Construction of the Ningbo Library and Information Center began in early 2002.

After a state-wide search in April 2002, the Department of Education of Ningbo appointed Yan Wulin the first chief.

Construction was completed in September 2003, with the grand opening on 28 December 2003.

[1] In 2004, the library won the Lu Ban Prize (the best state engineering).

The library makes use of natural daylight in interior spaces, as well as natural ventilation and it occupies an area of 29,270 square metres (315,100 sq ft).