The library began as a room at city hall and was later moved to the building on Cedar Street currently owned by the Demopolis Board of Education. By 1986, the library had outgrown its current space. A survey of other existing buildings was made. Seven possible sites were suggested, but the Ulmer Furniture Building was recommended. This building was located downtown, offered a flexible interior, would provide a two-story library, and had good parking areas available, as well as having been built to handle heavy materials. The library currently houses about 25,000 items including books, magazines, videos, DVDs, audio books on cassette and CD, genealogical materials, and a comprehensive local history collection. The materials are selected to encourage life-long learning and leisure reading for all ages.