The original library, located at Harvard Avenue and Republican Street, opened in 1954 and was named the Susan J. Henry Branch at the request of its benefactor.

The original site of the library was formerly Emma Baillargeon Stimson's large home, whose purchase was partly funded by the sale of another Capitol Hill property donated in 1934 to the city by two sons of Horace Chapin Henry and Susan J. Henry.

[2] A new building designed by NBBJ opened as the Susan J. Henry Branch on August 26, 1954.

[12] The 21st-century building incorporates a green wall on a steel mesh trellis and other calming features visible from the unobstructed interior with large glass expanses and south light.

[10] The design team, led by Ray Johnston and James Cutler,[13] described the building as a reflection of the urban corridor of Broadway as well as the wooded residential areas of the neighborhood.