[4] Its nomination document describes it as "historically significant for its association with a group of prominent Idaho Falls women who in 1898 formed an organization to improve the quality and appearance of the town in which they lived.

They called themselves the Village Improvement Society and embarked on a crusade to beautify Idaho Falls.

In 1905, Andrew Carnegie pledged the sum of $10,000 for the city of Idaho Falls to commission a building for the public library.

The city, in conjunction with the Public Works Administration, began a remodeling project to modernize and enlarge the existing structure.

At a cost of $70,000, the structure was reinforced to withstand earthquakes and fire, the electrical and mechanical systems were updated, and the size was increased to 12,500 square feet.