[4][5] In the 1890s, in the context of continuing concerns about the structural integrity of the old town hall, the burgh commissioners decided to procure a new building.

[6] The site they selected for the proposed new building and surrounding park was occupied by a mansion known as The Manse which was the residence of the minister at Bo'ness Old Kirk.

[6] The Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, offered to pay for the cost of a public library in the building and his contribution was supplemented by a donation from the Common Good Fund.

[9] The new building was designed in the Renaissance style, built in ashlar stone at a cost of £12,000 and was officially opened by the Edinburgh City Librarian, Hew Morrison, on 14 September 1904.

[1] Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, visited the town hall during a royal tour of Scotland in July 1955.