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Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Public Services & Government Libraries Music Venues, Libraries [Edit]
1008 Wall St(between Girard Ave & Herschel Ave)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Neighborhood: La Jolla
(858) 454-5872
- Hours:
Tue, Thu-Sat 10 am - 5:30 pm
Wed 10 am - 8:30 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
19 reviews for Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
19 reviews in English
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Review from Daphney B.
San Diego, CA
12/13/2011
This place is amazing! We hold an annual small event here and the staff is nothing, but gracious to allow our event to be succssful in their space. You can get lost reading titles; can you imagine what happens when you pull out a piece to look over? This is a sweet spot in La Jolla and an easy walk to good food treats. Take a look next time you're in the neighborhood.
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Review from George P.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2012
Athenaeum Library gives u great experiance providing daily joy and relaxation. its great.
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Review from Saira K.
11/21/2011
This is such a gem of a place - a music and arts library described as a 'cultural institution.' Such a quiet, beautiful place to relax, sip on tea, look at some art, and to read. The parking situation was great. I went here for the architecture and design - there is a beautiful Spanish Renaissance-style rotunda reading room designed by renowned architect William Templeton Johnson in 1921. The reading room ceilings with wooden planks are very pretty, and the rugs are a nice touch.
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Review from Aileen G.
San Diego, CA
7/10/2011
This place is simply inspirational! I love art, and this small privately owned library encompasses books of every type of artistic medium you can think of. From history, to culture, to music,you name it!
I discovered this library with my best friend as we were taking an afternoon stroll through La Jolla. And now everytime we're in the area we always stop by this library.
Now you can call me a nerd for loving a library so much, but this place has style. They not only hold books, but they also display different collections of fine art exhibitions. They host events such as music concerts and festivals, but I have yet to attend an event.
The annual membership at the library is also around $40 which isn't bad especially if you want to take home some material and brush up on your artistic knowledge. -
Review from Emily S.
San Diego, CA
I am in love
In love with a library
I don't know if Prop 8 will cover this but let's hope the courts will recognize this needed union.
One of only 16 nonprofit membership libraries in the United States and one of two west of the Mississippi and it's over 110 years old.
Really?
Yes.
If you have a working brain and want to keep it in tip top shape, head straight there an invest your time in the fine arts...
If your brain is thirsty for knowledge, drink at the fountain of music, arts and calming surroundings...
This will improve your life and most definitely make your brain bigger...
Make sure to keep this a secret as Zombies are sure to find out and stop at your house for a big meal.
I haven't had the chance to go to a concert or artist series as yet but LOVE the books and the incredible selection of topics...
I drool over their section of sheet music and opera librettos
I love reading the score to my favorite classical piece and listening along...
Best Part:
Open and Free to the Public to enjoy but only members may take books out. PLUS, it's beautiful... inside and out.
When you do become a member you are allowed to take out at any given time....
5 Books
5 Magazines
5 Record Albums
5 Music Scores
5 CDs
5 DVDs
5 Videos
CDs, DVDs and Videos Circulate for two weeks all other material for four weeks! $.50 for each item that is overdue.
An individual member is $40
A family membership (meaning spouse and kids) for the entire year is $50
And a $75 "A- List" Membership gives all the perks of a membership and entitles you to two invites to all their "A-List" Events.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5:30
Open Late till 8:30 on Wednesday
Closed Sundays, Mondays and Holidays
Now I just have to pick out our wedding bands...Listed in: Got Visitors?
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Review from Liz L.
4/14/2011
I was beside myself when I stepped into the Anthenaeum for the first time. I think I gasped out loud...it's absolutely amazing. Overwhelming even....plan on spending a LOT of time there if you have any interest in books, music, art, history, or libraries!
I haven't attended any of their events, so this review is just for the library itself:
They have an incredible collection focused on arts and music. Everything you can think of...one of my favorite discoveries was this old cabinet that looked like a card catalog system, but the faces of the drawers actually pulled down and inside was sheet music! Of every composer you can think of, spanning the ages. Oh, and the record collection! Holy schnikes. This review would be the longest review ever on yelp if I told you everything i loved about it...just go.
You have to be a member to check anything out, but it is very worth hanging around there to enjoy their wares. They also have a sale section in the back where you can buy awesome books for pretty cheap. I scored a book on the Art of the Louvre from the 50's for $1!
This is a true gem and we are so lucky to have it in our vicinity. When you go, make an afternoon out of expanding your horizons and go check out the Morrison Hotel gallery (rock-n-roll photography!) just a little ways away. This is the stuff that makes me love La Jolla :) -
Review from lilly g.
8/13/2010
I always walk by the Atheneum and think how, some day, when I'm sophisticated, I would like to go in there.
Well, I never did get sophisticated, but my friend snapped up a pair of tickets to "Flix on Bricks" -- so last night we sat on the patio of the Atheneum sipping Bellinis and watching Roman Holiday in the summer air.
Walking through the beautiful building, it's a library for art and music lovers alike. I had always eyed the catalog, but after the quality of last night's event, I'm hoping to attend more events here.
