Newport Beach Library
Home MenuAbout
The Newport Beach Public Library is the cultural heart of the community, serving more than one million patrons each year. We are an essential provider of books, information, and technology, through the Central Library and our three branches: Mariners, Balboa, and Corona del Mar.
Hours and Locations
Addresses, phone numbers, maps, and hours for NBPL locations
How to Get a Library Card
Information about getting a card
About Newport Beach
General information about the City of Newport Beach
History of the Newport Beach Public Library
The Newport Beach Public Library has a long history of service to the community
Board of Library Trustees
Information about the governing board of the library
Library Policies
Rules for using the Newport Beach Public Library
Literacy Services
Project Adult Literacy is located on the lower level of the Central Library, and provides services for adults seeking to improve their English reading and writing skills
Cultural Arts
The Cultural Arts Division of the Newport Beach Public Library, with guidance and support by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission, brings cultural and arts programming to the community
Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library fund children's programs, Sunday Musicales, and other library programs through used book sales and donations
NBPL Foundation
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation funds valuable library resources and services, and presents a variety of literary programs design to engage the community
News & Press
News releases, facts & figures, photos, and other information helpful in preparing articles about NBPL and upcoming events
Contact Us
Get in touch with us via email, phone, or mail
Spotlight on Science: From Molecules to Mankind: Tracing Life's Origins
Irene Chen, PhD
- Date: 10/08/2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Location: OASIS Senior Center
801 Narcissus Avenue
Corona del Mar, California 92625
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation is pleased to present a new program that features extraordinary and renowned scientists who will shed light on innovative and exciting research in the sciences. This season's Spotlight on Science will focus on artificial intelligence and the latest scientific research.
From Molecules to Mankind: Tracing Life's Origins
Irene Chen PhD.
Professor - Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UCLA
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 7:00pm
Doors open at 6:30pm
Register for free: https://nbplf.foundation/programs/spotlight-on-science/
The origin of life is a captivating scientific mystery that has intrigued researchers for centuries. It refers to the process by which life began on Earth, transitioning from simple organic molecules to complex living organisms. Dr. Chen will provide insight into how life may have originated; its processes as well as the latest findings from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft which was packed with life’s building blocks.
Dr. Chen is a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles. She received a B.A. in chemistry and an M.D.-Ph.D. in biophysics from Harvard. She has received the Searle Scholar award, NIH New Innovator award, and the David White award for outstanding contribution in astrobiology. She has been a Simons Investigator for the Collaboration on the Origin of Life since 2013.
QUESTIONS
Contact programs@nbplf.foundation or 949-717-3892
The upcoming construction of Witte Hall will temporarily disrupt parking in the main lot of the Central Library with limited spaces available. There are additional parking located in the Civic Center parking structure.