The Friends of the Library operate a used books store at Main Street, which is open the same hours as the library branch. Donations of books are accepted and most welcome during library hours. Those who need assistance bringing in their donations are encouraged to call the library ahead of their arrival. The branch will accept up to two boxes or two large bags of donations. For larger donations, please contact the Central Library.
On Sunday, September 30, 1951, the new library building at 525 Main Street was dedicated by Mayor Vernon Langenbeck. The library was built at a cost of $140,000. Members of the Library Board at the time of the dedication were Pearl M. Jones, president, Berta Tovatt, J. K. McDonald, Edith Vavra, and G. H. Hasson, and the first librarian was Lylyan Mossinger. This library served as the main library from 1951 up until April 1975 when the Central Library was finished. The architectural firm of McLellan, MacDonald and Marcwith designed the Main Street Branch as part of the Civic Center. The 4,500 sq ft building resides on a 9,034 square feet lot.
The Main St Branch was renovated in 2008 with the installation of new carpeting, tile flooring, and paint. Wireless Internet services (Wi-Fi) and an expanded computer lab were also added that year.
The Main Street Branch Library was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior on April 16, 2013.
In November of 2019, the branch celebrated the installation of thirty new historical photos. This beautiful collection features many aspects of Huntington Beach's past, including the first libraries, early prominent figures and leaders, various City celebrations and buildings, the City's three piers, and the surfing culture of Surf City.
