Henry Miller Memorial Library, Big Sur CA

Years ago I dwelt in a cardboard box in a charming little village outside of Paris, a devout practitioner of ‘hyper-rhizomatic absurdist haiku, ’ which originated with the blistering literary mind of Jean-Paul de Knutzsacht in the 1960s. My most anthologized piece being,

cigarette flap jack
raining within gardenias
lugubrious hole.

I decided my haiku required a tinge of Beat Americana to round them properly, so I ended up, after a forty week hitch-hiking expedition, in Big Sur. Oh, the jagged stone! Oh, the ocean’s relentless tides! While hallucinogenically bounding about the area I discovered the Henry Miller Library, a peaceful slice of the passion pie. Situated among the towering trees and cool breezes this bookshop will astound in its selection of titles of profundity available for purchase, including most, if not all, of Henry Miller’s works. I highly recommend this beautiful bookshop.

Come here every visit to big sur. A lovely place to sit and read and experience the property. Love the art and bookstore.

What an amazing find. The place is so peaceful and beautifully decorated. There are places to sit and read. At the rear of the cottage/library is a little stream and the sound of running water makes the place even more magical. Definitely recommend a visit! They also have a good collection of books:)

Such a cute place with so much character and history! We stopped by on a road trip, and ended up staying longer than expected, just checking out the art, looking through the books, and enjoying nature

A unique book store that is in the middle of the woods. There is a hammock swing that is so calming to sit on. There is an adorable library cat walking around rubbing on your legs. Definitely a cool stop to visit in HWY 1

This is quite an interesting library/bookstore. Everyone should go check it out. They also have some very interesting book collections as well. I waited for them to open before heading there. They are closed on Tuesday.

Weird spot with books hanging in bags much like goldfish at a state fair. While a beautiful natural location, there seems to be all sorts of garbage strewn about under the guise of “art”. Piles of trash litter the front garden. With a little more respect for the natural environment and maintenance of the place, as well as a bit more respect for the books in the bags, this place could be a neat spot. For now it’s nearly a tourist trap disguised as “Beat”

Cool place. Almost like a literary gift shop for Big Sur's alternative and Beat scene. Live music on select nights in a hip venue.

Had a nice time here for the annual food and wine festival, however they allowed way too many people in and the space was so cramped for the crowd and all the vendors. It was almost like everyone was on top of each other, making it hard to maneuver. Also there wasn’t enough spots for people to sit down to eat and drink. They need to either limit the amount of people they let in or move the event to a bigger venue next time. Lastly it was a wine and swine event, however we were told their would be other non pork options, including vegetarian items. There was only a few options, therefore one of us wasn’t able to eat much. If we are paying about $145 a ticket for an event, would’ve expected more and the event should have been better coordinated.

We park on the 1 and walk in through an open gate in the 8ft fence. Last night’s festivities are being loaded up on the open lawn. In front of us is a low slung cabin, wide and relaxed, inviting. Books hang from the eves, a whimsical remnant of the pandemic when no one went inside. They hang from trees too, wrapped in plastic and available for purchase. The library itself is a bookstore with quotes and old movie posters and photos and letters framed. Miscellanies in the best sense. I wander the small room in three circles, pausing with a different book each time. Tempted to purchase. Instead, I chat with the owner and the show presenter putting on a sold out concert tonight. They agree to sell me a door ticket four hours before doors and I leave delighted, excited to be back in a few hours for live music. I return in the late afternoon to the open lawn transfigured by rugs and camp mats and camp chairs, tables adorned with flower. The stage is flower lined and a whole band is set up. Alone, I mingle and meet people, easily and quickly feeling a part of this gathered community of big surites and Bay Area fans. A space of beauty.

I Loved reading the Henry Miller letters, articles and quotes pasted around. I stood outside the bathroom at the back reading Pico Iyer’s 1991 profile of the man who the space memorializes. For book lovers and curios. For wanderers needing a tree rimmed break from the highway and the gathered hordes in the state park parking lots.

I’m wondering what Big Sur was like before we all started “doing it for the gram” and stopped coming to it the peace and silence and solitude of the cliffs and the ocean. At The Henry Miller Library I caught a glimpse.

The REAL art and literature center of Big Sur. I helped found HML in 1983. It's now led by the very creative and up-beat director, Magnus Toren. Don't miss it!

Nice little bookstore with some very interesting art around their lot. Super welcoming and unique.

A very special place and always worth a visit:) the bookstore is full of both standard bookshelves and single books hanging around in plastic bags. There are a few interesting pieces of art. And, often, there are visiting artists playing music. The most peaceful vibes imaginable! Visit to reset your brain.