So yeah, I'll be getting a membership, and then I will promptly proceed to brag about it. Sophisticated is as sophisticated pays for. -
Review from Lissa -.
Los Angeles, CA
7/2/2011
Lovely music library filled with sheet music for any type of instrument.
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Review from ruggy j.
1/23/2009
I swooped into the Athenaeum for the first time last night for their regular urbanite gathering, The A-List. It's a mixer geared towards young professionals and attracts all sorts of good looking people with fancy job titles and notable credit card debt. It was actually a pretty fun event, complete with complimentary Karl Strauss beer, food from Jai (the Wolfgang Puck restaurant in UTC) and the musical stylings of local band Silent Comedy.
Though a fun and well-organized event, The A-List isn't necessarily an accurate depiction of what Athenaeum does on a daily basis. It's a 109 year-old library on Wall Street that focuses intently on music and arts literature. The facility is absolutely stunning, and from the moment I stepped foot through the front door, it was my new favorite library. Everything from the historic and ornate fixtures, to the unparalleled comfort of the reading area, Athenaeum really brings the library game to the next level.
It's not exactly a public library, but becoming a member isn't a bad investment. It's only $40 for a yearlong membership, and it entitles you to take home any of their vast collection of art and music literature, CDs and DVDs as well access to their art and music lectures they organize a few times per month. Apparently, this is one of 17 private libraries located throughout the United States, and most of them are on the east coast.
You might be thinking, 'La Jolla art library--boring!' Not so much.... They have modern art collections from the likes of Shepard Fairey, Banksy and Neck Face. Good stuff!
In addition to the A-List event, they have hip art gallery openings on a regular basis and they let anyone come inside to read newspapers on the weekends. Grab some java at the Coffee Cup up the street, snatch the New York Times, and settle down for a couple of hours in the quaint reading area. I promise, you'll find no more glorious way to kick-start a lazy Sunday morning.Listed in: Star Search, La Jolla--botox capital of San…, Shhh!
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Review from Kevin B.
San Diego, CA
3/18/2008
I had no idea this place existed a few years ago. A friend had told me about an exhibit in the gallery of the Athenaeum, but when I visited I was blown away by its extensive collection of art, books on art and artists, selection of music and even videos, that if you are member you can check out. The place is pretty amazing. I would say it is a must visit for any artist who needs research material or anyone interested in art.
But what I really look forward to are the "A-List" events. Every couple of month, always on a Thursday night, they have an A-list event. It is a gallery show but unlike a lot of the other gallery shows in San Diego the exhibiting artist is there and says a few words about their work and answers questions. They serve complimentary drinks; wine and micro-brewed beer usually, but I have been there when Pravda Vodka or some other premium liquor was a sponsor and they were serving specialty drinks.
The best part is it is only $10, unless you are an A-list member; then it is free and you get to bring a guest. -
Review from Jennie O.
San Diego, CA
1/6/2009
This is a very rare find. I had no idea what a private library was and how few existed until I attended one of the "A-List members only parties." Not that this is some sort of elitist thing at all. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library survives by it's members and donors. If you're looking for something interesting to do, attend an A-List event. Drop in is $10. I've seen everything from karaoke to live electronic music and all shades in between. Artists are always a part of the mix, and I'm still bummed I missed Jim Lee when he stopped in!
Besides the A-List, becoming a member of the Library and having access to it's collection is real treat. The concert series is geared towards an "older" crowd, but they often have lunch time concerts which is a nice way to spend your hour away from the office. -
Review from Allison A.
San Diego, CA
1/24/2009
I have had the pleasure to work with A-list on an event in 2008. Not only have I worked with the Athenaeum I'm also a member. It's wonderful to see and meet the great people who keep art, music, and literature fresh and valued. From the volunteers to the staff everyone is very knowledgeable, has a true passion for what they do and is more then happy to show you what the Athenaeum has to offer.
The A-list events are great to meet a wide variety of great people. Every time I have gone I meet someone new that I'm glad I met.
I recommend everyone go to at least one of the Athenaeums A-list events. -
Review from Alegra B.
San Diego, CA
2/5/2009
Next time you are wiling away a day in La Jolla, be sure to stop into the Athenaeum. This music and arts library has been around for over 100 years. The Athenaeum's specialties are art and music. There is a huge selection of music CD, sheet music, and books on art and music to check out to members. But the library itself is open to the public, and anyone is welcome to browse the selections for a minutes or an afternoon. I highly recommend spending some time in the space. There is a gallery that hosts several art exhibits each year, specializing in artists from Southern California and Baja Mexico.
Their collection of art also has a specialty: Artist Books. This relatively new art form really only came into critics sight in the 1970s. But San Diego is a hub of activity for book artists, and the Athenaeum is one reason. They have a permanent collection of artist books, and they have an exhibit of artist books that is simultaneously on display with the larger art gallery.
