The design is Classical Revival, with "a symmetrical front facade, simple brick corner pilasters, a water table and wall cornice, and a pedimented entrance enframed by Roman Ionic columns in antis".

The small collection of books was originally housed in part of a new two-story building on the northeast corner of 48th and Prescott streets owned by dentist Zaimon Nicola; the library opened on March 22, 1901, only to burn down the same day.

The new, steel-clad building was destroyed by fire in October 1903; a new library was built using the remaining six books and insurance proceeds.

[6] In part based on book donation events, the collection had more than doubled to some 6,000 volumes by 1928, with the library receiving some 17,000 visitors in a year.

[17] However, by late 1975, work had begun to convert the building to broadcasting use for KUCV, the radio station owned by the college.

[20][21] KUCV was acquired by the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission in June 1988 and moved into its facilities on 33rd Street in September.

Its size reflects standards issued by the Carnegie Corporation in 1911, while its limited grant funding may account for architect J. G. L. Cordner's restrained execution of the Neoclassical Revival architectural style.

Few modifications had been made to the exterior by 1984, when the structure was nominated for the National Register, primarily the installation of more energy-efficient windows; the interior had been altered to provide studios and offices for KUCV.