THE BEST LIBRARIES FOR CHILDREN IN ORANGE COUNTY
A library is a social place where children learn to behave in public, meet other children, and be responsible with their books. My 4-year-old daughter loves to read books and play in libraries. These past few months, we have visited many libraries in Orange County and discovered some libraries with unique values that are great for kids, both environmentally and program-wise.
MISSION VIEJO LIBRARY
Mission Viejo Library is a medium-sized, well-organized, and clean library. The children's section is extensive, with large reading areas, a playroom, and a separate storytelling room. They always have color activities for children and plenty of places to sit, read, and play. The storytimes include reading books and singing with sensory objects. I wouldn’t say it is the most unique or has the best programs for children compared to other libraries in OC. Still, it is a library that will satisfy most visitors since it is well-balanced with the programs and facilities that it provides. If you want to learn more about their programs, please visit their website: https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/library.
NEWPORT BEACH LIBRARY
Newport Beach Library is located right next to the city hall. It is an extensive library with modern architecture. I love that it opens at 9:00 AM (except Sundays) when most libraries open at 10:00 AM.
One thing that stands out is the large play area for children (the most prominent play area I’ve ever seen) and how the children’s area is separated from the adult areas upstairs. There are a variety of book selections and story time with the following art and craft activities every week (except for holidays and vacation days). The play areas get loud sometimes because of the high population of children at certain times. Many babies play in the play area often during morning times. If you want to learn more about their programs, please visit their website: https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org.
HUNTINGTON BEACH CENTRAL LIBRARY
Huntington Beach Library is extensive in size and uniquely designed, with water foundations inside the library lobby. I love that they open at 9:00 AM (except Sundays and Mondays) since most libraries open at 10:00 AM.
The children's area is relatively small and gets crowded during peak times. There are computer programs that children can use to play educational games. The best thing about this library is the story time in the children’s theater. It is a 30-minute long, highly engaging, and interactive storytelling show that children can sing and listen to the story. This is the most high-quality storytime that I’ve ever seen! The line gets long since it is popular among parents, but attending their story time is worth it. If you want to learn more about their programs, please visit their website: https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/government/departments/library/.
IRVINE KATIE WHEELER LIBRARY
This unique library is located inside a historical building in Irvine. It has recently become my favorite library. It is small but cozy and peaceful inside. I felt like I was in a clean, warm, cozy house with many good books. I love that this library is open and well-maintained even though it is in an old house. The children’s area is completely separated upstairs from the adult area downstairs. There are toys for babies and plenty of space to sit down and read books. This was the quietest children’s area I’ve been to, with few children (except on storytelling days). If you want to learn more about their programs, please visit their website: https://www.ocpl.org/libraries/irvine-katie-wheeler.
CORONA DEL MAR LIBRARY
Corona Del Mar Library is a small library located near the beach. It is clean, quiet, and newly built. The children's area is small and cozy. There is a carpeted play area with toys, mainly for toddlers and babies. They offer kids arts and crafts daily and weekly story times (except holidays and vacation days). It gets crowded with babies and toddlers when there’s storytime, but it is relatively quiet on other days. Since it is located close to Corona Del Mar beach (about 5 minutes away by car), planning to visit the beautiful beach trail afterward is also a good idea. If you want to learn more about their programs, please visit their website: https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/about/hours-and-locations/corona-del-mar-branch-library#ad-image-0.
In conclusion, there are so many good libraries in Orange County! These are my favorite libraries that are most child-friendly with values that most children will benefit from and have a positive experience from like my 4-year-old daughter did as she visited these libraries with me. Every library has its personality, culture, and strengths that stand out from others. Some libraries are so popular that they feel active and alive with many beneficial programs. Some other libraries might be small in size and feel peaceful and cozy. It is good to visit some libraries around you and pick the one that fits your child’s personality and needs. Planning a fun trip to visit different libraries far away occasionally is a good idea since your child will enjoy it.
