Photo: Johnson Favaro
Photo: Johnson Favaro
Photo: Haemin Ryu
Manhattan Beach Library
★4.7(124 reviews)FreeLibrary
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 0-12. Babies and toddlers thrive during story time sessions, preschoolers enjoy the interactive children's section and craft programs, while elementary-aged kids appreciate the excellent book selection and STEM-focused activities.🧡 Saved by 8 families
About
Manhattan Beach Library is a beautifully designed modern library that goes far beyond books, offering an exceptional children's section with interactive programs that make learning fun. With its highly-rated story times, engaging educational activities, and welcoming community atmosphere, it's become a beloved gathering spot for young families in the South Bay area.
Highlights
- ✓Award-winning children's section with age-appropriate books and interactive displays
- ✓Regular story time sessions featuring songs, movement, and age-specific themes
- ✓Educational programs including STEAM activities, craft sessions, and summer reading challenges
- ✓Comfortable seating areas designed specifically for parent-child reading time
- ✓Community events that connect local families and build friendships
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive 10-15 minutes early for popular story time sessions as they can fill up quickly, especially on weekday mornings
- 2.Check the library's online calendar before visiting to catch special events like author visits, puppet shows, and seasonal craft programs
- 3.Street parking on Highland Avenue is usually easier to find than the small lot, especially during peak afternoon hours
- 4.Sign up for a library card on your first visit to access the digital collection, including e-books and educational apps kids can use at home
- 5.The children's section features cozy reading nooks perfect for settling in with little ones,bring a favorite stuffed animal for extra comfort
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and noon are ideal, especially on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays when story times are typically scheduled and the library is less crowded. Weekend afternoons can get busy with families, though Saturday mornings right at opening offer a quieter experience.
What to Know
The library is completely free to visit and offers free parking (though limited). The facility is fully accessible and stroller-friendly with clean restrooms and nursing-friendly spaces for families with infants.
Seasonal Notes
Summer reading programs (June-August) are especially popular with prizes and themed activities. The library hosts special holiday story times around major holidays. Hours may be reduced during major holidays, so check the website before holiday week visits.
Real Experiences
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Nearby Eats
Manhattan Beach Post (5-minute walk) offers a casual family-friendly atmosphere with a kids menu and healthy options. Uncle Bill's Pancake House is perfect for a post-library breakfast or lunch with classic kid favorites and high chairs available.
More Activities Near Manhattan Beach
Adventure
The Strand
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The Strand is Manhattan Beach's iconic oceanfront path that stretches for miles, offering families a traffic-free zone perfect for biking, scootering, and strolling while soaking in stunning Pacific Ocean views. Kids love the freedom to explore on wheels while parents appreciate the safe, paved pathway that connects multiple beach access points, parks, and playgrounds along the way.
Activity
Manhattan Beach Pier
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Manhattan Beach Pier offers families a quintessential Southern California experience with nearly 1,000 feet of scenic oceanfront walking, an educational oceanarium, and endless opportunities for spotting dolphins, surfers, and local fishermen in action. Kids love watching the waves crash beneath their feet, exploring the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium at the pier's end, and playing on the sandy beaches that stretch out on either side.
Park
Polliwog Park
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Polliwog Park is Manhattan Beach's crown jewel for families, offering an impressive combination of modern playground equipment, a refreshing splash pad, and wide-open grassy spaces perfect for picnics and play. With highly-rated summer concert series and exceptionally well-maintained facilities, it's consistently ranked as one of the South Bay's best family destinations.
Park
Sand Dune Park
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Sand Dune Park is a one-of-a-kind adventure spot where kids can experience the thrill of climbing steep, natural sand dunes right in Manhattan Beach. This hillside park offers energetic children the perfect outlet for burning energy while enjoying stunning ocean views and exploring native California plants in a unique coastal ecosystem.