Mission Viejo Library Celebrates 25 Years!

Forever Fine Free

As the Mission Viejo Library celebrates 25 years since its grand opening, we are entering a new era of library service. Beginning October 1, all library late fines will be permanently eliminated. What does this mean for our patrons?

No new overdue fines will be charged to library patrons
Existing overdue fines have been waived
The library will still charge for lost or damaged items
Items will be considered lost when they are 30 days overdue

We invite all of our patrons to return to the library with any outstanding overdue loans free of charge.

Why eliminate fines?

In 2016, the Mission Viejo Library implemented more user-friendly policies to remove barriers to library service. Our goal was to increase usage of the library collection and services and maximize the number of people in our community who could benefit from our offerings. These policies included automatic renewal of items with no holds and increasing the number of renewals allowed. Those practices were successful. Far fewer patrons accrued fines, and library usage skyrocketed. Annual circulation went from 780,000 to 1.2 million in just a couple of years.

Elimination of overdue fines is a natural continuation of these user-friendly policies. Libraries that have implemented fine-free policies typically see a 200 percent increase or greater in lost materials returned to the library.

Questions?

If you have questions about the fine-free policy, see the FAQ section on the library website, or feel free to call the library or talk to any staff members at the checkout desk. Happy reading!

Mission Viejo Library 25th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser - October 7

Mark your calendar for Friday, October 7 at 6 pm for the Friends of the Library's gala fundraiser. The Mission Viejo Library opened to the public on October 27, 1997. The nonprofit Friends of the Library has supported the library since day one - from helping to shelve the collection for opening day and providing volunteer support for programs to raising more than $3 million in funding to support library services over the past 25 years.

The Friends of the Library is an all-volunteer organization with nearly no overhead, so virtually every dollar the organization brings in goes directly to support library collections and programs. The members' support is essential to our operations. They have funded a significant portion of the library's collection as well as sponsored programs like the prestigious Writers Present series, Summer Reading Programs, and many more. Thanks to the group's support, the Storytime Room was refurbished in 2012, and the library's 20th anniversary celebration took place in 2017. This group consists of an amazing and dedicated group of volunteers!

Adults 18 and older are invited to join us for a delightful and festive evening celebrating the Friends of the Library's contributions to our community with food, drinks, music and more. Tickets are $75 or $125 for a pair. The first 75 tickets purchased will receive a special event gift. Tickets are on sale September 1 at Eventbrite.

Get ready to party like it's 1997! - October 15

In celebration of the library's 25th anniversary, families and patrons of all ages are invited to join us for a '90s Pop Party from 3-5 pm on Saturday, October 15. You've seen the fashion trends return - high-waist jeans, scrunchies, and fanny packs. It's time to dust off your wardrobe and show off how hip you are.

The event will boast 90s music (and an opportunity to showcase your singing talents), crafts, games, snacks, and fun. Share your 90s celebrity crush, test your memory with 90s trivia, and reminisce about the fun times of the 90s.

So, mark your calendar for October 15 and head to the library for a party like no other!

Writers Present Elementary and Middle School Authors Rex Ogle, Tracy Badua, and Alexandra Overy - October 23

Don't miss a special Writers Present with authors Rex Ogle, Tracy Badua, and Alexandra Overy at 2 pm on Sunday, October 23 at the Norman P. Murray Center.

The authors will discuss their latest releases followed by a book signing. Books will be available for purchase onsite from our partner Creating Conversations.

This free program is perfect for readers in elementary and middle school as there will also be fun Halloween-themed activities and crafts.

Library Local History Lecture being filmed for MVTV - October 27

Local historian and former Mayor Robert Breton will present an in-depth look at the history of the Mission Viejo Library at 6 pm on Thursday, October 27 in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 Civic Center.

He will discuss the library's inception, how it was constructed as well as revisit its 25 years of community service. No registration is necessary for this free program that caters to all ages.

This history lecture will be filmed for later viewing on MVTV. Please arrive on time and silence your mobile devices before entering the Council Chamber.

Library history and staff talent on display - now through November

The Mission Viejo Library has come a long way in its first 25 years. Enjoy a nostalgic look back at the library's inception and early days through an exhibit of rarely seen photographs and images that tell the story of the library's evolution.

In addition, check out a special staff art showcase featuring paintings, illustrations, and mixed-media pieces created by our talented library employees.

The library history exhibit and staff art showcase will be on display through the end of November. For more information, contact arts@cityofmissionviejo.org.