Established in 1919, the district operates the main Buena Park Library at 7150 La Palma Avenue and provides library materials, educational programs, and public access services to residents of its service area.[3]
History
The district began as a town library comprised primarily of donated books in 1905.[2] Following an election in 1919, the Buena Park Library District was founded after petitioning from the Buena Park Women's Club.[1] The need for library services in the area preceded the founding of the city of Buena Park, which was later incorporated in 1953.[2] Prior to its formal establishment, library services in Buena Park were provided through donated collections and temporary locations beginning in the early 20th century.[1]
The library operated from several locations before construction of a permanent facility. In 1967, voters approved a bond measure to fund a new library building.[1] Following having several locations, its current facility opened in 1969. The building was designed by William Pereira & Associates.[1][4]
The building underwent a $434,000 renovation to remove asbestos and interior updates in 1987.[5]
In 1994, the district conducted a study on whether to consolidate with either the city of Buena Park, become a dependent district of Buena Park, or merge with the Orange County Public Library.[6] The study concluded that the potential consolidation options should be dismissed and the district should remain independent.[2][7]
During the 1994 Orange County bankruptcy, a quarter of the district's budget was frozen due to being in the county's bankrupt investment pool.[8] Trustees alleged the library director withheld financial information and filed a complaint with the Orange County Grand Jury.
Sometime between 2005 and 2023[9], and following Orange County LAFCO's 2005 Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Study, the boundaries of the district changed to remove portions that were in the cities of Anaheim, Fullerton, and La Palma, each of which either have their own city library or are part of the county system. The boundaries were also expanded to include portions of the city of Buena Park which were not previously included within the district.
In 2020, the library discontinued the use of overdue fines.[10]
Governance
The Buena Park Library District is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees elected by residents of the district. Trustees serve four-year terms and are responsible for establishing policy, approving the budget, and overseeing library operations.[3] Beginning in 2021, the directors were elected by geographic district, rather than at-large, after being threatened by a lawsuit from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.[11] The district operates under provisions of the California Education Code governing independent library districts.[3]
The library is administered by a Library Director, who manages daily operations and staff. As of 2025, the director is Helen Medina.[12]
The current members of the Board are:
Board Member
Division
Last election
Term ends
Carole Jensen
1
2024
2028
Brenda Estrada
2
2022
2026
Richard Rams
3
2022
2026
Christian Quintero
4
2024
2028
Vacant
5
N/A
2028
Location and facilities
The Buena Park Library is located at 7150 La Palma Avenue in Buena Park, California. The facility provides public parking and is accessible to patrons with disabilities.[13]
According to published hours, the library is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays and designated holidays.[13]
Collections and services
Directory data indicate that the Buena Park Library maintains a collection of approximately 123,399 volumes and reports an annual circulation exceeding 333,000 items. The district serves a population of roughly 82,767 residents.[14]
Library materials include books, audiobooks, magazines, and DVDs, as well as digital resources such as eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming media available to cardholders.[3] The library provides public computers, free Wi-Fi, printing and scanning services, and access to online databases.[15]
Programs and community engagement
The Buena Park Library District offers programs for children, teens, and adults, including storytimes, literacy activities, book clubs, and special events.[16] The library also partners with local organizations to host community services such as cooling centers, voter registration assistance, blood drives, and summer meal programs.[1]
The district participates in regional digital lending platforms, providing access to eBooks and audiobooks through services such as OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla.[17]
Library card and usage
Library cards are available free of charge to residents of the district and surrounding areas upon presentation of valid identification, with parental consent required for minors.[15] A valid library card allows borrowing of physical materials and access to digital resources. Loan periods vary by material type, with most books and audiobooks loaned for three weeks and DVDs loaned for one week, subject to renewal if items are not reserved by other patrons.[15]
↑"Digital Library". Buena Park Library District. Retrieved 23 December 2025.
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