Author: ICNV Staff

Under the previous library system, Irvine taxpayers were contributing roughly $17 million annually to the Orange County Public Libraries (OCPL). However, the libraries operated by OCPL in Irvine were receiving only $5 million annually in services, with Irvine residents being underserved by the City’s three small libraries.

Over the past several months, the City of Irvine has been working in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Agency to establish an official passport acceptance facility at City Hall (1 Civic Center Plaza).

As part of this new program, residents can apply for a passport book or a passport card without leaving Irvine. The City is also offering on-site passport photos so that residents can complete a full passport application or simply have a passport photo taken.

Due to its popularity and increasing ridership, the shuttle service is now permanent and additional routes have been added to reach even more Irvine neighborhoods.

The program has proven to be especially helpful for students traveling to and from school and for seniors who need to get to medical appointments and shopping centers.

Today, Irvine’s parks are ranked No. 1 in California and No. 2 in America according to the Trust for Public Land. And 94% of our residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

The City is now working to implement Mayor Agran’s latest tree project — the Irvine Urban Forest Master Plan.

Now, the Irvine Public Library has launched its “Library of Things” collection, which allows community members to check out a variety of items for free with their Irvine Public Library card.

Residents who need something for a one-time project or want to try a new hobby can borrow the item from the library rather than purchasing it. Items include musical instruments, tools, gadgets, games, electronics, and more.