When the area's first established public library started to outgrow its structure around 1900, plans were drafted to create a more permanent building for the
library. However, as the town began to expand in population, the region focused on building
churches,
businesses, and a
hospital. The idea of a larger building for the library was delayed until the Library’s Board of Trustees could raise enough funds and gather support among the town's residents. Through funds collected from the public, the Trustees purchased a
property lot on Maple Ave. Their idea of the perfect building would have large windows to let in the natural light from the sun and hired
George B. Post to accomplish this dream. On April 14, 1902, the Library on Maple Ave opened its doors to the public. Just like knowledge grows, the Maple Ave location had to expand in 1924 in order to hold the growing number of books it housed. About four years later, the Library had to seek another building and was moved to the corner of Bridge and High Streets. While the Board of Trustees knew this was a temporary residence, it stayed in the Schwed building until 1958. Many plans were drawn up to find a more permanent place for the Library but the funding stalled many opportunities. It was not until 1956 when the Borough Council purchased the
Elks Club building, located on West End Avenue, that the library found its permanent home. After much debate over the planned building, the Board of Trustees approved the new home in 1958. The Elks Club building is located at the end of Downtown Somerville and also houses the Borough Hall offices. More than fifty years later, the Library is still located in the Elks Club Building with no plans to move it. == Services and programs ==