The Brief

Santa Ana Main Library will close to the public starting June 20 as the library is set to undergo extensive renovations. It is slated to reopen early 2026.

The revamp of the library will result in a new children’s area, a space dedicated for teenagers on the second floor and a refurbished patio area with amphitheater style seating and reading nooks. The 1960 building’s Italian marble facade will also be restored.

Library services during the closure

Santa Ana’s other library, the Newhope library branch, will extend its hours for the time being, adding eight additional hours each week.

Additionally, library services such as borrowing and returning books will also be added to community centers in the city. TeenTime, the Santa Ana Public Library program, aimed at creating a safe space for teenagers to do their homework or just hang out will also be available at some of the community centers.

Patrons can also access library services via Knowledge Mobile, which travels around the city offering programs as well as access to books and other learning materials. For their complete schedule, click here.

Library access in Santa Ana

Santa Ana is Orange County’s second most populous city but is home to just the main library and the Newhope Branch Library. In contrast, Anaheim, the county’s most populated city, has seven libraries. According to the latest available state data, Santa Ana’s main library had over 92,000 visits from July 2021 to June 2022.

The city is set to open a new library branch — with 2,500 square feet — inside the Delhi Center later this year. According to a 2022 staff report, residents in the Delhi neighborhood “have minimal access to library services” since there is no library branch in the south part of Santa Ana. Library services will include STEM and robotics programs specifically aimed towards neurodivergent children, an outdoor learning area as well as programs to help students with homework.

An outdoor branch of the library will also open at Jerome Park early next year. The library will operate on a self service model with 400 items including books and movies available to check out. The space will also have outdoor seating and offer Wi-Fi and will include programs for children as well as seniors.