Newport Beach Public Library - Newport Beach, California

Leland S.

This main library is one of the most beautiful i have ever been in. It is beautiful inside and out. The rooms are spacious. The natural light is conducive to reading and i love it. The facilities available here are amazing. The views from these large windows is just superb. And when the new edition is finished it will be even more beautiful. I recommend you stop by. I'm so glad that I did that I applied for a Newport Beach library card.

FairWinds O.

This is a beautiful local city library. The staff here have been nothing but kind and helpful to me. What follows is long but has some great TIPs for you for visiting this beautiful library... Part of a civic city building complex located between Avocado and Mac Arthur street. North of PCH next to the ocean there is a market area with a Bristol Farms market anchor store. Lots of fufu ladies clothes with a few eateries. Parking for the library is to the immediate left of the market area (photo). This main parking will access the front south ocean side of the library. With overflow parking from the civic center structure to the rear north east (photo) at the back corner. TIP - The 1N OCTA bus route drops you on the Avocado street west side. A small bridge will get you on to the south west corner of the library. Straight ahead is the entrance. TIP - However, the west side of the library has a shady bamboo patio with alternate entances to the library. Inside the library has two levels. TIP - From the main entrance is the right east corner there is a Friends of the Library with great used book and media deals, nice people. Check out and customer service desk is next on the right. TIP - Past the desk is an amazing media center. Magazines, newspapers, music CDs, movies on DVD or Blu-ray. On this right side there is the children's book area too. TIP - Restrooms are marked down the hallway on the left or west side. There is an Admin area but further is the Media Center and elevator. TIP - The Media Center has been a great resource. It has its own Audio area. Through the main entrance center are stairs up. You'll find the main book stacks here. With a cafe (unknown hours) and a bank inside. Continue forward to exit rear center with sliding glass doors. There are study/eating tables here and outside on the deck. A nice rest area here protected by the ocean breezes. Again from top of stairs, go right 180 past the bank and restrooms are close on your right. The main resource desk is here a little more forward floor center. As well as self serve check out and computerized book and media lookups. This whole floor also has study desks with power and desks with computer stations. See the resource desk to learn more about computer rentals. TIP - The resource desk can get you registered with a library card. The card number and a password gets you on the computers. BiG TIP - There is a great library APP as well to download on your smart phone. Your library user number and password get you logged in to the APP. With the APP you can self serve book renewal extensions and reserve audio books, music other media and more!!! Very very useful if you like modern digital library services. TIP - 2nd floor south ocean side are a few private study rooms. You need to reserve in advance for study rooms at the resource desk. I've heard there is a room with a scanner on the 2nd floor also. Most questions seem to be handled by the resource desk where nice people can assist.--- If you made it this far you can tell this library is quite special to me. The resources, books and staff have been excellent. Bests~

UPDATE - DEC 2024 - BIG construction changes in the front parking lot. There still is a small lower lot and two rows of front parking left. TIP - It does get full, but the City Hall parking structure has some parking. It is often at 80-90% capacity so look around. To be honest, even with construction, I've found parking in front. TIP - The library back entrance is off the ground level corner, by the EV charging station. My deepest thx library staff for your kindness 🙂

Angel R.

We came here originally for the bunny sculptures out front but when we saw it was attached to this library we quickly headed in. After taking the long route in (yeah we got a little lost), we found the most beautiful library I never knew existed. Clean wide aisles with plenty of books and plenty of seating areas. I don’t have a library card but this definitely made me want to look into it. I usually buy my books but I could get into checking them out here, also a large collection of movies and music too.

rizlanw C.

The library was great, I loved it. But one thing stood out to me. There was a homeless man, clean and respectful, just minding his own business. Then, an Asian guy tried to kick him out. Like, what the hell? Just because you were lucky enough to be born into a supportive family even as an adult, doesn’t mean everyone gets the same chance. You don’t know his situation. He’s homeless which likely means he doesn’t have family around to help. He didn’t look like a drug addict or alcoholic and even if he was. who cares? He wasn’t hurting or bothering anyone! Just sitting or taking a nap. People should be more understanding and try to put themselves in his shoes. I wish I could have helped him. Hours later, I still can’t stop thinking about him and I pray for him.

Paulin

I love everything about this facility. Extensive collections of books, audiobooks, research materials, audio labs, podcast labs, computers to borrow, study rooms, plenty of free garage parking, free Wi-Fi with fast internet, spacious, nice panoramic views for your creativity, children sections, very clean space, and academically stimulating atmosphere! Getting your library card is so quick and easy, the staff is helpful and hospitable. Perfect place to get things done and be in the zone of knowledge and productivity. Thank you for welcoming me into such an incredible visit, I will absolutely be coming back here soon.

Civan O.

My first time visiting this amazing library.
+ Modern
+ Plenty of free books, free magazines, free WiFi, free video, free audio and free video game rentals
+ Plenty of convenient parking
+ Very friendly and helpful staff
+ Dedicated children's section
+ Media room and audio recording room
+ Free Equipment rentals (cameras, GoPro, etc.)
+ Very clean!
+ Free access to online audio books via the Libby app

Krotal K.

It is overall a very clean and neat environment. I absolutely love the layout of this building and the staff were very friendly. I was helped by a librarian named Mary Kay. She was very sweet and polite. I will be returning soon! This is my new favorite location.

#1 F. L.

This is an independent library for the city that is NOT part of the county. So if you have an orange county public library card, that will not work here. That being said because Newport is one of the wealthier cities in Orange county, the library is magnificent. The architecture, share vastness of space, organization and decor are top notch for a public library. Also, behind there is an entire sculpture exhibition in the civic center park which houses the famous Bunnyhenge display.

You do have to be a resident of California to a free Newport Beach library card. It's just a really quick sign up on a half sheet of paper and show your ID. There is a limit of 50 items checked out per card. (More restrictions on electronic media). There is a media lab on the lower floor, a copy center, a resource desk, 18 section, a children section, etc. A really great library and so glad I stopped by to sign up for a card finally