Amazing! As a bookstore and library lover, this was an absolute must during my weekend in Big Sur. It feels like a library, bookstore, and art exhibit all in one- such a unique place with so much character. They have a wonderful book selection and I had to pick up a book as a souvenir from my trip. We spent about an hour here exploring, browsing the shelves, and taking in all of the interesting art. The staff were very friendly and there was even a friendly cat. Definitely worth stopping by if you're exploring Big Sur! read more

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This was a really cool and unique stop while traveling up the Pacific Coast Highway. This bookstore is for sure unlike any other bookstore you have ever been to. Funky displays and writings, loads of books, an adorable pup, poetry, huge trees, places to sit outside. I didn't buy anything just stopped by to check it out and I'm glad I did. Worth a stop. read more

The Henry Miller Memorial Library is named after THAT Henry Miller, famous American novelist and resident of Big Sur for an extended period of his life. Our family saw it as we were heading back to Carmel, and decided to stop in. We were too early (it opens at 11 am) so weren't able to go inside the library, but there are quite a few art pieces displayed around the property. The side southern gate vehicle entrance had been opened early, so workers could set-up and do sound checks for the outdoor stage; to be used as a concert venue later that evening (Belle and Sebastian). Took many pictures. When the sound check started to happen (initially blaring 'Happy' by P. Williams), we knew it was time to leave. read more

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always passed by without realizing but finally stopped by! really gave me midsommar vibes with whimsical decor and arcadian vibes. read more

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The Henry Miller Memorial Library is amazing, and I highly recommend stopping by while exploring Big Sur. The space is a basically a cabin in the woods with smoke billowing out of the chimney. The interior was eclectic and tranquil. They had a curated selection of books, various art, and garlands of international money hanging from the ceiling. The guy at the counter was friendly and I especially loved his two elderly dogs. We bought a few books and he stamped the inside with a custom "Henry Miller Memorial Library" stamp. Such a special experience! read more

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This is such a special place with a unique history! Not sure how many people stop because they know about the history vs because they saw it on a "must-do" list, but regardless it is very cool. The woman at the register was especially lovely. She is the little girl on a donkey in a postcard they have there - she grew up with Henry Miller and his contemporaries in Big Sur. I purchased the card and asked her to autograph it, which she happily did. Also: any book you buy there will be stamped saying it is from the Henry Miller Library read more

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Bookstore, Henry Miller memorial, and outdoor art exhibit. This was probably our favorite random stop at Big Sur and worth checking out if you are into road trip style novelties. We didn't feel like going back to the cabin after lunch and wanted to do one more thing, sadly the road to Pfieffer Beach was flooded over and we pulled over here after spotting it driving. There is a nice curated collection of books here and sprinkled throughout are quotes and works by Henry Miller, author of a banned book that had a court case all the way up the the Supreme Court. If you use the outside bathroom you are in for a Henry Miller surprise. The front door is hard to open so you'll have to pull in it with power! Once you are in you'll see money from all over the world adorning a rustic interior and a small wood burning stove to keep you cozy. The owner was so sweet and ran to the back to grab cash for change when the iPad wasn't working for credit cards. I would support places like this where you can ask the owner for recommendations, the prices were good for the whole experience. My brother bought a record that was made from recording plants "sounds" with sensors and translating the readings with a synth, it was $40 but something we never would have heard about in our own. There are some art pieces outdoors that can be defined as strange, you'll see some weird stuff out in the woods around here. read more

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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! read more

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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! read more

Henry Miller Memorial Library - Bf got my this John Steinbeck book - Bookstores Near Me - Big Sur, California

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. read more

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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. read more

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...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". read more

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It's a must stop! I like their nature books selection so much. Average prices, extremely special environment. The art outside is always different and unique. It's a dream of mine to attend a show here, but I haven't done it yet! I love how they make you feel at ease here, you can stay, eat outside on the tables, and hang out with the kitties and dogs and relax! read more

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! read more

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This is a super great place to just browse and chill. Great book selection. Nice outside are to hang out in. We spent a small fortune to see a band here and it was not worth it...but do come visit this iconic and sacred Big Sur destination. read more

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 :) read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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"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. read more

Henry Miller Memorial Library - Bookstores Near Me - Big Sur, California

I would have liked to spend more time at the Henry Miller Memorial Library. Be clear, this is not a library; it is a bookstore set in a beautiful redwood grove. I felt as if I were stepping back in time. A good escape from the busy Bay Area. I didn't buy any books, just a few postcards. A bit of confusion in making that purchase. I looked for the clerk. Found no one; just other customers. Finally someone suggested talking to the dude eating lunch on the deck. I told him I wanted to buy a few postcards. He looked up from his food, told me the postcards were $1 each, and said if I had the exact amount to just leave it in the donation box. If books or Henry Miller are of interest, be sure not to miss this stop in Big Sur. read more

