The history of library service in Tomball, Texas goes back to the 1920's when a library station consisting of one glassed-in bookcase was established in the old Post Office building in the 100 block of Main Street. Harris County provided the books (all 200 of them) and the City of Tomball provided space and the volunteer librarian. While well received and heavily used, this particular library service came to an end with the Great Depression. Service of any kind was not resumed until after the Second World War when the County Bookmobile began making regular stops – every three weeks – under the old Sycamore tree near the railroad tracks on Main Street.

Tomball continued to grow and the need for a regular permanent library in town became increasingly evident. At the suggestion of the County Librarian, a Friends of the Library group was formed to help secure a library for Tomball. The Friends group set about raising money and space was rented at 1010 West Main for a "real" library for Tomball.