Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library Nonprofit music & arts library with exhibitions, concerts, artist talks, lectures, and art classes. It truly is a feast.

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, located in the heart of La Jolla, California, in San Diego County, is one of only 16 nonprofit membership libraries in the United States. This rare cultural institution, an important one to the greater San Diego area, offers a depth and accessibility of resources and programs found nowhere else in the region. The library, devoted exclusively to music and art, ha

s an outstanding and ever-expanding collection of books, periodicals, reference material, compact discs, videocassettes, DVDs, sheet music, and librettos, as well as one of the most significant collections of artists' books in Southern California. The library is open to the public five days a week; members can check out materials for a modest annual fee. The Athenaeum also presents an eclectic, year-round schedule of art exhibitions, concerts (classical, jazz, and new music), lectures, studio art classes through its School of the Arts, tours and special events. We invite you to browse through these pages, learn more about us, and participate in our activities. To quote the San Diego Union-Tribune, "There are few libraries in America as unusual as the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library."

06/08/2026

We’re still dreaming about 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯: 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴! ✨💎🎷

Because of your incredible support, we raised over $120,000 to support the Athenaeum’s exhibitions, concerts, lectures, School of the Arts, community programs, and beloved library collections.

Mark your calendars for next year’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯 on Saturday, April 17, 2027!

Hosted By:
Catering:
Bar:

🎵:
📸 Photos 1–76 by , with second shot by

Join us Saturday, June 13 at 5 PM at the Athenaeum Art Center for an artist talk with the recipients of the 21st Annual ...
06/06/2026

Join us Saturday, June 13 at 5 PM at the Athenaeum Art Center for an artist talk with the recipients of the 21st Annual SDSU Art Council Scholarship Exhibition. Hear directly from the artists as they discuss their work, creative practices, and the ideas behind the exhibition.

This event takes place during Barrio Art Crawl, so be sure to explore the many galleries, studios, and creative spaces open throughout the neighborhood while you’re here. We hope you’ll join us in supporting these talented emerging artists!

Featured artists:
Todd Bradley ()
Tina Mardan ()
Andrea Mendoza ()
Ana Saad ()
Isa Ybarra (.ybarra)

👥: Artist Talks: Saturday, June 13 at 5 PM 
🖼️ Exhibition on view through July 3, 2026; free admission
Hours: Tues–Sat, 11 AM–4 PM & every second Saturday, 5–8 PM ()
📍 Athenaeum Art Center, 1955 Julian Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113

Creativity was in full swing at this week’s Crafty Kids Art Camp with instructor Erica Hurley! 🎨Our young artists explor...
06/05/2026

Creativity was in full swing at this week’s Crafty Kids Art Camp with instructor Erica Hurley! 🎨

Our young artists explored new materials, made colorful creations, and had a great time bringing their imaginations to life. 🌟

There are still more young summer art classes coming up at the Athenaeum School of the Arts. Join us for fun, age-appropriate art projects designed to inspire creativity all summer long.

For information and registration, see link in bio, visit ljathenaeum.org/art-classes, or call 858-454-5872. 

📍Athenaeum School of the Arts, La Jolla Studio, 1008 Wall Street

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯: 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 was truly a night to remember! Thank you to everyone who helped make thi...
06/04/2026

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯: 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 was truly a night to remember! Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s celebration so special. ✨💎🎷

From sparkling cocktails, delicious food, and vintage glamour to swinging big band tunes and dancing late into the evening, the Athenaeum came alive in the most joyful way.

Because of your incredible support, we raised over $120,000 to support the Athenaeum’s exhibitions, concerts, lectures, School of the Arts, community programs, and beloved library collections.

Mark your calendars for next year’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯 on Saturday, April 17, 2027! 

Hosted By:
Band:
Rentals:
Catering:
Bar:
Photo Booth:

Special thanks to our committee, underwriters, and sponsors. 
 
     
 
📸: Photographer: , second shot by 

Athenaeum Jazz Returns for Our Summer Series!We’re thrilled to announce the Farrell Family Athenaeum Jazz Summer Series,...
06/02/2026

Athenaeum Jazz Returns for Our Summer Series!

We’re thrilled to announce the Farrell Family Athenaeum Jazz Summer Series, featuring three unforgettable concerts in the intimate Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room.

First up:

🗓️ Rodriguez Brothers Quintet—Miles 100: A Celebration in Afro-Cuban Jazz: Sunday, June 14, 7:30 PM

Making their local debut, the Grammy Award–nominated Rodriguez Brothers Quintet honors the 100th birthday of Miles Davis with an electrifying tribute that reimagines his iconic music through the lens of Afro-Cuban jazz. Featuring Michael Rodriguez (), trumpet; Robert Rodriguez (), piano; Carlitos Del Puerto (), bass; Jimmy MacBride (.macbride), drums; and Luis Conte (), percussion, the ensemble blends Havana’s rhythmic energy with the spirit of innovation that defined Davis’s legendary career.