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. read more

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A great little spot to stop! A particularly curated selection of literature. We ended up buying several books, with our Henry Miller book receiving an awesome stamp! The property it's quirky and cute. Very relaxing atmosphere. read more

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I bought a few good books here including Lord of the Flies. The cashier/ owner was really friendly and chatty, yet I was shook when he said Latinos have made no contribution to philosophy and are not intellectual generally. I am Mexican, and this was disappointing. Our Eurocentric society and schooling has actively excluded the great minds of Latinos and our many contributions to science, art, philosophy, politics, urban planning etc. To name a few Che Guevara, Frida Kahlo, Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, Manuel DeLanda, Juan Rulfo, Octavio Paz, Yesika Salgado, Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Carmen Maria Machado etc. etc. read more

white british man who worked the register here called me an oriental AND a mongol all because he didnt think i looked filipino. all i could say was thanks bc wtf do you say to that? he laughed and said "its a compliment i guess". extremely disappointed that i spent my money here especially because its such a beautiful space. he had such intriguing conversations with the white customers but all he cared to say to me was his unsolicited stereotypical racist opinion about how i looked. my friend checked out right after me and all he said was "are YOU filipino?" (theyre not and it wasnt worth to even continue that conversation) literally what??? cool books i guess. read more

HENRY MILLER NEVER WANTED A LIBRARY!! Never the less, great space, beautiful items in the book store. Good luck with the future! read more

More a Book Store than a "Memorial Library" by any stretch of any imagination. Memorial Libraries have patrons who have erected statues and paintings and a congregation point to talk about the artist in question. Here ? You just have a book store in middle of the woods, with some events here and there, every now and then. I may be out of line - well - I actually dont think so - But I think Henry Miller would be horrifically disappointed to see after all these years no one has made any attempt at all whatsoever to bring the man out into life via the classic forms of honor : Statues, paintings, photos, a little tea room. This place looks like someone just put a bunch of books in middle of the forest and thats the long and short of it. For its failure to be a "Memorial Library" by any stretch of any imagination and its failure to honor Henry Miller in the way he should and deserves to be honored, you got 3 stars and that is me - being - very very extremely generous. Your welcome. read more

Cool place and really the only hint of the literary history within Big Sur. I only wish that in addition to the finely curated book selection that they also had more historical info about the many authors who have called Big Sur home. read more

The Henry miller Memorial Library is quite possibly the happiest place on earth. Peacefully tucked under a grove of redwood trees along the Highway 1 Big Sur coastline, like it was dropped in from the heavens. If you are in the area, don't make the mistake of simply driving by. Park and stop in for a peak, take in the art, books, hippie vibe, etc. Its all very interesting, peaceful, and just plain happy. But what really makes this place special is the live music. There can't be a better place on earth to watch Neil and Peggy Young jam away, could there? read more

Henry Miller Memorial Library - Audience for The Tallest Man on Earth show. - Bookstores Near Me - Big Sur, California

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I found about the Henry Miller Library in the oddest way. I was interviewing for a sublet at 14th and Valencia, and our weekend plans came up. I said that my boyfriend and I were going camping in Big Sur, and my (ultimately doomed) hopeful landlady lit up. "Oh, you must go to the Henry Miller museum!" Well, I'm not really much for museums, and I was going to Big Sur to see Nature with a capital "N", not art. However, I also really wanted a place to live, and I'm good at feigning interest. "Really? That sounds great, what's it like?", hoping I could slide through this conversation without making it obvious that I'd never even heard of Henry Miller. She told me a bit more about it, mentioning that it hosted bands I've also never heard of in small backyard concerts. I promised to go, and we said our goodbyes. The weekend comes, and the boy and I, being too naive to have made reservations for a campsite in Big Sur, are driving up and down Highway 1 considering our options (by which I mean receding into deeper and deeper desperation). On one of our laps, I see a sign on front of a wooden fence, with "Henry Miller Library" neatly lettered on it. For some reason, I'd assumed the place was outside of Big Sur, in a town that looked like San Luis-Obisbo or something, so I was quite surprised to see it nestled in the woods like that. "I know this place we gotta stop!" and compliant boy pulls over to park without question. We parked next to an old car with an old surfboard perched on top of the rack, and shared smiles about how cool it was. This was only the start, as our entire visit continued to be glowingly excellent. The boy and I couldn't stop quickly turning our heads to check and make sure the other understood how epic the latest attention-grabber was, only to quickly turn back upon receiving confirmation. From the sculptures made of computer monitors in the gardens; to the best collection of books I've ever encountered (including fiction, scientific non-fiction, first editions, and literary arts magazines), as well as lithographs, and books hanging from the ceiling; to the yard cloaked in christmas lights and headed by a modest stage... we only encountered astoundingly comfortable excellence everywhere we looked. We were excited to talk to the young man staffing the desk. He, as to be expected I suppose, shared our enthusiasm for the space, and delighted us with tales of the bands that had played in this small, intimate venue: MGMT, Animal Collective, Blonde Redhead, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. He casually mentioned that if we were still in town, we should come by the next night to watch the finale, the top 5 films, of that summer's Big Sur Short Film Festival. We hadn't planned to be in town, but with a big of finangling, rearranged our plans so that we could be. When we arrived the next night, we took our seats in the third row of white folding chairs lined up in front of the stage. Before the films were shown, a composition by Philip Glass was played by the Youth Orchestra of the Americas. When they had finished, they stood up and bowed, then thanked their composer, who was sitting in a grey sweatshirt with his wife in the row in front of us. Philip Glass. was sitting in front of us. sitting. in Big Sur. by us. It took me three of the five films to even calm down enough to start paying attention to them. Fleet foxes is playing next weekend. Naturally, tickets were sold out as they became available. Regardless, we're planning on driving down again... maybe we can sit in the parking lot to overhear their set. It's worth the drive, even just to be near such a wonderful thing. read more

