The library was founded in 1921 in the living room of Mrs. Lorena Mahany's home [1] : 64 at 506 West Arrington in downtown Farmington, New Mexico.

In 1938 the library was moved to a new building constructed as a Works Progress Administration project [1]: 65  located on the small city park at the corner of East La Plata and Orchard.

In 1984 the library was moved into the former First National Bank building located at 100 West Broadway in downtown Farmington.

[2]: 7  The new library building, completed in 2003, was already at capacity in collection space, public computer utilization and meeting room access by 2007.

[2]: E  The City of Farmington commissioned a master plan study from Hidell Associates in 2006 and is considering its options.