The summer series continues with:
🗓️ Sunday, June 21, 7:30 PM: Emilio Solla (), piano, and Antonio Lizana (), vocals and saxophone
🗓️ Friday, August 21, 7:30 PM: Sean Jones (), trumpet; Billy Childs (), piano; and Ben Williams (), bass

🎟️ Tickets & full details at link in bio, ljathenaeum.org/jazz, and 858-454-5872.

📍 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

Open Print Studio at the Athenaeum Art Center ✨Open Print Studio invites artists to work independently in our print stud...
05/30/2026

Open Print Studio at the Athenaeum Art Center ✨

Open Print Studio invites artists to work independently in our print studio space. Plan ahead for June—our upcoming sessions are perfect for getting creative in our fully equipped print studio.

Some printmaking familiarity is helpful as Open Print Studio is self-guided, and limited technical support is available for refreshers or help finding supplies. Our facility supports intaglio, screen print, relief, and letterpress. Printmaking classes are also offered throughout the year.

📍 Open Print Studio (Free and open to all)

– Friday, June 5, 1–6 PM
– Friday, June 12, 1–6 PM
– Friday, June 26, 1–6 PM
– No Open Print Studio on June 19—Juneteenth

📍 Members’ Open Print Studio (For Athenaeum members)

– Saturday, June 6, 11 AM–6 PM
– No Members’ Open Print Studio on June 13—Athenaeum School of the Arts art class
– Saturday, June 20, 11 AM–6 PM
– Saturday, June 27, 11 AM–6 PM

Check the link in bio for more details on Open Print Studio, printmaking classes, and Athenaeum memberships.

Celebrate stories, songs, learning, and play on Wednesday at Creative Storytime with Ms. Katia! 📚✨Designed for young fam...
05/29/2026

Celebrate stories, songs, learning, and play on Wednesday at Creative Storytime with Ms. Katia! 📚✨

Designed for young families, this free, interactive storytime invites children to experience the magic of storytelling through music, movement, and imagination with . Each session features engaging stories and songs that spark curiosity and creativity while building an early love of music, art, and literature.

📖 Wednesday, June 3 (First Wednesday of every month)
⏰ 10:30 AM
👧 Ages 2–5
🎟 Free admission, no RSVP needed
📍 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

📌 Weekly Children’s Storytime with library staff continues every Wednesday at 3 PM!

05/28/2026

Mini-Concert Highlights from May! 🎶

This month, our free Mini-Concert Series continued to bring incredible music to the Athenaeum, featuring…

(1) Peter Sprague Trio: Peter Sprague (), guitar; Danny Green (), piano; Mack Leighton (), bass
(2) Duo Nova (): Yewon Lee (), piano & Hyun-Jeong Ahn (), piano
(3) Folias Duo (): Carmen Maret (.flute), flute & Andrew Bergeron (.guitar), guitar

(Performers listed in order of concert appearance)

Next up in June:

Mon, June 1: Aviara Trio (): Ines Irawati (), piano; Robert Schumitzky, violin; Erin Breene (), cello
Mon, June 8: John Blacklow, piano & Jonathan Karoly (), cello
Mon, June 15: No mini-concert (Annual Patron Members Celebration)
Mon, June 22: Yana Yan (), flute
Mon, June 29: Nathan & Jessie (), jazz guitar folk duo

🎟️ Free & open to the public! Arrive early—seating is limited.
🚪 Doors open 11:40 AM | Last entry 12:10 PM
🔗 For more info, visit link in bio, ljathenaeum.org/concerts, or call 858-454-5872
📍Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

Class Highlight ✂️🎨 CREATIVE MIXER: CUT > PASTE — 2-Day Workshop with Graham Moore🗓 May 30 & 31 | ⏰ 10 AM–3 PM📍 Athenaeu...
05/28/2026

Class Highlight ✂️🎨 CREATIVE MIXER: CUT > PASTE — 2-Day Workshop with Graham Moore
🗓 May 30 & 31 | ⏰ 10 AM–3 PM
📍 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St, La Jolla, CA

Explore Pleinair Collage and Notan / Shape Expansion in this hands-on mixed media workshop using magazines, paint, stamps, oil pastels, found imagery, and more to create layered original works.

Day 1 focuses on collage inspired by the architecture and landscape around the Athenaeum Library, while Day 2 explores the Japanese design concept of Notan through shape, contrast, texture, and composition.

Painting, cutting, tearing, gluing, stamping, creating — this workshop is all about experimentation and artistic play.

Register online at ljathenaeum.org/class/spring-17b or call 858-454-5872 to register by phone.

05/28/2026

Sound check for tonight’s sold-out Athenaeum Jazz concert!

🎵 Peter Erskine on drums, Alan Pasqua on piano, and Scott Colley on bass.




Check the link in bio to see upcoming performances 💫

Address

1008 Wall Street
San Diego, CA
92037

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 8:30pm
Thursday 10am - 5:30pm
Friday 10am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+18584545872

Website

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