Prior to the building's construction, the location of the Oak Park Library was a popular bookmobile stop in the 1950s. In order to meet a growing demand from library patrons in the community, the City purchased the land and built the current 5,200-square-foot building at a cost of $152,364. The library was dedicated in 1969. A few years later, the Oak Park Community Council was formed to advocate for the library and other community services. Thanks to a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Oak Park Library was able to purchase additional public computers and expand its technology services for the community.