Henry Miller Memorial Library - Youth Orchestra Americas opening for the finale of the Big Sur Short Film Screening Series on the stage in the yard. - Bookstores Near Me - Big Sur, California

A fun stop, although I feel like the word "library" is a bit misleading. This is an artistic, eclectic book store. Didn't buy any books while we were there, but did enjoy looking around, checking out all of the art on the property and petting the shop cat. Heard they have live music on Thursdays (too bad we didn't stop by until Friday). read more

Henry Miller Memorial Library - Stoked to check it out. - Bookstores Near Me - Big Sur, California

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Have you wanted to enjoy a cup of coffee on a large deck amidst redwoods, while soaking up a sunbeam, reading a book, and cuddling a housecat? You can do that here :-) We visited for about 45 relaxing minutes; I hope to come back one day for a concert! read more

Calling this a "memorial library" is a bit of misnomer that may disappoint those who are expecting a museum/library mash-up and instead stumble upon a boho bookstore/event space. That being said, it's hard to dislike an old wooden cabin tucked into a redwood grove with a nicely-curated selection of books for sale, some bits and bobs from Henry Miller, funky artwork dotting the grounds, and two friendly kitties who roam the property. They also host some pretty fab concerts; if our schedule had aligned with their offerings, we would have happily taken in a performance under the magical canopy of trees. read more

Years ago, when I was an impressionable young college graduate with too much time and booze on her hands, I got very deeply into the diaries of Anais Nin. Though she's known for many things, visitors to the Henry Miller Library should know that she's the woman who pretty much made Henry Miller happen. An imaginative Spanish-Parisian writer with a boring banker husband and a few key connections, Nin first developed a raging crush on Henry's wife, June. When June left the country, Nin transferred this love affair to Henry himself, perhaps after realizing he was probably more interesting, and a great writer himself. Exemplifying the maxim "Behind every great man is a great woman," Nin cajoled Miller's career into being (and uh, inspired his erotic writings). "Tropic of Cancer" was born of this time period, and she helped push him to publish it. She later left her husband and Henry, and went on to have all kinds of adventures, while he went on to write all kinds of scandalous books, and set up a permanent home in Big Sur. And now, lo and behold, Henry Miller gets a bucolic mountain library where both of their books live happily, side by side. And is it poetic and wonderful and romantic? Hell yes. If you're interested in picking up the story of these two crazy kids, be sure to snag a copy of "Henry and June," the unexpurgated version of the diary Nin kept during this time. And a few more books while you're at it. (It's more of a bookstore than a library, a bookstore with nothing but the most amazing books in it, so be prepared to bring some serious cash money if you're a bibliophile.) Also, there are records and free coffee. Awesome! Like most romantical writer-types, I wish I could have lived through the '30s in Paris, hanging out with Nin and Miller and all of their crazy friends, writing run-on sentences about prostitutes and Freud. But since I didn't, I guess visiting this place is kind of the next best thing. read more

"The only thing we never get enough of is love; and the only thing we never give enough of is love." --Henry Miller It is oddly appropriate that this library (which isn't a library at all, but rather a wonderful bookstore, musical venue and event space) regularly hosts that most public of ceremonies celebrating love -- weddings. My dear friends were married here on Sunday, and we came to an intimate knowledge of the Library through a day of setting up for their wedding for 100 guests. The deck that surrounds the small bookstore became our dance floor, the emerald lawn an impromptu amphitheater before an altar of redwoods. Strings of lights radiated out from the central post that the groom's sisters wrapped maypole-style in eucalyptus garland; candles lit the small stage. The site staff, Mike and Keely, were on hand all day to answer our questions, move heavy things and provide emotional support. They stuck around all through the wedding, troubleshooting and generally providing smiles and good energy throughout. I was busy busy busy until I started drinking, so sadly I didn't get to peruse the Library selection. I'll be back to do so; but in the meantime, stop by here if you are acquainted with literature, in seach of the world's fluffiest bookstore cat or need a truly gorgeous and inspiring place to have a gathering. One last Miller quote: "Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such. " read more

