Opened in 2015, this modern building stands as a beacon of knowledge. The Manhattan Beach Library serves a community of 35,000 residents. It all started much earlier though. The Manhattan Beach Library began in 1910. It was a subscription library founded by the Neptunian Women’s Club.
In January 1915, it became part of the LA County Library system. This makes it one of the oldest continuing libraries in the county. The library has moved a few times. In 1957, it got its own building. Then, in 1975, it moved to this very location.
But let’s talk about this beautiful building. Johnson Favaro, an architectural firm, designed it. The new Manhattan Beach Library is 21,500 square feet. This two-story structure boasts panoramic ocean views. Imagine reading a book while gazing at the Pacific.
Inside, you will find many resources. There’s space for children and teens. Meeting rooms can accommodate up to 80 people. If you need a quiet space, there are study rooms available. Each room fits four people. There are rooms A, B, C, and D.
The Manhattan Beach Library offers many services. You can get in-person and telephone research assistance. If you need to make copies, a photocopier is available.
For those needing computer access, there are plenty of options. There are nine public computers and six for children. If you need a laptop, there are six laptop and hotspot kits. For quick tasks, there are eight express computers. And for the little ones, there are four early learning computers.
The Friends of Manhattan Beach Library support this branch. It is a volunteer-run organization. They host book sales and other events.
LA County Library provides many online collections. These are available 24 hours a day. You can also find special collections here.
The LA County Library system is vast. It has 87 libraries and 18 mobile vehicles. This includes bookmobiles and maker mobiles. The goal? To reduce barriers and increase access to public services.
Skye Patrick, the County Librarian and CEO of LA County Library, received the 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. This recognizes her contributions to the library system.
The library offers various programs throughout the year. Check the schedule for readings and more.
Remember the laptops available here have some rules. Laptops must be used within the library. Save your work to a USB drive. The library is not responsible for lost data.
So, take a moment to appreciate this modern space. The Manhattan Beach Library is more than just books. It’s a community hub. It’s a place for learning, discovery, and connection.