Redondo Beach Public Library

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Redondo Beach Public Library Official page of Redondo Beach Public Library đź“š
Main Library: 303 N. Pacific Coast Highway. The new building opened to the public on September 28, 2010.

Pacific Coast Highway
North Branch: 2000 Artesia Blvd
Please visit our website for location hours, the events calendar, digital resources, and more! 🍎 Redondo Beach established its first library in 1895 as a simple reading room in a donated building on the commercially busy Wharf No. 1. On January 2, 1909, the library moved to Room 5 in the west wing of the City Hall at 301 Emerald Street. By 1928 the need for additional space could no longer be ignored, and the Chamber of Commerce suggested a new building be constructed on the site of the old Hotel Redondo, which had been demolished in 1925 after thirty-five years as a seaside resort. Designed by the noted architect Lovel Bearse Pemberton, the new Spanish/Dutch colonial building in Veterans Park on the Esplanade was dedicated on July 2, 1930, and this iconic structure served as the main library for the city for sixty years. Toward the end of the 20th Century earthquake concerns prompted a consideration of the building's safety, and on July 5, 1991 the City closed the Main Library in Veterans Park and reopened in temporary quarters in the Redondo Shores Shopping Center. On July 20, 1993 ground was broken for construction of a permanent library adjacent to City Hall, and two years later on July 8, 1995 the new Redondo Beach Main Library opened at 303 N. Back in 1930 when the Veterans Park Library was new, a branch library was opened in North Redondo at the Grant Community Hall in the Redondo Villa Tract. In 1949 this "North Branch" was moved to larger quarters on Artesia Boulevard. After many years of use that building was closed for demolition in February 2009, and a new building was constructed on the same lot. It is the first City owned Green building and was awarded excellence in environmental design (LEED) certification. The Redondo Beach Public Library is not responsible for content that is posted by members of the public on this page; any comments that contain derogatory or offensive language will be removed. For emergencies, please call 911. The Library will not be responding to direct messages.

Two distinctive archways dominated local architecture in the early 20th century: the Pacific Electric Car Barn entrance ...
10/09/2026

Two distinctive archways dominated local architecture in the early 20th century: the Pacific Electric Car Barn entrance at Carnelian between Francisca and Elena, and the Villa Tract Arch leading into what would become North Redondo Beach.

The Car Barn was destroyed by a “spectacular” fire on April 20, 1921.
When the 1906 Villa Tract arch disappeared is unknown. The last mention in the newspapers is in a December 5, 1923 Daily Breeze advertisement for a business with an office in the arch. (Photo of the Car Barn is from the Historical Museum. The photo of the Villa Tract Arch is from the Los Angeles Herald.)

The Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library are having a book sale on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00am to 2:...
10/02/2026

The Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library are having a book sale on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Redondo Beach Main Library - 303 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach 90277.

The book sale is in the Children's Storytime room on the first floor. Cash, Check, Debit/Credit Cards and PayPal accepted.

Friends of the RBPL Members enjoy 30-minute early entry.
All donations support library programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors.

A postcard from the Redondo Beach Collection shows Henry Huntington’s 1907 Pavilion on the north side of the oceanfront ...
10/01/2026

A postcard from the Redondo Beach Collection shows Henry Huntington’s 1907 Pavilion on the north side of the oceanfront boardwalk, right next to Wharf No. 1, and the 1909 Bath House on the south side. (The two buildings are often confused but are completely separate.) A photograph from the Huntington Library Collection features diners seated outdoors by the Pavilion’s distinctive arches.

The Redondo Beach waterfront was very important to Henry Huntington. Not only was his 1909 Bath House "The World's Largest Salt Water Plunge," he also hired George Freeth to perform surfing exhibitions in front of his coastal properties, and people would come from all over Los Angeles County on the electric railroads--which Huntington also owned--to see "The Man Who Can Walk on Water." This helped Huntington sell more properties and popularized surfing in Southern California at the same time. The two went together.

Mark your calendars now to attend some great October programs at the Redondo Beach Public Library. Youth Aerospace Works...
09/28/2026

Mark your calendars now to attend some great October programs at the Redondo Beach Public Library.

Youth Aerospace Workshop @ North Branch Library
October 1 at 4:00-5:00pm
Conference Room
Children grades K-5 will learn aerospace concepts and design a paper airplane.

Monthly Movie Friday @ Main Library
October 2 at 3:00pm-5:00pm
Storytime Room - “Minions and Monsters”

South West Manuscripters Writers Group @ Main Library
October 3 at 10:00am-12:00pm (note new time)
Main Library 2nd floor Conference Room
A support group for writers to help them network and exchange information.

Stitch & Sew Redondo @ North Branch Library
October 3 at 11:00am-2:00pm
North Branch Meeting Room – Limit of 30 individuals
Sew, practice or work on a project with fellow sewing enthusiasts. This is a great opportunity for people who sew, wish to practice, or want to work on a project.
Meetups are on the first Saturday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Sewing Machines and other materials are not provided. Participants are encouraged to bring items or projects that they are currently working on to the program for tips or pointers. All skill levels are represented in our group.