To say this place is weird doesn't do it justice. There is definitely some preternatural spiritual energy emanating from within the gated walls of this evergreen-shaded alcove... But seriously, this place gives me the heeby jeebies. However, that's not to say that it's not worth visiting. it's definitely worth a stop if you're in the Big Sur area. In fact, you'd be remiss not to at least stop by...you could see the whole place in 5 minutes or less. The Henry Miller Memorial Library is not a library at all (at least not in the conventional sense). Then again, that's very fitting seeing as how this place is anything BUT conventional. It's one part bookstore...one part homage to Henry Miller (nationally acclaimed local writer)...one part performance arts stage...one part outdoor reading area...one part alternative art "museum"...one part indie movie screening area...one part nature hideaway. It's one part all things to no one in particular. Literary enthusiasts, hipsters, and Miller adorees would probably love this place. City-slickers...not so much. But like I said, definitely worth a visit. read more

This place is surreal. Everyone has their happy place and I think I've finally found mine. Henry Miller Memorial Library is a quaint little bookstore in the middle of the Big Sur forest along the Pacific Coast. They host live music on Thursdays and have a plethora of eclectic authors lined up along the walls. Anytime I begin to feel a bit overwhelmed I immediately start planning my getaway back to this grounding spot. Also, I have little to no signal in Big Sur. To me, that's a blessing. I'm constantly hotwired to some media platform. It's refreshing to breathe, curl up against a giant redwood or sit on their patio and be present in the moment, even if only for a little while. You won't be disappointed. read more

I've never left this place without at least 2-3 amazing books I've never heard of. If you're driving down the PCH in Big Sur, you must stop in. A log cabin like library set in a serene scape with big redwood trees. A perfect pit stop on a long drive to enjoy a short read in nature. My favorite times here include when I happen to be driving on a Wed eve and catch the open mic night. It's always a good time. Live music. Fresh burgers on the grill. Moonlight through the trees. read more

Came up here for a Blonde Redhead concert July 3rd. The place for some reason shows on Google maps and my car's GPS as being north about a 1/3 mile or so, kind of weird. Parking here sucks and you have to run across the highway to get to it if you're going to a venue that's busy. But I fear parking may perhaps be the least of your worries... The problem I had were all the damn hipsters there. I felt completely outnumbered and my senses were going crazy. I guess as the concert started I began to be calmed a little from the clouds of non-tobacco smoke emanating from the crowd lounging on the grass, many of whom seemed oblivious to the band up front. But even this relaxing (illegal) second hand smoke couldn't tame everyone, as a few people up front routinely stood up and blocked the view for the rest of us. Fortunately all but two girls dancing like crippled forest nymphs got the hint ultimately to sit down after a good deal of yelling profanities at them. One of the few causes to which I was more than happy to contribute to. The concert was awesome and I image with less hipsters I'd like this place. being completely surrounded by all the old growth trees is pretty relaxing and intimate. Pros: -Nice natural environment. Gigantic trees. -Good band playing. Cons (in order of annoyance): -Hipsters. -Plumes of illegal smoke emanating from the hipsters. -Hipsters who stand in front of the stage seemingly offering themselves to the band who in turn block the view completely. -One one real restroom and two nasty portable toilets. -Horrible parking and access from the other side of the road. read more

A big waste of time - even for a Miller aficionado. It seems to me that someone who knew Miller is taking a half-hearted swipe at capitalizing on that association. Very little Henry Miller-anything apparent; books are sold; posters hang... If they'd charged, we'd've demanded a refund. Someone should sue on Miller's behalf. read more

I looked at reviews before I posted, and I can see the audience is really split between vitriol and kisses for this place. I think this is because visitors all arrive with their own expectations, and leave pleasantly surprised or deeply disappointed. So, to help you temper those expectations a little, here's what you can actually anticipate: - This is not a library, it is a bookstore, located within a free-spirited artistic and natural setting. - You can come here to look at books, look at art, sit outside under some beautiful trees and drink a coffee. - They also offer stage shows in a very intimate outdoor setting. - This is not a shrine to a dead writer, but more a space for living creativity, reflection, and expression in the space that inspired him. If you are driving along the coast, stop here, sit on a couch under a Redwood, look at the crazy art, and feel a little of what California in the 60's would have been like. read more