[1] Library provision in Seinäjoki first began in 1865,[3] initially as an adjunct to the local church.

[4] The first dedicated librarian wasn't appointed until 1960, when Seinäjoki was granted its city status.

[5] In addition to the central library, the operation comprises six smaller units in the vicinity, in previously separate towns and villages such as Nurmo and Ylistaro which have since been merged with Seinäjoki.

[8] Along with other prominent Aalto-designed buildings such as the City Hall and City Theatre, the Aalto library forms part of the city's Aalto Centre (Finnish: Aalto-keskus),[6] which has been recognised by the Finnish Heritage Agency as a nationally important built cultural environment (Valtakunnallisesti merkittävä rakennettu kulttuuriympäristö).

[1][8][9] Intended to complement, not imitate, the Aalto building, the Apila has a number of design features referencing the older building, including the use of white surfaces and wooden (pine) structures in the interior, as well as the copper-tiled exterior (the Aalto has a copper-clad roof).