Oswego Public Library: “Read, Learn and Grow”

We welcome all to our historic library –

a place to explore, connect, and discover

the joy of reading and the power of information.

Our library serves the City of Oswego and the towns of Oswego, Scriba, and Minetto for a total population of 31,960 residents.

Pen and ink drawing of the original library

History of the Oswego Public Library

Founded by Gerrit Smith in a July 17, 1853 letter, the library was built in the grand style of Norman castles during 1855 & 1856. The library first opened to the public on June 14, 1857. The Oswego Public Library underwent a six-million-dollar renovation from 2004 to 2008 while continuously serving all area residents. The Oswego Public Library is a national historic landmark and America’s oldest public library still in its original building.