Divoll believed that a library should work in tandem with the public education system and offer citizens an opportunity for self-improvement and culture.

Also in 1893, the citizens of St. Louis voted to move the administration of the library to an independent board, supported by a property tax.

In 1901, Andrew Carnegie made a large donation which was used for expansion, including the building which is currently the Central Library.

Branches include Baden, Barr, Buder, Cabanne, Carondelet, Carpenter, Charing Cross, Compton, Julia Davis, Divoll, Kingshighway, Machacek, Marketplace, Schlafly, and Walnut Park.

[3] The Central Library building at 13th and Olive was built in 1912 on a location formerly occupied by the St. Louis Exposition and Music Hall and was designed by Cass Gilbert.

The Olive Street front is disposed like a colossal arcade, with contrasting marble bas-relief panels.