Long Beach Public Library & the Miller Special Collections Room

Today I visited a very special place in the Long Beach Public Library. The Loraine and Earl Burns Miller Special Collections Room is an "elegant art reference center" located in the lower-level of the LBPL.

The collections room is open Tuesday-Saturday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and is headed by docent David Chavez.

The Miller Fine Arts Collection is open to the public and offers visitors show cases and bookshelves full of cultural artifacts and fine arts volumes. The majority of the selections are Asian based, but resources from all corners of the world are also available. This special section of the Long Beach Public Library Branch is not a single room but four. The first room to the right includes collections of rare books from the 15th and 17th centuries, as well as a hand-written bible from the early 19th century.

The longest room includes Chinese, and Japanese artifacts that date back to the 18th century. The show cases display an array of lovely hand-painted vases, dishes, trays, and jars. A lovely large couch and velvety arm chairs elegantly furnish the center of the room. Work-study tables offer a welcoming vibe for students, teachers, and visitors. The bookshelves include numerous books on Asia architecture, artists, paintings, languages, crafts, histories, religion, museums, gardening techniques, significant figures, and more. A small table with a glass top holds a beautiful Chinese scroll and incense burner.

The room at the far right has plenty of resources on Oriental, Japanese, Chinese, and Philippine arts and crafts as well as weaving, and ceramics. The room's main attraction is a Large Elephant book by John Audubon on America's birds.

The final room to the left near the entrance is docent David Chavez's personal office and resource library of other special and rare collections. You are free to ask Mr. Chavez questions about anything in the collection's room as well as handle books of interest.

Besides being a wonderful resource and reference room with rare texts, the Miller Room is also a peaceful room to work in, meditate, and learn.

"Modeled after the Miller home, the special Collections Room reflects an 18th century Palladian influence particularly evident in the design of the well-crafted walnut paneling. Walnut bookcases with doors of intricate bronze lattice work, lighted niches for the display of art objects and pegged oak floors contribute further to the warmth and elegance of the room. Queen Anne, Chippendale and Windsor furniture reproductions complement the decor. A striking brass chandelier and finely woven Persian carpet draw one's immediate attention upon entering the room. " (LBPL Information Center)

If you are looking for a calm and friendly environment where you can roam in peace, bring the family, or students, I recommend you to visit the Miller Special Collections Room at the Long Beach City Public Library. Entrance is free, and there is no charge for the first 30 minutes of parking...although, you may want to set aside at least and hour and a half to peruse the lovely room.

For more information call or write to:

Long Beach Public Library
101 Pacific Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90822
(562) 570-7500
[Edit by="rflores on Jul 28, 9:12:20 PM"][/Edit]