It is an example of Classical Revival architecture, built in 1909 with funding support from Andrew Carnegie, and was the city's first branch library.

The main facade, facing roughly southeast, is three bays wide, with a center projection housing the entrance, which is set in a round-arch opening flanked by fluted Ionic columns and broad square pilasters.

The building's corners are quoined, and it is capped by a shallow-pitch hip roof with a modillioned cornice.

[3] The building was designed by McLean & Wright of Boston, and was built in 1906–09 with funding from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and the city.

It is the city's best example of Classical Revival architecture,[3] also exhibiting Beaux Arts details that were then in fashion.