Library Services

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit the library?

The Library is least busy during the morning and early afternoon.  If your schedule is flexible, this is the best time to come because you will encounter shorter lines and receive faster service.

How busy has the library been?

Library statistics for FY 2006-2007:
Total circulation: 738,456
Total borrowers: 136,936
Number of information/reference questions answered: 96,653
Number of volunteer hours donated: 20,490
Number of new items added to collection: 18,576

Do I need a card to use the Mission Viejo Library?

Yes. A Mission Viejo Library card is required to use the Internet, or to check out materials from the Mission Viejo Library.  Click here to learn more about applying for a card or to print off an application form.

How do I apply for a Mission Viejo Library card?

In general Mission Viejo Library cards are free and are available to all regardless of where they live in California. Residents of Huntington Beach and Santa Ana are charged $25 per year for a library card.

To apply for a card, adults must show valid identification, provide a current mailing address and telephone number, and accept responsibility for borrowed materials.  Click here to learn more about applying for a card or to print off an application form.

With the permission and signature of a parent or guardian, children under the age of 18 may apply for their own library cards. Parents or guardians can indicate on the library card application form that they give their children permission to use the Internet.

What should I do if I lost my Mission Viejo Library card?

If you lose your Mission Viejo Library card, please report it to the library staff as soon as possible at (949) 830-7100, extension 5101.  Replacement cards may be purchased for $2.00 each.

How many books may I check out?

You may check out up to thirty (30) items at any one time on your Mission Viejo Library card.  There is a limit of 3 items per subject per family. For a more detailed list, look at our Lending Policy. 

How long may I keep the materials I have checked out?

Most books and audiovisual materials may be kept for up to three (3) weeks. New books may be kept for two (2) weeks; educational & feature films, music cd's and magazines for one (1) week, Rental DVDs may be checked out for two (2) days, entertainment DVDs may be kept for one week. If you find that you need to keep materials you have checked out beyond the date on which they are due, you may renew the items in person or by telephone. Again, this question can be answered more completely in our Lending Policy.

Does the Mission Viejo Library charge fines?

To encourage prompt return of borrowed materials, the Mission Viejo Library charges a small fine for materials that are kept beyond the date due and not renewed.  These fines are as follows: 
Feature films--$2.00 per day 
Education videos--$1.00 per day 
Materials for adults--25 cents per day 
Materials for children--25 cents per day 

How many items does the Mission Viejo Library collection contain and how do I find the materials I want?

The Mission Viejo Library collection includes more than 150,000 items, and new materials are being added each week.  To find the materials you want, you may use the library's Public Access Catalog (PAC).  If you have a Mission Viejo Library card, you may also reserve materials on the PAC.  Reserving items can only be done from the catalog computers within the library.

How can I check my library record for materials out, fines, and items on hold?

We have an automated phone system which will let you check you library card from home.  By calling our TRANSaction system at (949) 855-8068, a distinguished, authoritative voice will lead you through a menu system to see what items are checked out, on hold, overdue, and what fines you might have on your card.  You will also be able to renew your items using this system. 

You may also access information about your fines, holds requests, and more via the My Account tab in online catalog.  Click here to access the catalog and your library account online.

How can I place a hold on an item from home?

You can call our Reference Desk at (949) 830-7100 ext. 5105 and a librarian can place a hold with your library card number or you can access the library catalog here.

Holds may not be placed on non-circulating Reference materials, or on entertainment DVDs and VHS videos.

What other special services are available at the Mission Viejo Library?

Please visit our Library Services page to review what other special services the Mission Viejo Library provides.  You can also visit our Tour page.

How is the Mission Viejo Library supported?

The day-to-day operations of the Mission Viejo Library are paid for by property tax dollars.  In addition, the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library raises money to purchase materials, fund subscriptions, sponsor programs, and meet other special library needs.

How can I make a donation to the Mission Viejo Library?

Donations can be made in honor or in memory of a loved one or friend.   Donations can also be made in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, or other special event.  All donations are tax-deductible and acknowledged.  Please contact the Library Director at (949) 830-7100 ext. 3076 for further details and instructions.

How can I find out more about the library?

We have just inaugurated a convenient monthly e-mail newsletter to notify you about events and services going on at the library. This is the best way to automatically find out about all the library has to offer. To subscribe, please click here.