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    Henry Miller Memorial Library

    4.1 (77 reviews)
    PriceyBookstores
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    6/18/23
    Ann L.

    Checked out Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur Sun 6/18/23. It's a small bookstore with some art outside. There's two gates, enter on the Left one. When I went the right one was for a wedding setting up with signs not to block the entrance. We looked around and took pics. I didn't buy any books, I have tons at home. There is a bathroom inside the store that I used. There are sex scene drawings on the tile by the sink, Aiya!

    Bf got my this John Steinbeck book
    Annie K.

    Stopped by along our drive up to Big Sur. They were having a book signing with an author when we arrived. They have restrooms u can use and.. this is not a library but a book store! My bf got me a John Steinbeck book i wanted. The vibe is cool.. artsy and a memorial of the author Henry Miller. This place is interesting to check out if ur interested!

    I am obsessed with public libraries and bookstores. They are some of my favorite pass times. And so while I was on a trip with my family, this spot caught my eye during the drive. The only con is the parking space is kinda tight. If there wasn't an available spot when I swung by, I probably would have kept on driving ahead as I don't believe this place is worth the time to wait for parking. As the library isn't that big anyways, but it is well kept and clean. It has a cozy charm to it that I would expect to find in storybooks. The worker was also friendly and very helpful as he answered any questions customers had. He even told us a couple of stories about the place that left us entertained. Overall, a very welcoming place and I'm glad that I stopped by. They also offered an interesting selection of books, but I didn't buy any as I have too many at home. Maybe next time after I donate some I no longer read.

    Stan W.

    Very cool library/bookstore in Big Sur. I've always wanted to stop here on my drive up and down the Pacific coast highway and finally had some time to do it. It's definitely a quirky place. As someone who enjoys a more radical-left reading selection, I found a certain affinity with the library. The outside of the store is very artsy. There is a stage where I would assume local events and films are shown. If I lived in Big Sur, I'd definitely come here often.

    Shane S.

    ...in Big Sur we take some time to linger on ---Red Hot Chili Peppers My beloved and I recently went on a road trip to Big Sur. One of the highlights of that trip was the Henry Miller Memorial Library. I became a fan of Henry Miller more than 20 years ago after reading the phenomenal "Tropic of Cancer". He wrote it in Paris and it was banned in the USA so folks including sailors had to smuggle it in. Now it is a classic. If you aren't familiar with it check it out. The Henry Miller library isn't so much a library as it is a small yet awesome well curated bookstore. As we entered the bookstore there was live music playing outside the bookstore and folks dancing along with dogs. Outside the bookstore are stellar books sealed in plastic on display like looking at a museum of the GOAT (Greatest of all time) books. Inside the bookstore is a small yet awesome collection of Henry Miller books along with several other genres of literature, poetry, spiritual books etc. There is no filler here. The staff aka a kind gentleman who lived in a solar home in Big Sur was awesome and genuine. Hearing him tell stories of Henry Miller, Big Sur, and life was a highlight of our trip here besides the nature vistas of cliffs meet rugged coast of CA which is an A+ If in Big Sur visit here and pick up a copy of Henry Miller's "Tropic of Cancer".

    Evangelene G.

    I wasn't sure about this, but we decided to check it out. It's pretty cool, you walk in and it's books, art and nature. The books along the path are protected in plastic and available for sale. There are tables full of books for sale as well. Quite overwhelming unless you are looking for something in particular. Since it's Henry Miller's Library, check out Tropic of Cancer or Tropic of Capricorn. I loved how it's surrounded by nature. There's a space set up for a stage and when we were there, they were setting up for a private event later that evening. It's also pet friendly!

    Ginny R.

    I've been coming here for years + each visit is special. LOVE that they have clean, public restrooms + that they're pet friendly! Already planning my next trip :)

    Henry miller memorial library
    Rocky B.

    Nice spot to check out in Big Sur. I thought it was a library but it's an indoor/outdoor book store decorated with books. I'm the middle of nature, this bookstore is a treasure. If visiting, this is always a great place to check out.

    Laura G.

