The picturesque entrance enhances the mystery-feel.

Books aren’t the only items residents and visitors can find at the Mission Viejo Library. The library itself has all kinds of interesting factoids that you might have overlooked in recent years.

For instance, according to Mission Viejo lore and history, the beautiful fountain that is the centerpiece of the Civic Center Courtyard was created to replicate the Aguaje del Cuate (Twin Springs) that once flowed near the water company facility at the southeast corner of Oso Parkway and Cabot Road. The springs were once the best-known natural landmark between Los Angeles and San Diego. A horse change station for the Seeley and Wright Stageline Co. once operated next to the springs.

There’s also a California Live Oak growing near the library entrance. What makes it special is that the tree is considered a historical native tree and is the official tree of the City of Mission Viejo. A historical marker at the base of the tree provides background information about it.

Immediately inside the library entrance, is a library reading area. It was designed to replicate an early Southern California home. Natural materials such as wood and stone are featured in the room, a wagon wheel light hangs from the ceiling and there is a fireplace.

On the north end of the library, is the Children’s Department. Walls leading to the Children’s Room have reproductions of the many types of fossils that have been found in Mission Viejo.

The Children’s Room is a round room known as the Wickiup. It replicates a Gabriellino Native American home. A rounded ceiling features celestial constellations that might have been viewed by early Orange County people. On the east side of the room is a window with printed words that tell an old tale about a little boy and an olive seed.

A reading porch runs along the east side (Marguerite Parkway) side of the building. From the porch, library patrons can see Saddleback Mountain off in the distance. Saddleback Mountain was considered sacred to early peoples according to history.