Serving a population of about 33,000, the library collection contains 150,000 volumes and circulates 56,000 annually.

[3] The library began in 1883 as association library, supported by dues, endowments and donations and opened its current main building, designed by McKim, Mead, and White, in 1901.

Across its facade is engraved Stickler Memorial in honor of the son, who had died suddenly a year earlier, of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stickler, who donated the $100,000 cost of its construction.

[4] It was built during the "free library movement" at the turn of the 20th century.

[7] Dennis Kowal Architects, historic preservation and library design specialists, developed Preservation Plans to restore the building and update the library services resulting in a Historic Trust Grant.