IRVINE WELCOMES RETURN OF KATIE WHEELER LIBRARY

Written by Maggie Luy

‍Leaves scattered in the wind while a barbershop quartet sang tunes ranging from old classics to modern hits. Nearby, families gathered around checkerboards and beanbag toss as children reached for juice boxes and cookies.

This scene welcomes visitors outside the Katie Wheeler Library grand opening on March 7.

Inside the repurposed library, visitors filled the building from entrance to checkout desks. Children stacked books into their parents’ arms while others lined up to collect free postcards and tote bags.

Tables around the room offered activities for all ages. Guests joined a scavenger hunt or created butterfly crafts with scissors and supplies set out for the event.

Though the building itself did not undergo structural changes, the library introduced a new book collection and turned the former staff workspace into an area for public programming. Principal Librarian for Digital Services, April Lammers, said the updates are committed to Irvine’s values and responsive to the public.

“There are things that we've been hearing from our residents and that we have included in this. Making sure that we have community languages in our collection, library of things, items for programming, and events,” Lammers said. “Those are all things that we've had community meetings about, and we really try and get people from our community, so those are direct responses to that.”

Katie Wheeler Library became part of the Irvine Public Library system on Jan 1. The transition followed Heritage Park and University Park libraries, which joined the city system in August 2025.

The grand opening celebrated the next phase of the historic space. The library preserves the look of the Irvine family ranch home while introducing updated resources for community learning and connection.

Even before the library switched over, Amie Hitchens, 35, and her two sons were excited for the reopening. Returning for the celebration, the family piled their ‘to be read’ list. Hitchens expressed that the library’s cozy atmosphere has always made it a favorite place for her family. Her approach to limiting screens at home reflects why she encourages reading.

“If you start the habit young, they're not expecting screens anymore, and they turn to books when they're bored, or they'll play by themselves,” Hitchens said. “People just feel that imagination piece is so crucial.”