    I had heard about this as a place to stop near Big Sur but didn't know exactly what it was (is it a library or event space?-- answer: it's actually a bookstore, event space, and more). It's a very convenient stop off highway 1, so really no extra effort to stop by. It was so peaceful and quiet, a good place to meditate for a bit. I loved looking through the books displayed on the tables and the works of art that were displayed throughout the outdoor space.

    John N.

    "Closed for Private Event Open tomorrow 11am-5pm." From Thursday afternoon to Sunday at 11am this sign was posted outside of the Henry Miller Memorial Library. After driving over 200 miles to take-in the inspiration of this place, and view some of the writer's watercolors, I was devastated. Imagine the incongruity of selling access to a place founded in such stark contrast to the discriminatory financial hustles of this world, and who's namesake made cruel sport of unscrupulous patrons of the artworld. On the non-profit's booking website one of the descriptions actually reads, "An incredible redwood grove to act as your playground." (A bit on HM and how if he was alive would have really puffed his cheeks at this.) Throughout the writer's travels, conversations, feasts, dreams, escapades, etc. the reader is treated to some of the most insightful and gut-wrenching prose ever produced. Hypocrisies are circumscribed during midnight walks along the financial district. Clarity is achieved at the cafes and dance halls and on threadbare canvases which affirm again and again the absolute necessity of great art. And access to it. On the library's website it reads, "The Henry Miller Library guarantees all guests the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn." I'll let you fill-in the snarky bit to add after the word learn. When a place such as this, established in tribute to a truly sublime spirit, is only available for a $2000.00 fee, well it does seem reasonable to question their 501 (c) nonprofit status.

    Entrance
    Shayer S.

    Magical peaceful sanctuary. Not really a library, more like a bookstore frequented by the free spirited. Looks like there's live music and concerts some days. Say hi to Theo if he's not napping.

    Outside

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    On one of our laps, I see a sign on front of a wooden fence, with "Henry Miller Library" neatly lettered on it.

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    Downtown Book & Sound - Downtown book and Sound is just up a block from the theater.

    Downtown Book & Sound

    4.2(30 reviews)
    31.9 mi
    $

    This occurred on January 25, 2026 at around 3 pm…read more It genuinely saddens me to say this--and I've never done this before--but today I had to walk out of a bookstore after what I witnessed. I want to be clear that this is not about the entire staff. There is usually an older gentleman who works there who is consistently kind, welcoming, and genuinely respectful. This experience, however, was about one employee an older white woman. T fact that a space claiming to be anti-racist would allow this kind of behavior at all.For a store that loudly claims to stand for community uplift and justice, you should truly practice what you preach. While I was there, there was a conversation happening on the couches. We didnt care that we werent greeted that it until a different demographic walked in a bit after us. One of thise store staff (older white woman) attended to them right away and warmly engaged with those customers ( a white man and his asain gf)--making conversation, laughing, even giving their dog a treat--yet completely ignored the brown people in the store. You can tell the guys were totally all for us versus that couple and we were not the only brown people in the store. She ignored. We decided to leave and even walked directly in front of her, clearly visible, hoping she would say something as simple as "hello" or "Are you finding everything okay?"--and she said nothing. No acknowledgment. No basic courtesy. What made it even more sad was overhearing conversations about European immigrants and their struggles, all while brown customers were being dismissed in real time. She kept talking to these super star customers about restaurants and casual topics, yet not even offering basic acknowledgment to brown customers. That's not accidental--that's bias and micro agression. I've given this store many chances, but that blatant prejudice was the final straw. Shame on her. All customer should be acknowledged the same. your space it is meant to be inclusionary, but you just make it seem exclusionary to those that do not look like you..

    I love books so I obviously love bookstores…read more This is a nice sized bookstore with lots of books. I was confused about how the books were organized. It can be hard to find a book, but the owner will help you if you need it. Prices seem comparable to other used bookstores. I did not buy anything because I am on a no-buy but I would recommend stopping in here if you're a bookworm like me.

    Photos
    Downtown Book & Sound - Interior

    Interior

    Downtown Book & Sound - Interesting proverb within

    Interesting proverb within

    Downtown Book & Sound - I found some fun books

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    I found some fun books

    Henry Miller Memorial Library - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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