Throughout the library there are little nooks and each corner seems to hold a surprise discovery. Whether you wander into the art gallery, happen upon the artist books, or discover the children's art books collection, the athenaeum is a delightful place to explore. In the heart of La Jolla, on the corner of Wall St and Girard St, it is a historical delight that is not to be missed.
Read more at
http://theothersandieg... -
Review from Edenista M.
San Diego, CA
9/15/2006 1 photo
I used to work at the Athenaeum while I was going to college. One of the rare nonprofit membership libraries in the country, this beautiful neo-classical building has been such a great resource for my art historical research that I still have copies of eclectic art publications I gathered from there. Their art show openings are usually fun and interesting. Moreover, their classical music and jazz concerts are set in a lovely backdrop and are worth attending.
Listed in: Books
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Review from Anna V.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2009
I have really mixed feelings about this place. On the one hand, it has a primo collection of art and books about art (and books about unique, spectacular musicians). It is truly a jewel -- a one of a kind institution that offers rare and wonderful opportunities. (Not to mention that the director of their "A-list" program is cool, down to earth, and approachable.) So for that, I'd give 4 or 5 stars.
But my (very polite) email requesting more programming on weekends (due to the fact that I have to work) prompted a prissy, grouchy reply from the executive director -- who said that they have PLENTY of weekend programming, thankyouverymuch, and some of it is even in the evenings (who cares that I work until 6 and simply can't make a 6:30pm curtain time?) so if I don't attend their programs I'm clearly not worth accommodating. In my more charitable moments, I chalk this up to the director having a bad day, but I'd still like to give that attitude NEGATIVE stars.
Given all of that, I have to conclude that his place clearly has more potential than it is living up to. I know they have probably made their schedules with the independently wealthy and society wives in mind, but I'm neither of those things -- most people aren't. I know that keeping those traditional patrons is important, but there seems to be very little consideration of what the rest of us need. I'd like to think that my "non-traditional patron-ness" doesn't disqualify me from taking the Athenaeum's classes and attending their lectures. And they don't -- but for the few things that I do attend, I simply pay the non-member ticket price. But when they make so little effort to reach out to me or cater to my needs, I don't feel that paying the price (no matter how reasonable) to become a member is appropriate, either. I don't begrudge them their choices, but by the same token they shouldn't be surprised that their actions influence MY choices, too.
If you have the luxury of being able to make your own schedule, run, don't walk to the Athenaeum. If you're like most people who have to work, commute, and deal with the humdrummities of the work-a-day world, though, they just don't take you into account, so you might not have much opportunity to enjoy their world-class, unique, wonderful offerings (but by all means, seize whatever opportunities that you can!)
To sum up; I'm torn on how to rate this place -- it is both disappointing and fabulous at the same time. So I split the difference and gave it three stars. If they ever become more accessible (though perhaps their inaccessibility gives them some kind of moneyed cachet that they want to maintain?), they'll truly begin to sparkle. And perhaps there is hope -- the A-list is clearly a step in the right direction.Listed in: Art in San Diego
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Review from Christine C.
San Diego, CA
11/1/2006
Culture, culture, culture! That is what you get at The Atheneum. It is one of the few private libraries in the state and the only library / art gallery / concert venue in San Diego. The Atheneum is over a 100 years old, and it in one of the cutest, cozy buildings in the neighborhood.
The Atheneum has a nice selection of books to satisfy your intellectual apatite, but my favorite part to the venue is that is a gallery. The Atheneum showcases great and unique art and they put on a helluva a party too. The venue often times hosts exhibition openings that key members of the La Jolla community regularly attend.
The Atheneum is in downtown La Jolla, right across the street from Jack's. It is a great place to check out fine art and books, but you don't need to hold a Phd from the New School to enjoy a visit there. The place has got charm and the staff are very friendly. Probably because they get to work in such a cool place that hosts fun events all the time.
Who knew Librarians could be such party animals? -
Review from Amanda S.
San Diego, CA
1/23/2009
I have only ever been to the library for the AList but have thoroughly enjoyed it each time. It is very pretty and what an amazing idea for a library. Although it is quite grand and elaborate it is also comfortable and relaxed. They have tons of records and I bet I could spend hours pouring over all that vinyl. They also have extensive art books, cd's, movies, etc. Check out the A-List and join the library. It seems to be a great investment for $40 a year.
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Review from Kinsee M.
San Diego, CA
8/22/2006 1 photo
Sure, most of the events at the Athenaeum or sponsored by the Athenaeum are more geared toward 40 to 50-year-olds with an affinity towards classical music and other highbrow art forms, but every once in awhile the peeps at the library surprise me. They have pretty hip art shows and an event called "The A List" that is more friendly towards young people. Don't let the name intimidate you--it happens once a month and it's open to anyone with 10 bucks to spare. You'll get to drink free wine and rub elbows with some pretty interesting La Jolla cats.
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Review from Annina T.
La Jolla, CA
3/31/2008
The events at the Athenaeum are always so much fun...I am especially fond of the A-list events...great crowd, awesome art and fun music...plus a cocktail or two...always a blast! Hope to see you there!
