It was constructed in 1904 with a gift of US$25,000 from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie for the purpose of constructing a public library.[3] The architectural firm of Heide and deNeuf designed the building using the Pomona, California Public Library and Boston Public Library as its models. The library opened on July 1, 1905, with a newly purchased stock of 4,000 volumes on its shelves.[4] It operated until 1935, when it was superseded by the new Everett Public Library at 2702 Hoyt Avenue which opened in October 1934.[5] The building became the Cassidy Funeral Home[6] from 1935 to 1980. Snohomish County took ownership in 1980, installing the offices of the County Executive.