Originally built in 1903 to serve as the First Baptist Church, the building displays a mix of Richardsonian Romanesque and Victorian Gothic architectures, with pointed arch windows and quatrefoils, and all of its original stained glass.

It was bought by Captain W. C. Tyrrell, who donated the building to the city for use as its first public library.

Following construction of a new facility, this one was renamed as the "Tyrrell Historical Library," in honor of the philanthropist.

It is the center repository of extensive genealogical archives and the library maintains a hallmark Texana collection.

An addition was constructed in 2010, reflecting the main building's style without trying to recreate it.