[1] The library was constructed in 1915 to serve the City of Tomah and the surrounding area.

In 1911 Ernest Buckley, who was a successful geologist, left the city of Tomah $12,000 to be used for a park or library.

The city leaders set aside $7,000 for a library and requested a grant of $10,000 from the Carnegie Foundation.

In 1915 they received the grant and secured the services of Claude and Starck.

Unlike the typical Sullivanesque ornament, which is made of glazed terra cotta, the Tomah library's frieze is made of staff, a mixture of gypsum and fiber.