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Newport Beach Central Library

4.8
·281 reviews·Newport Beach, United States

A modern architectural gem offering vast collections, tech labs, and community programs, plus whimsical outdoor art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more seating

CrowdLow
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getlstd_property_photo

Newport Beach Central Library

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more seating

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern architectural gem offering vast collections, tech labs, and community programs, plus whimsical outdoor art.

4.8
(281 reviews)

"This is a beautiful local city library. The staff here have been nothing but kind and helpful to me."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Tips

Construction can impact parking; try the civic center structure or back entrance. :car:

💳 Get Your Library Card

California residents can sign up quickly for free access to all resources. :admission_tickets:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bunny Sculptures (Bunnyhenge)

Bunny Sculptures (Bunnyhenge)

Civic Center Park

Whimsical outdoor art installation that's a fun photo op and a unique surprise.

Reddit
Media & Tech Labs

Media & Tech Labs

Lower floor

Explore podcast studios, audio labs, and computer stations for creative projects.

Reddit+1
Extensive Collections

Extensive Collections

All floors

Discover vast selections of books, audiobooks, movies, music, and research materials.

Reddit+1
Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dogs

Various areas

Meet friendly therapy dogs during special reading sessions, a heartwarming experience.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Access

Parking can be tricky with construction, but there's a main lot, a civic center structure, and street parking. The west side offers shady bamboo patios with alternate entrances. Reddit+1

Library Card Requirements

You need to be a California resident to get a free library card. The sign-up is quick, but there are limits on checked-out items. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more seating
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What coffee shop should I check out next? @ #AerieREAL #orangecounty #wfh #workremote #oc #california #workfromhomelife #coworkspace #coworkspaces #newportbeach #Lifestyle #coffee #coffeetiktok #matchalatte #bluebottle #bluebottlecoffee #luxury #ocrealestate
@ashleyccoates
140K likes • 1.3M views

🚗 Parking Tips

Construction can impact parking; try the civic center structure or back entrance. Reddit+1 :car:

💳 Get Your Library Card

California residents can sign up quickly for free access to all resources. Reddit+1 :admission_tickets:

📍lido theater - newport beach, ca ⏰ open daily 7am-2pm 💵free movie showing WITH purchase of any cafe menu item the pop-up cafe at @The Lido Theater is such a fun unique spot! movie admission is free with any purchase of a cafe item, which can range anywhere from $3-$13. this spot keeps it relaxed, so they don’t post a fixed movie schedule. instead, movies are played on repeat 7am-2pm and you can...
@aadrianamarie
24.3K likes • 143.2K views
The City and Newport Beach Public Library Foundation recently celebrated the completion of the first phase of construction of Witte Hall, the civic auditorium being built near the Central Library. City Council members, Foundation board members, City officials and major donors to the Beyond Books campaign signed a steel beam that will "top off" the steel superstructure. The beam will be lifted in...
cityofnewportbeach
78 likes • 3.5K views

📱 Download the App

Manage renewals, reservations, and access resources easily from your phone. Reddit :iphone:

📚 Browse Used Books

Check out the Friends of the Library for great deals on used books and media. Reddit :books:

Harlow, Oski, and Holiday had a great time at Newport Beach Central Library. Thanks to the library for the cool video! #library #reading #readingdog #therapy #literacy #pug #blacklab #labrador #goldenretriever #careerchangedog #guidedogsofamerica
barktherapydogs
27 likes • 625 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Tips

Construction can impact parking; try the civic center structure or back entrance. Reddit+1 :car:

💳 Get Your Library Card

California residents can sign up quickly for free access to all resources. Reddit+1 :admission_tickets:

📱 Download the App

Manage renewals, reservations, and access resources easily from your phone. Reddit :iphone:

📚 Browse Used Books

Check out the Friends of the Library for great deals on used books and media. Reddit :books:

🚶‍♀️ West Side Entrance

Enjoy a shady bamboo patio and alternate entrances on the west side of the library. Reddit :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(281 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Newport Beach Central Library for its magnificent architecture, vast collections, and modern amenities like media labs and fast Wi-Fi. The helpful staff and clean environment contribute to a highly positive experience, making it a standout public facility. Some note parking can be challenging due to construction.

"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."

Angel Rincon

"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."

Paulin

"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 :)"

FairWinds OnBeam

What People Like

Magnificent architecture
Extensive collections
Modern tech labs

What People Dislike

Parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The library is located at 1000 Avocado Ave, Newport Beach, CA. You can drive and use the main parking lot or the civic center structure. The 1N OCTA bus route also drops you off on Avocado Street. Reddit+1

Yes, there's a main parking lot and an overflow parking structure at the civic center. Be aware of ongoing construction which may affect availability. Reddit+1

No, the Newport Beach Central Library is an independent city library and not part of the OCPL system. You'll need a separate Newport Beach library card. Reddit

Yes, the west side of the library features a shady bamboo patio with alternate entrances, offering a more serene approach. Reddit

The 1N OCTA bus route stops on Avocado Street, providing public transport access to the library. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

