Officially opened in 1997, the Pacific Beach/Earl & Birdie Taylor Library was built thanks to a generous donation from the Taylor family, library supporters and early real estate developers in Pacific Beach. The 12,484-square-foot library is within walking distance from the beach and is located on a city block dedicated to the library facility and a passive park space. Architect Manuel Oncina designed the library building to be open and airy, resembling the form of a nautilus shell to incorporate the natural beauty of the ocean. Featuring a large meeting room, projection screen and grand piano, the library is a destination for community groups and performers. The Pacific Beach community has been home to a library since 1914, when the original library operated from inside the lobby of the Pacific Beach Women's Club on Hornblend Street.