Main Street Branch Library — Attraction in Huntington Beach

Read to the end to see why I won't be coming here again.

I went to this location so I could work on my computer while enjoying some air conditioning. (We're having a "heat-wave" in Huntington Beach, and most houses by the beach don't have air conditioning).

The facility itself is small, but suitable. However, I did not see any desks with electrical outlets built in, like there are at the Central Library location. I had to find a desk that happened to be near a wall outlet.

I will not be going here again to work because of all the distractions.

I will try to be as sensitive as possible.

A homeless man who appeared to be schizophrenic sat behind me, plugged his phone into a wall outlet, and began flossing his teeth. He spit the food particles on the carpet. He then began talking (to no one) about hurting people. I was about to grab my things and go, but he left his bags and went somewhere else for a while. When he returned, he took his bags and left.

A few minutes later, a young man who appeared to be homeless, schizophrenic, and high on some substance, sat in a chair 10 feet from me and just stared at me while talking to himself. He then doubled over, like he was about to be sick. Again, I considered grabbing my things and going, but he left his bags, and went to the bathroom for quite a while. When he returned, he took his bags and left.

Moments later, a man I saw earlier with a bedroll in the bushes outside the library approached the front desk, talking loudly to the librarian, and saying that he thought he could be a librarian, and he really loved books.

When a woman approached me and asked if she could use the electrical outlet, I decided it was time to go. I went to the single restroom before leaving, and noticed a sign on the door: "No bathing, No clothes washing, No hair washing..." Obviously this wasn't the first day the library had been inundated with homeless people.

I feel for the staff here. They signed up to be librarians, and end up dealing with situations they likely didn't anticipate.

I feel sympathy for the homeless and the mentally ill. I know they need some place to go. I don't know the solution. I just know that this location is not a good one if you're looking for a place to concentrate...

Main Street Branch Library is a really cute little library with historical significance and amazing knowledgeable and friendly staff!

If you're into the history of Huntington Beach this is a great spot to check out! The library was opened in 1951 and has been inducted into the historic society. They have pictures around the building showing local history, which was quite an impressive collection.

🚗 Parking is available on all sides of the building

🚻 Restroom available

💧 Water Fountain

🗑 Trash bins

📖 Story Time every week

🌳 Seed Library

The book collection was a perfect variety for all ages! I noticed some major authors like James Patterson and The Nancy Drew collections to Diary of a Whimpy Kid and others that stood out. There was also a little bookstore to purchase some books from.

There was a computer lab, printer area, seed library, plenty of seating, and more. What especially caught my eye was the Saturday reading program for kids to read to a pup and the Lego club!

It's definitely a gem of a library, I highly recommend checking out if...

I can not believe I’ve lived in Huntington Beach for so long and never went into this adorable library! What a hidden gem ! The library has all of the Huntington Beach pictures from the past on the walls. It’s amazing. It’s bright gorgeous lighting, free Wi-Fi and cozy places to sit.

The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and run lots of great events. It’s a paradise for mothers to bring in their children for play and learning with other families.

Stop by on Main Street and enjoy this charming...