Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

I was exploring La Jolla as a tourist. I like art and music, but have very little interest in books. So a library probably isn't the best place for me to visit. But, I didn't know what to expect here with so many different comments on Yelp about private functions, concerts, historic house, music library, CD's on loan, and art. It might be all of those things, but just wandering off the streets, it was mainly a place to view art in a classy old building.

It only took 15 minutes to see the entire place, but it was free and conveniently located in the busy part of La Jolla. As an added bonus, a skilled violinist was practicing in the rotunda during our visit.

Great building, beautiful space, fantastic books, compelling artwork, fun events with high-energy music and dancing... All good things.

This gracious Spanish Renaissance-style building was dedicated and opened to the public in 1921, and is noted for its striking rotunda.

The Athenaeum has taken on an increasingly active role in the cultural life of San Diego. The library has added a large number of year-round events and programs, including art exhibitions.

The exhibit I experienced was an art class that artisans received leaves of old, most likely worn out books and drew on them. Often the artist would correlate his vision with the written word on the page.

In the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room, I experienced volumes of Johann Sebastian Bach's thematic-systematic catalogue of musical works. The publications are very cool.

All of the walls, floors and furniture have been restored to their full beauty and elegance.