In 1899, a neighborhood drug store offered space for what was known as a delivery station. This early form of library service existed until 1911 in the Hyde Park community.

The current building, 2747 Erie Ave., was built with funds provided by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation in 1912. Hyde Park was one of nine libraries originally funded by Carnegie in Hamilton County, seven of which continue to serve as libraries today. In 1970, the branch underwent an extensive renovation. While many of the structure's original architectural features were lost at that time, new features were added, such as a fish pond and a hand-painted mural titled “A Children’s Party in a Forest” by Michael Scott.

In 2023, the Erie Ave. location closed for its first renovation since the 1970 project. A temporary location in Hyde Park Plaza is serving the neighborhood during this time. In April 2024, the Erie Ave. location is planned to reopen with a reimagined space created with sensitivity to the neighborhood, its people, and its history. The improved elevator, restored original windows, aquatic feature, restored mural, a level parking area, and new front entrance have all made this space even more accessible and welcoming to all. Find out more about this project, is guided by CHPL’s Facility Master Plan, which outlines improvements to your 41 library locations with input from more than 3,000 community members.  

View historic photos of this branch library on the CHPL Digital Library.