Author Talk with Michael McGranahan @ Main Library
October 3 at 1:00pm-2:00pm
Main Library 2nd floor Meeting Room
Meet local author Michael McGranahan. His novel, The Groom’s Proposal, is a work of historical fiction. Set in Shakespeare’s London, it tells the story of a young girl, working secretly in the theatre, who ends up chasing a lost manuscript and trying to solve the mystery of her father’s death. Copies of the book will be for sale at the event.

Children’s Craft @ Main Library
October 6 at 3:30pm-4:30pm
Main Library 2nd floor Meeting Room

Teen Advisory Council @ Main Library
October 7 at 4:00pm-5:00pm

Medicare Without the Mystery @ Main Library
October 8 at 11:30am-12:30pm
Main Library 2nd floor Meeting Room
Learn what you need to know before you choose a plan. The Foundation for Senior Services presents a Medicare 101 workshop for smart healthcare decision making.

Lego Club @ North Branch Library
October 8 at 3:30pm-4:30pm
North Branch Library Meeting Room

Poetry Workshop @ Main Library
October 10 at 10:30am-12:00pm
Main Library 2nd floor Conference Room
Join other poets for inspiration and collaboration.

Poetry Apocalypse Readings @ Main Library
October 10 at 1:00pm-3:30pm
Main Library 2nd floor Meeting Room
A South Bay poetry group that has attracted International attention will be reading from their newly released book “Quantum Entanglement.” The poetry is a tribute to how diverse voices relate to each other and the human heart.

Lego Club @ Main Library
October 12 at 3:30pm-4:30pm
Main Library 2nd floor Meeting Room

Powering Possibilities: SkillsBuild Program for Older Adults @ Main Library
October 13 at 11:30am-1:00pm
Main Library 2nd floor Meeting Room
H.E.L.P. and The National Council of Aging present a program where you can learn about free technology courses designed to help adults learn practical technology skills. You can even get assistance signing up for the courses. Bring your own laptop, tablet or smart phone if you want.

Adult Book Discussion of the Month – Virtual on Zoom
October 13 at 6:30pm-7:30pm
Virtual Program via Zoom.
We are reading:
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Free, but registration is required. Sign up at https://library.redondo.org
Click on events calendar; click on program date – Book Discussion; click on “more info” to sign up.

Quilters Meetup @ Main Library
October 15 at 1:00pm-2:30pm
Conference Room - Floor 2
A new program where quilters get together to share tips, show and tell, and work on their own projects with other people that share a love of quilting. Bring your needles and fabric and let members of the South Bay Quilters Guild share their expertise with you. All levels are welcome.

Children’s Craft @ North Branch Library
October 15 at 3:30pm-4:30pm
Meeting Room

Spanish Flamenco Music and Dance for all ages @ Main Library
October 17 at 2:00pm-3:00pm
Main Library 2nd floor Meeting Room
For all ages – a program in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. See and learn about flamenco music and dance. There is a chance to join in too! This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Redondo Beach Library.

Lego Club @ Main Library
October 19 at 3:30pm-4:30pm
Main Library 2nd floor Meeting Room

Teen Program – Halloween Candy Taste Test @ Main Library
October 20 at 4:00-5:00pm
For grades 6th-12th
Main Library 2nd Floor Meeting Room

Teen Program – Halloween Candy Taste Test @ North Branch Library
October 22 at 4:00-5:00pm
For grades 6th-12th
North Branch Meeting Room

Coder Dojo @ North Branch Library
October 24 at 10:30am-Noon (note new time)
North Branch Meeting Room
Registration is recommended. Register at https://library.redond.org
Click on events calendar; click on program date; click on register for this event
Limit 20 individuals. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own laptop/chromebook from home.

Halloween Carnival @ Main Library
October 24 at 11:00am-1:00pm
Main Library 2nd floor Meeting Room
For Children and Teens – costumes are welcome.

Shelf Care North Branch Library Book Discussion of the Month
@ North Branch Library
March by Geraldine Brooks
October 26 at 11:15am-12:15pm
In-Person Book Club on the 4th Monday of the Month unless otherwise noted.
Read the book and talk about it, or just join us to learn more about the book. The coffee served is generously funded by The Friends of the Redondo Beach Library.

REGULAR STORYTIMES – October
Go to: https://library.redondo.org
then click on the Calendar of Events for up-to-date information on Children’s storytimes as program times/dates may change.

All Ages Afternoon Storytime @ North Branch Library
Tuesdays, 10/20 & 10/27 at 3:30pm-4:00pm
North Branch Library Meeting Room

Walkers and Talkers Storytime (1-5 year olds with caregiver) @ Main Library
Wednesdays, 10/21 & 10/28 at Noon-12:30pm
Main Library Storytime Room
A storytime for children aged 1-5.

