The Henry Miller Memorial Library is an arts center championing the late writer, artist, and Big Sur resident Henry Miller.
Come on in for a visit, make yourself a cup of coffee, browse our books, and hang out with Theo the cat on our deck. After all, youʼre stumbled upon the Henry Miller Memorial Library, the place “where nothing happens.” Lucky you!
A Very Brief History of the Library
Miller’s best friend Emil White lived in the house that is now the Library beginning in mid-1960s. White ofﬁcially named it the Henry Miller Memorial Library when Henry died in 1980. When Emil passed away in 1989, he dedicated the property to become a non-proﬁt organization.
Our Mission Statement
“The Henry Miller Library is a public beneﬁt, non-proﬁt 501 (c) 3 organization championing the literary, artistic and cultural contributions of the late writer, artist, and Big Sur resident Henry Miller. The Library also serves as a cultural resource center, functioning as a public gallery/performance/workshop space for artists, writers, musicians and students.
In addition, the Library supports education in the arts and the local environment. Finally, the Library serves as a social center for the community.”
For a more robust history of the Library, check out this great piece by Laura Bliss.
The “Beating Cultural Heart of Big Sur” (according to CNN)
The Library hosts events throughout the summer months (May-October), including fashion shows, theater, open mics, lectures, book signings, art shows, our acclaimed Big Sur Short Film Screening Series, and more. With a capacity of 300 and nestled in a towering redwood grove, it is also one of the most unique live music venues in the world.
Past performers include Philip Glass, Marianne Faithful, Arcade Fire, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, Frank Black, Thurston Moore, Animal Collective, Al Jardine, Gillian Welch, Blonde Redhead, Laurie Anderson, and countless of local and touring bands.
Perhaps this is why the CNN called the Library the “beating cultural heart of Big Sur.”
Correct. Memorials, he said, “defeated the purpose of a man’s life. Only by living your own life to the full can you honor the memory of someone.”
So, is this place a memorial trying not to be a memorial? Maybe. The best way to find out is to come here, browse, look at what’s on the walls, listen to the music, have a cup of coffee or tea, sit down by the fire, read for a while, do nothing…” Check out our schedule to see what’s in store for this summer and sign up for our newsletter.
We look forward to seeing you soon!