California residents can obtain a free library card by signing up with a quick process and showing ID. There are limits on the number of items you can check out. Reddit+1

No, the Newport Beach Central Library is a public facility and is free to enter and use for California residents with a library card. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, and it's best to check the official Newport Beach Public Library website for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and any special holiday closures. Reddit

Yes, private study rooms are available on the second floor and can be reserved in advance at the resource desk. Reddit

The library offers free Wi-Fi with fast internet and computers for borrowing. You'll need your library card number and password to log in. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the whimsical Bunnyhenge sculptures in Civic Center Park, the innovative media and tech labs, and the extensive book and media collections. InstagramReddit

The library has a dedicated children's section and often hosts events, including heartwarming therapy dog reading sessions. Instagram+1

You'll find plenty of seating areas throughout the library, including desks with power outlets and computer stations, as well as study tables on an outdoor deck. Reddit

Yes, with free Wi-Fi, ample seating, and a stimulating atmosphere, it's a great spot for remote work or study. TikTok

There is a scanner available on the second floor. Inquire at the resource desk for its exact location and usage. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a cafe located on the second floor, though its hours of operation may vary. Reddit

There are designated study/eating tables available, including an outdoor deck area, where you can enjoy refreshments. Reddit

Yes, the library is adjacent to a market area with eateries and a Bristol Farms market, offering various dining options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

General photography for personal use is usually permitted, but it's always best to check with staff if you plan on extensive shooting, especially with tripods or professional equipment. Instagram

The Bunnyhenge sculptures in Civic Center Park offer a unique outdoor photo opportunity. The library's architecture and panoramic views also provide scenic backdrops. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos of the therapy dogs during their visits, but always be respectful of the dogs, their handlers, and other library patrons. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Newport Beach Central Library is a fantastic destination for families. Kids will love the dedicated children's section and the chance to interact with therapy dogs during special reading programs. Instagram+1 Don't forget to explore the nearby Civic Center Park to see the fun Bunnyhenge sculptures – a unique outdoor art experience. Reddit

Parking can be a bit of a puzzle with construction, so plan ahead. The library offers plenty of space to explore, and the easy sign-up process for a free California resident library card means little ones can start borrowing books right away. Reddit+1

💻 Remote Workers & Students

For those seeking a productive environment, the Newport Beach Central Library is an excellent choice. It offers free, fast Wi-Fi, numerous study desks with power outlets, and borrowable computers. Reddit The academically stimulating atmosphere and spacious layout make it ideal for focused work or study sessions. Reddit

Consider utilizing the private study rooms for more concentrated work, which can be reserved in advance. The library's app also streamlines tasks like renewals, allowing you to stay in the zone without interruption. Reddit

📚 Book Lovers & Researchers

This library is a paradise for bibliophiles and researchers alike. Beyond its vast collection of books, audiobooks, and movies, the Newport Beach Central Library provides access to specialized research materials and a media lab for creative projects. Reddit+1

Take advantage of the Friends of the Library section for incredible deals on used books and media. The helpful staff at the resource desk can assist with locating specific items or navigating the library's extensive digital resources. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Collections and Resources

The Newport Beach Central Library boasts an impressive array of resources beyond just books. Visitors can explore extensive collections of audiobooks, movies (DVD/Blu-ray), and music CDs. For those interested in research or creative pursuits, the library offers specialized areas like a media lab and podcast studios, equipped with computers and audio equipment. Reddit+1

The library also provides access to research materials and a copy center. A significant benefit for patrons is the availability of borrowable computers and fast, free Wi-Fi, making it an ideal spot for students, remote workers, and anyone needing digital access. The staff is known for being helpful in guiding visitors to the right resources. Reddit

For those looking to enhance their digital library experience, downloading the library app is highly recommended. It allows for easy self-service renewals, reservations for audiobooks and other media, and convenient access to your account. Reddit

Navigating Parking and Access

Accessing the Newport Beach Central Library can involve a bit of planning, especially due to ongoing construction. The primary parking is a lot located to the immediate left of the market area. There's also an overflow parking structure at the civic center to the rear. Reddit+1

Tips for parking: Be prepared for the civic center structure to be at 80-90% capacity. The library's back entrance is accessible from the ground-level corner by the EV charging station. For a more pleasant approach, consider using the west side of the library, which features a shady bamboo patio with alternate entrances. Reddit

Public transport is also an option. The 1N OCTA bus route stops on the Avocado Street west side, with a small bridge leading to the library's southwest corner. Reddit

Community and Special Programs

The Newport Beach Central Library is more than just a repository of books; it's a vibrant community hub. The library frequently hosts events, including author talks like the one featuring Bonnie Garmus. Instagram It also offers unique programs such as therapy dog reading sessions, where children can practice their reading skills with friendly canine companions. Instagram+1

Adjacent to the library is the Civic Center Park, which houses the famous Bunnyhenge display – a collection of whimsical bunny sculptures that serve as a delightful outdoor art installation and a popular spot for photos. Reddit

The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting the library, contributing to projects like the construction of Witte Hall, a civic auditorium near the Central Library. Instagram

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