Due to increasing public demand for a library, on December 15, 1925, the city commissioners voted to schedule a special election on a $250,000 bond issue.

The voters approved the bond and, along with a gift of $30,000 from Eli H. Bernheim of New York City, the new library building was constructed.

Noted Mobile architect George Bigelow Rogers designed the building in the Classical Revival style.

Free library cards are made available to all residents in the Alabama counties of Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Escambia and Conecuh.

Research materials on many subjects including business, laws and regulations, medicine, biographies, art and collectibles, colleges and careers, patents and trademarks, and travel are located at the Ben May Main Library.

[8] This department attempts to meet the needs and interests of children and young adults through the various library collections, services and programs.

Books, movie DVDs and VHS, music CDs, audiobooks, back issues of magazines, and video games are available to be checked out.