Baby Lapsit (0 to 18 months with caregiver) @ Main Library
Thursdays, 10/22 & 10/29 11:15am-11:45am
Main Library Storytime Room
Babies 0-18 months and their caregivers join in a fun storytime full of songs, rhymes and fingerplays!

SPECIAL STORYTIMES, BLOCKS & MUSIC PROGRAMS

Rainbow Storytime @ Main Library
October 6 at 11:30am-Noon
Storytime Room

Choice Time @ Main Library
October 7 at 3:30pm-4:00pm
Storytime Room

Block Party @ Main Library
October 8 at 11:15am-11:45am
Main Library – Meeting Room – Floor 2

Music and Movement with Dance 1 @ North Branch Library
October 12 at 3:30pm-4:00pm
North Branch Library Meeting Room

Nicholas Tana Storytime @ Main Library
October 13 at 3:30pm-4:00pm
Storytime Room

Bilingual Storytime with NIHAO Chinese School @ North Branch Library
October 19 at 3:30pm-4:00pm
North Branch Library Meeting Room

The ABC of Eyes Storytime @ Main Library
October 22 at 3:30pm-4:00pm
Storytime Room

Eye Health Interactive Storytime @ North Branch Library
October 29 at 3:30pm-4:00pm
North Branch Library Meeting Room

Two aerial photographs, one from 1938 and the second from the present day, show how Redondo’s two power plants have rela...
09/24/2026

Two aerial photographs, one from 1938 and the second from the present day, show how Redondo’s two power plants have related to the Old Salt Lake.

The first was built in 1906 to power Henry Huntington’s vast electric railway empire, and provide the community itself with electricity. Although the Pacific Light and Power Corporation buildings polluted the lake, they did not infringe on its shores, let alone cover it completely.

The same cannot be said for the present-day plant, which replaced the first one in 1946. (1938 photo from the Library Collection. Present day view from Google Maps.)

The entire family is welcome to join the Redondo Beach Public Library tomorrow, September 22nd, 2026, from 4:00pm to 5:0...
09/21/2026

The entire family is welcome to join the Redondo Beach Public Library tomorrow, September 22nd, 2026, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at the Main Library for a Tea and Color program.

Children, teens, and adults can celebrate Autumn and Library Card Sign-up month while coloring and sipping tea!

Everyone is welcome. Coloring pages and other supplies provided.

Join us for the Poe-Etic License annual performance with Dr. Bradley Bobbs is on Saturday, September 26 from 2:00pm-3:00...
09/19/2026

Join us for the Poe-Etic License annual performance with Dr. Bradley Bobbs is on Saturday, September 26 from 2:00pm-3:00pm at the Redondo Beach Main Library. Hear some classic Poe poems performed by Bradley Bobbs, complete with music and dance.

Artificial Intelligence Literacy Workshop for adults on Saturday, September 26 at 10am at the Redondo Beach Main Library...
09/19/2026

Artificial Intelligence Literacy Workshop for adults on Saturday, September 26 at 10am at the Redondo Beach Main Library. Learn about AI and preventing scams and fraud. The workshop introduces the basics and how you can navigate online safely. You will learn how to recognize AI related scams, deepfakes and other potential red flags.

09/18/2026

is still going strong! With a card from the Redondo Beach Public Library, access online resources to learn a new language, receive homework help, borrow physical and digital content, enjoy programs for all ages, and much more! Today’s libraries connect communities to information, inspiration, and each other. Get your library card today and celebrate all month long! 
 
For more information about how to apply for a library card, please visit the Redondo Beach Main Library located at: 
 
303 N. Pacific Coast Highway
90277 Redondo Beach, California
 
Or the Redondo Beach North Branch Library located at:
 
2000 Artesia Boulevard
90278 Redondo Beach, CA

Or call:

(310) 318-0675

Or click the link to the Redondo Beach Public Library website in our bio.
 

Last week an online Bay Area magazine, SFGATE, published a laudatory article on George Freeth, praising the man for his ...
09/17/2026

Last week an online Bay Area magazine, SFGATE, published a laudatory article on George Freeth, praising the man for his many aquatic accomplishments and emphasizing his relationship to Redondo Beach. Although the text was well written, accurate and informative, some of the pictures the magazine chose to illustrate the article were not quite up to the mark. For example, a black and white photo of three surf riders sharing a wave, credited to “Getty Images,” announces “George Freeth and two other surfers.” The magazine does not bother to indicate which one of the surfers is supposed to be Freeth, none look like him, and it could be none of the three are. It would have been so much easier to use one of the excellent public domain photos, credited to the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Trust Fund. This one was taken in Redondo Beach. (Freeth is at the Dory’s bow, leaning into it.)

Address

303 N. Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, CA
90277

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 7pm
Tuesday 11am - 7pm
Wednesday 11am - 7pm
Thursday 11am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13103180675

Website

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