Harrison Memorial Library

Harrison Memorial Library is a public library in Carmel-by-the-Sea housed in a Spanish Eclectic building with large windows and extensive book and digital collections. The interior includes a dedicated Local History Room where genealogical materials, regional documents, and archival resources are organized for research.

The library was established in 1928 when Ella Reid Harrison donated land and funds to create a memorial to her husband Ralph Chandler Harrison, a California Supreme Court Justice. This generous endowment made the building a lasting cultural institution for the Carmel community.

The Local History Room houses documents and genealogical records that show how Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula grew over time. Visitors can explore oral history interviews that bring the region's past to life through residents' own voices.

Digital resources including e-books and streaming services are available around the clock to anyone with a library card. Visitors should plan ahead to decide whether they prefer using physical collections on site or accessing materials online.

An interactive map in the building shows where notable Carmel residents lived throughout history, connecting visitors with the stories of artists and writers who called the town home. This visual link makes the town's artistic heritage tangible and personal.

Location: Monterey County

Part of: Carmel Public Library

Address: Harrison Memorial Library, Ocean Ave. & Lincoln Blvd., Carmel, CA 93921-0800, USA

Phone: +18316244629

GPS coordinates: 36.55679,-121.92246

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00