henry miller memorial library

It is worth stopping to see the Henry Miller Memorial Library at least once if you are in the area. We have been there a couple of times and found it interesting.

This writer would never rest until she had visited the home of Henry Miller, now an elegant bohemian way station with free coffee, a library, and a lovely bookstore. In the bathroom, beautiful tiles featured poses from the Karma Sutra. Of course. God Bless those who keep it going, tucked away in the woods, waiting to enchant us and remind us of those who found Big Sur and never left (tempting thought).

We stopped in at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, and what we found was a very small and charming hippie outpost dedicated to writer Henry Miller. It's located in a small redwood enclave on Route 1. Stop in and browse the books, and buy a cup of tea of coffee. It's a fun little stop that's thought provoking and won't break the budget.

We've been visiting the library for the past 25 years. The library is situated in a small area off highway one surrounded by tall redwood trees. There is something warm and inviting about the library which wreaks of history and nostalgia of a long passed era of Big Sur. When one enters the old wooden cabin there's a feeling that Henry is there in spirit smoking and telling tall tales that border on the supernatural. Sitting on the wooden deck outside there is a subtle feeling of peace and tranquility as the warm sun filters through the tall trees. Since Magnus Toren took over as director some two decades ago the library has been transformed into an energetic part of Big Sur's culture with different workshops for writers and artists, film and music festivals and many special events. The library has many of Miller's artifacts, first editon books and a great selection of current, if not eclectic literature. It is nice to know that the works of Henry Miller and his memory will be preserved for future generations.

Go here if you are a fan, or even slightly interested in Henry Miller, it's fun, friendly and informative.

Lovely place. Very laid back. Rustic old house is now the bookstore; lots of open space and patio to start reading the Henry Miller book I just bought. Two hippie-looking young people as sweet as pie playing ping pong and laughing were working there--they just said if you want to buy something come interrupt our game and we'll serve you. Free coffee to boot.I wish the day had been sunny and warm; we would have stayed for an hour or two reading and relaxing. It really felt like the year 1968 on that property.

A quick stop for those just looking around. The book store had lots of interesting books and handwritten items from Henry Miller himself.

It's hard to explain to people that prior to Henry Miller, Hollywood was turning out some very risque movies with interesting themes, and then Henry Miller came along and took everything to extremes. His writings and paintings are on the wall (mostly from his time in exile in france).He was definitely trying to copy Chagall -- he actually asked Chagall if that is okay. So if you are really bad at recognizing art, this place will confuse the socks off you. Miller wasn't really an intellectual, he was actually rather anti-intellectual. So, after he started making these X movies (most would be R now), then Hollywood tightened up the rules about movies and introduced the rating system. At this place, there are a bunch of hippies hanging around, plus a lot of europeans who are making their way across the US… They serve free tea and coffee, and there are bathrooms and places to rest. If you are a friendly type, you will find someone to talk to. I recommend the movie nights--under the stars, in the redwoods. The performance art is kinda substandard, but if you want to see B performance art,and simply have never seen performance art, find this place and see what's playing.

My English professor wife ranks the Henry Miller Library as excellent! For me, regular guy, is was very good. Very funky and fun place. Wide open exploration of sex and sexuality. Its all good unless you are uptight. There is a letter on the wall from someone who didn't understand Mr. Miller's writings. Look on the wall near the back. There is alot of cool art and of course writing for you to explore. Check it out, open your mind. Its all good.

I admit that I have never read any of Henry Miller's writing, though I was an English major in college. Still, I was curious, and I really had to use a restroom! I walked in to find two young ladies painting a backdrop mural for an upcoming event, and they invited me to "paint a feather." I declined and headed for the restroom. The library is small and I explored its offerings, as well as the posters, art, and articles about Henry Miller. There is a small sculpture garden, as well. The whole scene is very laid back, and I enjoyed my little visit. I might return for a concert.

Not only is this an interesting bookstore, they hold concerts and movies outdoors. The staff is friendly. It's definitely for the artsy, hippie crowd.

My fiance is a Henry Miller fanatic so when we spotted the sign for this "library" during a trek down the California coast, she insisted we pop in for a look. There's not much to see--some cool-but-fading movie posters of adaptations of Miller's works, the requisite Kerouac and Miller book offerings (I picked up a copy of Big Sur for my father, she bought a pricey book about Miller's Paris years), some odds and ends from Miller's life (a typewriter, some manuscripts). I guess walking the same grounds that Miller once did has some appeal, but the novelty of that wears off quickly. Was hoping for something library- and museum-like, but ended up disappointed at what amounts to a sparsely stocked bookstore.

All I can say is that there is very little to this place, and not much to see. I walked through the whole thing and was back in my car in 5 minutes.

We were there for such a special wedding of our two best friends. The spot was perfect and such a great piece of Big Sur history. Nestled between the redwoods, a must visit spot.

This quirky little bookstore was a fun little stop on our way to our hotel. The girl who worked there was so friendly! We were really surprised by the number of big name bands that have played at the library. I only wish we could go back in the summer to catch a show. What an amazing experience that would be!