Carnegie officially opened the library on 7 June 1906 in person; he received the ceremonial freedom of burgh of Coatbridge in return.

It is a large, two-storey building of pink Corsehill sandstone, in the Beaux-Arts style.

[4] Built on a steep hill on Academy Street, it has an imposing looming presence.

The rear of the building can be seen on the Coatbridge skyline when approached from the west via the A89 road.

Grant funded assistance came from Historic Environment Scotland, after the library was identified by the Coatbridge Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme as a funding priority.