[4] When the residents of Bradenton first approached the Carnegie foundation seeking a grant around 1906, they were turned down.

It was only after repeated negotiations with the foundation that Bradenton was eventually awarded a $10,000 grant for the creation of the library.

It would continue to be used by the Society until 1979, when the group relocated to the newly opened Central Library.

[10] The site contains more than 100,000 official records, which includes governmental records, marriage licenses, maps, yearbooks, voter registration books, and military discharge books among many other items, that date back to 1856.

[12] Its staff provide assistance to researchers and those seeking to learn about the county's history.