An 1860 library was short lived, as was another in 1869. In 1901 the Emmanuel Church Library was formed, non-denominational and welcoming "the Atheist and the Buddhist if such there be." The city took responsibility for the library in 1911 and Carnegie support was requested in 1914. A grant of $15,000 was received in 1915. After a contentious debate, architect William Mooser of
San Francisco was selected to design the building.
The renowned teacher and philosopher/historian Josiah Royce was born at this site in 1855.
