Organized in 1928 as a School district library under the vision of W.G. Scarberry, Superintendent of the Wellston school system, and John E. Sylvester, publisher and editor of the Wellston Telegram.

In 1936 the library was moved from the high school to the City Building, formerly the Morgan Mansion.

In late 1965 the idea of a specific library building was conceived with a very desirable site obtained, the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Second Street, which was the former Dr. John E. Sylvester residence.

The dedication for the new Sylvester Memorial Wellston Public Library was held on Sunday, October 27, 1968.

In 1986 an addition to the existing building was added consisting of a community room, storage area, and an Adult Basic Education and Literacy classroom.

In 1999, the library was renovated to add public internet stations and space for videos. Updated furniture and carpet with more shelving was also included. With a decrease in A.B.L.E. students, the A.B.L.E. classroom space was converted into a genealogy and local history room, named the Elizabeth Hipple Smith Genealogy Room. Smith was a former Wellston school teacher and provided a generous donation from her estate.

A 2007 renovation added a "children's area" in the former community room and increased shelving for audio-visual materials. With centrally located computers and updated collections, patrons will find the library has a more efficient and user friendly atmosphere.

The library celebrated 40 years in the current building in October 2008.