The Henry Miller Memorial Library (HMML) champions the writer, artist and Big Sur resident Henry Miller. Nestled among redwoods, the Library functions as a social, cultural and artistic hub where artists, writers, musicians and students gather. We support education in the arts and the environment and advocate for preserving Big Sur’s natural and cultural heritage for current and future generations.
Visitors from down the road and across the globe are drawn to our redwood shaded grounds for concerts, film screenings, writing workshops, BiG SuRCuS, and two legendary events: the Big Sur Fashion Show and the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival. Inside, a small bookstore offers titles you won’t find elsewhere, while complimentary coffee invites guests to linger over art and music. Our Big Sur Podcast and traveling exhibitions extend our reach beyond Big Sur. General operating support will underwrite fair wages for staff, maintain our historic property, compensate performers equitably, expand environmental education, and keep our concerts and exhibitions affordable.
By celebrating Henry Miller’s free spirited ethos, we cultivate an inclusive gathering place where people exchange ideas and rediscover a sense of wonder. Donor support ensures that the Library remains a living, breathing cultural space rather than a static shrine.
The Library is an anchor for south coast residents and a beacon for visitors seeking authenticity. Nestled among old growth redwoods, we offer a rare place for reflection and connection. By presenting concerts, film screenings, lectures and family friendly festivals, we inject cultural vibrancy into rural Big Sur and attract patrons who patronize neighboring businesses.
We teach respect for the land by interpreting its history and modeling environmental stewardship. Through creative writing workshops and our podcasts, we amplify local voices and encourage youth to explore storytelling. In celebrating Henry Miller’s spirit of curiosity and free expression we foster a more engaged, compassionate and connected community. Funds we raise support staff salaries, programming and artist fees, facilities maintenance and grounds, and marketing/outreach/digital archives. Sustaining revenue will allow us to continue offering free or low cost events, maintain our historic buildings and trails, and strengthen partnerships with local schools and environmental groups.
Volunteering at the Henry Miller Library changed my relationship with Big Sur. I came for the music and art, but I stayed because this space makes strangers into friends. Every concert under the redwoods reminds me that art and nature are inseparable here. Supporting the Library means preserving a little piece of magic for everyone.
- Dana Carnazzo, Monterey
