Big Sur Branch

Services

• Books, talking books on CD, DVDs, magazines and newspapers for all ages
• Materials in English and Spanish
• E-Books and E-Audio
• Public computers with Internet, Microsoft Office, scan, fax, print, and copy
• Free wireless Internet 
• Local Friends group: Friends of the Big Sur Library 831-667-2537
• Use this wireless print link to print from your device.

Branch History

The region now known as Big Sur was originally mapped and named "El Sur Grande," which means "the big south," indicating its position south of Monterey. Big Sur is described as a picturesque stretch of the California coast, situated between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, extending from the Carmel River to the southern boundary of Monterey County.

Anne Hadden, the county’s first librarian, known as the “Librarian on Horseback,” is remembered for establishing library branches in 1916 along the remote South Coast of Big Sur. Anne transported the first books by pack animal after making the arduous ride from Jolon. The Big Sur Branch, which was initially named Arbolado until 1915, officially opened in November 1914. In February 1974, MCFL established a permanent location for the library on the grounds of Ripplewood Resort.

Building: