The library opened in 1935 upon completion of the building, designed by Nathan C. Wyeth in the Colonial Revival style.

It holds the only collection of materials relating to Georgetown's history in the public library system.

[3] A site was selected atop a hill on the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and R Street, the location of the former reservoir.

[2] In 2007, a large fire broke out at the library, severely damaging much of the building and causing the roof to collapse.

The fire irreparably damaged some of the library's holdings and artwork, including the historic Peabody collection.