Katie Wheeler Library Reopens
Irvine Mayor Larry Agran speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the Katie Wheeler Library on March 7.
Photo credit: Linda Liu
Many new and longtime patrons of the Katie Wheeler Library have been anticipating the reveal of its new appearance. After approximately eight months of renovations, the library is finally reopening for the Irvine community. On the morning of March 7, the ribbon cutting ceremony was performed with many Irvinites in the audience.
Chris Slama, Director of Community and Library Services for the City of Irvine, kicked off the opening ceremony. The Katie Wheeler Library is now the third branch of the Irvine Public Library system. The public library team, led by City Librarian Julie Zeoli, spent many months working in preparation for the remodeling of the library space to help bring it back to life. They dedicated their time to developing engaging programs for Irvinites. Many city departments and divisions were also acknowledged for their efforts: Public Works and Facilities, Communications and Engagement, Human Resources, Finance, Administrative Services, Information Technology, and Community and Library Services team.
“We are proud to welcome residents back to this cherished space,” Slama said.
In his speech, Irvine Mayor Larry Agran introduced Vice Mayor James Mai and the council members present: Melinda Liu, William Go, Betty Martinez Franco, and Kathleen Treseder. Also in attendance were James Irvine Swinden, Susan Irvine, and Jim Irvine. The Irvine family holds many historical documents in connection with the Irvine Ranch.
Agran shared his hopes that the library will “figure out a way of working this out so that those documents, that history, remain here on the ranch, in our library system, and part of the heritage that we all enjoy.”
Last year, Irvine left the OC Public Libraries. The city has negotiated a deal with the county for establishing and taking over its own library system in order to enhance and expand it. Following the Heritage Park and University Park libraries, the Katie Wheeler Library became the third library to transition to the Irvine Public Library system on January 1st.
Melinda Liu, who is the city council member for District 1, extended her appreciation to the staff once again and expressed her excitement for the grand reopening during her speech. She revealed the process of shelving 30,000 books across diverse genres by the library staff and their dedication to finalizing the transition.
“This library is woven into the fabric of our community,” Liu said. “As you will see when you step inside, we have been committed to preserving the building's historic charm while creating a refreshing, welcoming space.”
The interior of the Katie Wheeler Library maintained original historical elements through its designs. Photographs reveal the history of the Irvine family. Rows of bookshelves line the corridors and spaces with tables and chairs provide seating for those who wish to study, read, or simply rest. For the ribbon cutting ceremony, spaces in the library were also reserved for activities such as crafts, and a scavenger hunt was held for the patrons.
Kathleen Treseder, Irvine’s councilmember at-large, shared the story of Katie Wheeler growing up here under the care of James Irvine II. Helene Wheeler, Katie Wheeler’s daughter, was also in the audience.
Treseder wrapped up the opening speech with a final recognition for the Irvine family, “Your presence is a meaningful reminder of the history that shaped this place and the legacy that continues within it.”
For those who love immersing themselves in books or historical spaces, the Katie Wheeler Library is a tailor-made space that welcomes all Irvinites. Ultimately, the addition of the Katie Wheeler Library to the Irvine Public Library system is a great cause of celebration and leaves room to anticipate future library events for the city of Irvine.
