It was supported through private contributions and public charity until 1882 when its services were taken over by the city of Des Moines because of precarious finances.

The building was renamed in honor of Cresco, Iowa native Norman Borlaug, who founded the award which recognizes those who have made contributions in all fields involved in the world food supply.

It will serve as a museum to recognize great achievements in agriculture, a convocation center that will hold the World Food Prize International Symposium, a home for the Global Youth Institute, an educational facility that will feature interactive displays on hunger and food security and a conference center and community hall.

A mural was painted on the ground floor of the library by Des Moines artist, Harry Donald Jones.

The mural covers 1,091 square feet (101.4 m2) and portrays the development of Des Moines from pre-historic times to the 20th century.