The effort was led by teacher Helene Simelius, author Zacharias Topelius, and Bishop Frans Ludvig Schauman.

[2] In its first year of operation, the library held about 400 to 500 books (primarily in Swedish) and circulated about 1,700 loans.

Borrowing books was free, which allowed the library to enjoy many patrons, but at the same time it caused financial problems.

The library had to move from one rented location to another every couple of years, and the volunteer librarians also changed frequently.

At the time of the transfer to the city, the People's Library's annual circulation was about 15,000 loans and its collections included more than 2,000 books.

A plot of land was acquired on the corner of Rikhardinkatu and Korkeavuorenkatu in the Kaartinkaupunki district, and architect Theodor Höijer was contracted to design the building.

Most of these branches operated from rented locations, except for the Kallio Library, which received a Karl Hård af Segerstad-building in 1912.

After World War II, the establishment of the Grand Regional Association of Helsinki [fi] brought a great expansion to the City Library.