast for a public library. nice/​helpful librarians.

The Katie Wheeler Library is a blast from the past!
The library is housed within a large historical building, coupled with park like surrounding, this makes the library an interesting location to visit.
I visited this particular library last week for the first time and it was a very pleasant experience. I had come looking for a particular book their database showed them as having, but I had some difficulty locating the book. I asked a librarian for help, and despite being understaffed, she dedicated her time to finding the elusive book.
The library itself is surprisingly large and space well utilized inside. It must be using Tardis technology. Everything was laid out in easy to find areas and the place was spotless to my eyes.
The only drawback, I felt, was that the library in an effort to fit more books, skimped on seating and study areas. A minor quibble, but if that is what your looking for, it may be difficult during busy times. Though the space the do have for this is quite comfortable.

This library is so quaint and cozy, it was restored from being a home into a small library. Personal touches like a fireplace, portraits and they had a tree up while we were there in the month of December.
The staff here is awesome. They are very welcoming and helpful in regards to all your questions. You can find them as soon as you come in to your left. On this floor you will see computer tables, checkout desk and they also have DVDs on this floor.
Upstairs they have the children’s section, which mostly the times I have gone it has been — well, full of kids. So don’t expect this area to be quiet. On this floor you can also find a «quiet room.» So funny that it’s on the same floor as the children’s books but once you go inside and shut the door it is marvelous!
Overall it is a pretty small library but it’s personal touch and great staff keep you coming back every time. There is always a good book to read, no matter how big or small the place is.

One of the most beautifully quaint little libraries I’ve ever been to. An absolute gem in the relative «hustle & bustle» of Orange County.
The staff is extremely friendly & accommodating to every request.
If you’re looking for a cozy respite from the larger institutions, while still receiving a professional level of service, look no further.
The one potential downside is that they do have a smaller selection of hard-​copy material, however this is easily offset by pre-​ordering books to arrive there or browsing their online catalogues. If you’re in the vicinity of Irvine & haven’t yet visited, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice.
Enjoy & keep reading (more than just 140 character tweets)!

All the librarians go above and beyond to help. They remember your name! Very convenient.

This is a small library that build as a replica of the house that Katie Wheeler used to live in. Overall a nice little library.

There is a seriously bad energy here. The kind that makes your skin crawl. I’ve been there only a couple of times and every time I had horrible experiences. Once I fell violently off a tiny step, the force with which I fell didn’t make sense. I’ve had some inexplicable psychic experiences in my life and without knowing this libraries full history I knew that this place was haunted. I stay away from that place. It does have old world charm, but for me that’s not enough to counter the ‘creep’ factor at this library. Ciao :)

Katie Wheeler Library is not exactly our neighborhood library, but it is by far my favorite library in Irvine. The historic charm of what was once the home of Irvine Company founder James H. Irvine, Sr. and his family will allure you, and make you want to spend an entire afternoon here cozying up with a good book. The library has a homey feel with portraits and personal photos of the Irvine family on display. The grounds are breathtaking with a beautiful and well-​maintained garden. Parking is plentiful. The staff librarians are friendly and resourceful.
I have a great fondness for public libraries. Growing up, the public library was the one place (other than home) that provided safety, comfort, fulfillment and inspiration. When my brother gave me a Kindle for my birthday several years ago I thought my visits to the library would become more and more infrequent. As it turns out I still prefer the feel of turning pages of a hardcover book opposed to pressing the «next page» button on my e-​reader. And there’s something about the slightly musty smell of library books that takes me back to my childhood.

This is definitely a cozy neighbourhood library. I love coming here with my daughter.
We borrow some books and return it the next day or 2.
It’s a walking distance for me, so that’s a plus!
The library is quite small tho, but the book selection is great.
It has tables and some rooms that you can use during your visit.

I just had to write a review in the amazing staff they have here! I came today at 4:45pm, 15 mins before they close. I needed to sign up for a library card and find the book before it closes! I rush in and I asked the information desk lady where I go to sign up for a library card. She asked if I had a drivers license or something with my current address– which I didn’t. I grew up in LA and license still reflects it so she was like anything electronic would be acceptable too. I had my iPad in the car and so I said I needed to go to my car to get it.
Instead of waiting for me to just come back, she asked which book I was looking for and said she’d find it and get it for me to save time. When I got back, she was waiting for me with the book in hand! I was able to create a library card in time and check out the book! She was a lifesaver: D

I love this library. It’s pretty quiet and cozy. I feeel like I am in a little cottage with a pretty cute garden where I can take a walk to take a break from study. Honestly, hope not many people favor this place…

A cute and quaint library in a historic building. Sure, it’s small for modern standards but the interior is cozy and quiet (except during children’s programming). Nice, comfy seats with steady WiFi signal.

Since I don’t work here anymore, I can now write a Unilocal review for the Wheeler library!
Just to clarify, the library’s restrooms are inside near the elevator. The restrooms outside are maintained by the park, and no, we don’t have the key. Also the grounds surrounding the library — the lawn, gazebo, and rose gardens — are also maintained by OC Parks, whom you should contact if you are interested in having a wedding or party there.
This is a small library, with just over eleven thousand square feet amongst the three levels. The main level is adult services, a reference desk, computer stations, tables, and the check-​out desk. One of the better spots to study is the little table in the local history nook. The tables in the back reading room (alongside the magazine racks) often get crowded with four or five people to a table. Also in the back, facing the double doors, is the media section. A small selection of DVDs, music CDs, and audiobooks are available for browsing. There are chairs and small tables scattered around the perimeter of the non-​fiction section.
Upstairs is the children’s section, which can get pretty noisy. There is, ironically, a quiet study room on this floor, which is first come first serve. I have often seen people spend the entire day in there, working on their laptops and studying. The children’s librarians regularly offer storytimes, most of which are held by the hearth. Teen volunteers are often decorating, creating new themes for the different areas.
Downstairs in the basement are the staff offices, as well as the Friends of the Library bookstore, which is open seven days a week, usually between the hours of noon and four PM, often earlier and later. They are often recruiting for new volunteers, so talk to one of the ladies there if you are interested.
This was a great place to work — I loved being a part of the library since its opening in 2008. Despite its size and resource limitations, it is a charming and friendly little place. Several patrons are regulars here, and I always enjoyed seeing familiar faces and chatting with them.
Edit: The map’s been updated!