In 1891 a $500 donation helped the community's efforts and led to the establishment of a free public library held in a small area in City Hall.

[5] In 1903 a grant from Andrew Carnegie was received in the amount of $10,000 for the construction of a public library.

[2] Dodge & Dolliver designed the building based on Mission Revival architecture even though James Bertram, Carnegie's personal secretary, objected to their choice.

The two organizations shared the same building for administrative operations but the Yolo County Library had a separate service establishment.

Weeks, with an entrance on Court Street with a sign that said "County Library" while the original entrance on First Street said "City Library".